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The Cabot Chronicle

July 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 July 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

Vermont’s Major Role in America’s Independence

By Senator Bill Doyle When we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we should remember the contributions made by Vermonters in the fight for independence. In his “History of Vermont,” Walter Crockett made reference to Ethan Allen and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Crockett wrote, “The first surrender of a British fortress in the long struggle for American Independence was made to Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys, and in the history of the military affairs of the United States the capture of Ticonderoga hedged the list as the first important aggressive movement in the Revolutionary War.” Charles Jellison, in “Ethan Allen: Frontier Rebel,” wrote that Ticonderoga, “Must be considered a major military victory, for it drastically altered the power potential in the northern colonies and may very well have meant the difference between success and failure for the Revolutionary cause.” In the winter of 1775-76, George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, found himself short of military equipment needed to drive the British out of Boston. Henry Knox, colonel of the artillery, suggested to Washington that captured military supplies from Crown Point and Ticonderoga could be transported to Boston. Washington, in a letter to Knox, wrote the following: “You're to immediately examine into the state of the artillery of this army, and take an account of the cannon, mortars, shells, lead and ammunition that are wanting. The want to them is so great that no trouble or expense must be spared to obtain.” In December of 1775, Knox removed heavy military equipment from Ticonderoga. He floated the supplies on Lake George, and then transported the equipment by land with 42 sleds and 81 yoke of oxen. When these supplies reached Boston in March 1776, the British decided to evacuate and Washington’s military strategy prevailed. The following excerpt was printed in Earle Newton’s “The Vermont Story”: “Fort Ticonderoga's immortal guns go to General George Washington ... in the winter of 1776 ... over hundreds of miles of roadless, trackless, snow-clad mountains and valleys, through thick forest, over icecovered lakes and rivers … on sledges pulled by oxen … in the charge of General Knox and his artillery men in their red-trim regimentals, who deliver the guns at Dorchester Heights. There, roaring down at the enemy, they drive him out of Boston Town.” The next year, in 1777, Vermonters fought with valor at the Battle of Bennington. Edward Conant said that the battle led to the British surrender of Saratoga, often referred to as one of the decisive battles in the history of the world. Washington was impressed by the fighting qualities of Vermonters, and was of great assistance to our joining the Union. On January 15, 1777, Vermont declared its independence from Great Britain and New York. Vermont's Declaration, influenced by the American Declaration, stated that “we will, at all times, consider ourselves as a free and independent state and the people have an inherent right of ruling.” The Vermont Declaration went on to support the War of Independence. While Vermont fought to win American independence, she was not admitted into the Union until 1791, 14 years later, to become the 14th state. The American Declaration of Independence proved a great example for Vermont to follow. When we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we should remember the role of Vermonters in a revolution that changed the course of history.

Senator Bill Doyle is the Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Vice Chair of the Senate Government Operations Committee and Senate Minority Leader. He teaches government history at Johnson State College.

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Anson Tebbetts Returns To A TV Near You

By Anne Nadel CABOT You can take the journalist off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the journalist. In the case of Anson Tebbetts, you can’t really even take the journalist off the farm, since he has lived on the same land most of his life. And after two and a half years as Vermont’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, he is back to his old tricks, as he recently resumed his journalistic career. Tebbetts, familiar to most people in Cabot, is also a familiar face to many others in the region, as he spent years as a field reporter for WCAX television, the station based in Burlington but with an active Montpelier bureau. Late in May, he rejoined the station’s news team, but this time in a very different role. Now, instead of being a reporter, he is the News Director. Or perhaps, since he hails from Cabot, his job title should be The Big Cheese. In his backyard, a place that seems like the top of the world, with son Alden perched on his knee and the family’s two Scottish Highland cows, Fuzzy and Wuzzy, grazing just feet away, Tebbetts spoke about his life so far. Born in 1965, he grew up on the family dairy farm which sits on a plain high over the villages of Cabot and Marshfield. To this day, he still lives on part of that farm, as his home is built on a piece of it. His mother lives next door, as does his brother and that brother’s family. Tebbetts’ father died several years ago. Tebbetts graduated from Cabot High School and attended Emerson College, where he majored in broadcast journalism. When asked how he came to this choice, Tebbetts credits the radio with planting the seeds of his career. “I think it was all those hours of milking, listening to the barn radio… AM talk shows, Red Sox baseball, WDEV,” Tebbetts said. His first broadcast job was with the aforementioned WDEV, the Waterbury station that has been broadcasting at the AM frequency 550 for more than 75 years. From 1987 to 1989, he was the station’s News Director. After more than six years there, in 1994, Tebbetts went to work at WCAX’s Rutland bureau and began working as an on-camera reporter. This period was the only time in his adult life Tebbetts has lived away from Cabot. During his tenure in Rutland, he lived in a rented apartment Monday through Friday, then came home to his parents’ house on weekends, as he leased his own to tenants. When he transferred to the Montpelier bureau, he took up residence in the house he had built prior to getting the job in Rutland. Obviously, Tebbetts’ upbringing made him highly qualified to serve the people of the state at the Department of Agriculture. The recent debate about ways to cut the state budget to reduce costs was rumored to likely result in the elimination of some jobs, and perhaps Tebbetts’ decision to return to journalism, but he credits his choice with the fact that the job opportunity at WCAX “was just too good to pass up…a wonderful position with a local company.” The retirement of long-time WCAX News Director Marselis Parsons is what led to the job opening. Tebbetts is now the third News Director the station has had in more than 50 years. In this capacity, Tebbetts oversees the reporting staff, photographers, news, sports and weather content. He likened the job to that of a newspaper editor. Not only will Anson Tebbetts be WCAX news’ Big Cheese, he will also get to return to field reporting once in a while, a job he plainly loves. He spoke about some of the most colorful stories he encountered during his years in front of the camera. “There was this one gentleman I interviewed who had just gotten his 50th deer while sitting in his bathroom, shooting out the window. He was 90-years-old!” Tebbetts laughed recalling the story, then went on. “There was also Charlie the Bassett hound who walked a long way to work each day, and then walked

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

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State Budget Proved Daunting Work for Legislators

By Representative Kitty Toll

On June 2, the Legislature was called back into session to consider the Governor’s veto of the state budget. The Senate voted 23 to 5 and the House voted 100 to 50 to override the veto. One major difference between the Legislature’s budget and the Administration’s budget was the permanent shift of Teachers’ Retirement from the General Fund to the Education Fund as proposed by the Governor. By 2011, this shift could have possibly moved $100 million to the Education Fund which is funded through the property tax. Both budgets addressed education. The Legislature’s budget maintains the same homestead tax rate ($0.86) and base per-pupil grant ($8544) that local school boards used when preparing the 2010 local school budgets for consideration at town meetings; it also freezes the base per-pupil payment to towns at $8544 for FY (fiscal year) 2011, giving school boards advance notice of the level rates in order to craft responsible budgets for 2011, and invests $77.2 million in federal stimulus funds over 2 years in the Education Fund by applying the funds in 2 equal payments of $38.6 million in both FY2010 and FY2011. In addition to the transfer of the Teacher’s Retirement from the General Fund to the Education Fund, the Governor’s budget also proposed a homestead tax rate of $0.85 and maintained the base per-pupil grant to towns at $8544 in FY 2010; increased the base per-pupil grant to towns to $8640 in FY 2011 and placed a hard cap on per pupil school spending in fiscal year 2011, and invested $77.6 million in federal stimulus funds over 2 years in the Education Fund by applying $43.8 million in FY 2010 and $33.4 million in FY2011. Currently, Vermont households with a total income up to $90,000 pay their property taxes based on a percentage of income. These households are referred to as income sensitized. The Legislature’s budget maintains the current level at $90,000. The Governor’s proposal was to reduce the income sensitivity eligibility level to $75,000 which would have resulted in an average of $600 property tax increase for approximately 13,000 Vermont households making between $75,000 and $90,000. Many business owners near the Connecticut River found an increase in cigarette taxes and a sales tax on liquor particularly difficult, as proposed by both the Governor and the Legislature. These business owners fear the increase will send consumer traffic over the bridge to New Hampshire. On June 3, the Legislature passed a “companion bill” to the budget by a vote of 124 to 12 which addressed many of the issues Governor Douglas identified as concerns with the budget he vetoed (See State Budget, Page 3)

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Rebuilding Old Walls

By Anne Nadel CABOT Drivers would have to be driving in another town to miss the activity taking place on the corner of Whittier/Thistle Hill and Main Street, as the old stone wall is being carefully reconstructed. Stonemason Richard Ducharme has been working carefully to rebuild the old stone retaining wall between the corner and the nearest driveway. According to Cabot’s Road Commissioner, Larry Gochey, it was more than time to get this work done. “That wall has been there as long as I can remember”, he said in a phone interview, adding, “and that’s more than 60 years, now.” The road department put out a call for bids, and Ducharme’s service was selected. Gochey said the original wall was bulging out at its bottom, and the concern was that when it finally collapsed it would create havoc. “It was definitely tipping out. I was afraid it would land on someone,” when it collapsed, he said. He added if that happened it would create a legal problem for the town and the expedient thing to do was replace the wall. Ducharme said he expects the project to be complete in time for the town Independence Day celebration, which brings thousands of visitors to Cabot each year for the parade and festivities.

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Editor: Anne Nadel Circulation & Advertising: Will Walters Pagination: Todd Jones

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State Budget Joint Prom A Great Time for All

By Anne Nadel Somehow, the arrival of a front-endloader tractor hauling a hay wagon to a place known as The Haybarn should not have seemed a surprise, but it was. That is, it was a surprise when one takes into consideration the fact that The Haybarn is the Goddard College performance space that played host to the Cabot/Twinfield Prom on Saturday, May 30. A group of parents, teachers, and other well-wishers stood by The Haybarn’s entrance like red-carpet gawkers before the Academy Awards as Promgoers paraded to the building in their formal and not-so-formal wear as dusk approached. Cameras of every size and shape lit up the entryway with flashes. When the large tractor rolled into view pulling a full-sized hay wagon behind it, heads turned to watch its approach. The wagon, festooned with streamers and blue star-shaped balloons, carried students from both schools, as they sat on cloth-covered hay bales. The driver of the tractor was Marshfield Selectman Chris Martin, whose daughter Chelsea, a Twinfield junior, hatched the plan, according to her mother, Laurie. “We had about 45 (Prom attendees) at our house before this,” she said, adding, “from both Cabot and Twinfield, and about 35 of them are on that wagon. Some of their dates drove down, and some of their cars are still at our house.” Apparently, limousine drivers in these parts wear overalls and muck boots, as that was part of Chris Martin’s attire. He also wore a dress shirt, tie, and top hat. Martin matched the mood of this Prom, as some students opted for the traditional corsage and evening wear look, while others wore more informal dresses and men’s casual wear. Many teachers and administrators from both schools chaperoned the event, which wound down at midnight. According to Twinfield principal Owen Bradley, who collected tickets at the door of The Haybarn, approximately 250 students attended the event, which marks the countdown to the end of the school year, and graduation for both high schools. This writer observed hugs and overheard warm greetings between students from two different schools and three towns, who seemed genuinely happy to spend the evening together. The hay wagon limousine just reinforced that notion. While the two schools are athletic rivals, the annual rite of passage known as Prom proves just how deep the true spirit of neighborliness runs among the towns of Plainfield, Marshfield and Cabot. As the saying goes, “only in Vermont.”

Marshfield Selectman Chris Martin used a hay wagon as a limousine for a group of Cabot and Twinfield students. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel.

Photo Left: Prom-goers are dressed to the nines for the big night. Photo Right: It’s not easy being green. Apparently, tall frogs were welcome at Prom. Photos courtesy of Anne Nadel.

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From page 3

This bill postpones the capital gains change from January 1, 2009, to July 1, 2009. It also allows farmers and landowner timber sales to retain the current 40% exclusion for capital gains and taxpayers over 70 years of age may elect to either take the 40% exclusion for capital gains or a flat $2500 exemption between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Other highlights of the “companion bill” addressed unemployment insurance, research and development tax credits for businesses, funding for the Vermont Telecommunication Authority, changes in the state employee retirement incentive as recommended by the State Treasurer, and the Governor’s desire for a sales tax free holiday in 2009 & 2010, as well as other initiatives. Before addressing the 2010 budget challenges, over $100 million in cuts and adjustments in FY 2009 had been instituted. In the Legislature’s budget, there are an additional $59.3 million in cuts made to state programs and services. Spending of state dollars in FY 2010 is down about 5% from FY 2009 and down approximately $113 million from FY 2008. When legislators return to Montpelier in January, crafting the 2011 budget looks likely to be even more difficult than this year’s budget sessions were. Work is already underway by both the legislative leadership and the administration to cut even more expenses, streamline programs while still funding essential services to Vermonters. Please contact me for more specific information about the budget and companion bill. It was an honor to serve as your Representative in the Vermont State Legislature this past year. I look forward to continuing to represent our area in January as we tackle another year of challenges. It was exciting to see so many people at Cabot Creamery’s 90th anniversary celebration. We all can be proud of Vermont’s traditions and heritage.

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LETTERS FROM THE EDITOR It Takes A Village

Editorial by Anne Nadel

On-line comments about this tragedy have given soapbox-dwellers an unfortunate forum to pontificate and accuse, asking where parents are in the lives of teens. It is obvious that none of these people knew either the child in question, or his family. In this case, the young man had a supportive, responsible and rational family background. His foundation was strong. In no way can this tragedy be made out to be the fault of his upbringing or family. It was simply the sad convergence of circumstance. In the end, we can only mourn the loss of a bright life gone too soon, and ponder the what ifs. What if the young people had not chosen to spend time together that night? What if they had been traveling slower (police, at this time, believe excessive speed was a contributing factor in the crash)? If they had been consuming alcohol, what if someone had stopped them before they had gotten in the car? If alcohol were involved, what if the person who bought the alcohol had not done so? What if one tiny thing had been just a little different in the day of one of the people involved? There are no answers to any of these questions, as it is impossible, sadly, to go back and get a do-over. Perhaps the greatest honor to the memory of Caidin McKeever would be if every parent loves their children a little more fiercely, appreciates them a little more truly, and takes the time to teach, not preach, about how each decision they make can change everything. For now, there is only the harsh reality of another child leaving a sorrowing family and community. It takes a village to give a child a solid foundation, a nurturing and enriching life. It will take these three villages to mourn a child, recover from his death, and learn what can be learned from his passing, and his life.

The Cabot Chronicle family wishes to extend its most sincere sympathies to the family of Caidin McKeever, and hopes for a speedy recovery on the part of the other young people who were in the car with him.

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CABOT COMMUNITY Local Students Go Global

By Jane Youngbaer Thanks to fundraising efforts by team families, school volunteers, and the generosity of the community, a team of Cabot Elementary students recently traveled to the Destination Imagination Global Finals at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The group of students, who dubbed themselves “The Cheddar Huskies,” joined an international crowd of more than 15,000 people for five days of creativity, competition, and celebration. They met people from nearly every state and many different countries. Starting with the bus ride from the Atlanta airport, the Cabot kids got a taste of the international experience by meeting, trading pins, singing, and playing cards with a team from Guatemala. Later in the week, the Cabot team surprised the Guatemalan team by going to watch their challenge presentation. For many months, the Cabot team learned about sleuths, film genres, and superstitions, did many improvisations, and practiced inventing and building a “Superstition Origin Detector” with a variety of materials. The improvisational elements were chosen at random at the beginning of a 30-minute StuDIo time just before their performance at the tournament. At Globals, the team had to create an improvisational performance incorporating the following elements: Encyclopedia Brown, comedy, western, and horror film genres, an invisible drum, the superstition “it’s bad luck to be quiet in a hospital,” and their S.O.D.A. (Superstition Origin Detector Advanced). These elements proved handy when it came to the Global Challenge segment involving improvisational performance. Highlights of the week included the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, complete with laser light shows and indoor fireworks, trading pins, watching challenges, swimming, and a trip to the aquarium. The competition consisted of an Instant Challenge (held without an audience, and kept secret until after the Global Finals were complete) and the Central Challenge performance, which for the Cabot team was the improvisational challenge called “Private D.I.”

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 4 onward.

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Farmer Profile: Paul Stecker

By Anne Nadel CABOT Down a meandering road, set at the end of an unpaved lane, the Stecker farmhouse sits beside a sturdy old barn surrounded by pastures and woods, like so many Vermont farmhouses. Shade trees canopy the neat lawn. This bucolic setting is home to the family’s organic dairy and meat operation, where behind the scenes, Paul Stecker is always at work. Stecker and his wife Kris, high school sweethearts who are both originally from northern Connecticut, live on the farm with their two children, Tyler, 18, and Emma, nearly 12. The family keeps a herd of 46 cows on the land, with an additional 20 younger animals pastured in North Danville. Mr. Stecker explained that this expedites the weaning process, as the cows cannot hear one another, and as a result the separation of calf from mother is simpler. The cows are an assortment of breeds, with several that are mixed breeds, as opposed to the predominantly Holstein cows that have become the iconic black and white Bovine Tourism Ambassadors of Vermont. The Stecker farm is certified organic, selling raw milk and meat from the herd. Although controversy has been raging about the safety and volume of raw milk (the state legislature recently approved an increase in the amount of raw, un-pasteurized or homogenized, milk that Vermont farmers may sell directly to the public), Stecker says neither the hullabaloo nor the legislation have affected his operation, as he has a small clientele. Advocates of raw milk cite the health benefits of milk that has not been homogenized or pasteurized, claiming that individuals with stomach sensitivity to mass-produced and processed dairy foods (so-called lactose intolerance) often find that whole milk, with its beneficial bacteria intact, is digestible. They also claim raw milk from grass fed cattle has many other healing and beneficial properties, with the beneficial bacteria in raw milk acting as a guard against harmful bacteria. In the homogenization and pasteurization process, both the good and bad bacteria in milk are destroyed. There are still those who feel very strongly that the lack of sterilization of the product makes raw milk a risky thing, an opinion that Stecker acknowledges, but added that he believes it is, for the most part, a safe product. The milk he sells is filtered, and then cooled,

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 4 onward.

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…the source of non-profit foundation support for organizations like the Foodbank has dried up in the face of the economic downturn. “Because the increase (in hunger) is so great, because it has become so acute, we are struggling to meet the demand,” Stermer explained, adding that one in every ten Vermont families are struggling with hunger. The Vermont Foodbank just took part in the 2009 Hunger In America program, a de facto census about hunger, the results of which will be published soon. In 2006, Stermer explained, approximately 66,000 Vermonters utilized the state’s charitable food system. That breaks down to 14,500 accessing emergency food sources each week. Stermer says she expects the 2009 numbers to be dramatically higher. Anyone in need of help with food can get help by visiting either the Faith in Action/Northern Communities Partnership or Onion River Food Shelf. Faith in Action is open the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the fourth Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and can be reached at 563-2278. Onion River Food Shelf is open every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and can be reached by calling 426-3254.

Brooke Tetreault is creative, vibrant, and friendly, and she’s had a positive impact on our middle school community. She persevered this year with a blown knee and fortunately is back on two legs. She has an affinity for soda, but we won’t let the secret get out that she’s secretly a Pepsi drinker. In 8th grade, students spend a significant amount of time exploring career choices. After Brooke’s uncomfortable experience in the flight simulator in D.C., she can safely eliminate “aviation” from her list of possibilities. She will shine in high school and is going to join VYCC next year in her freshman year.

Jenn Vandenburg is outgoing, creative, and artistic. Jenn is definitely up to speed with 21st century technology, as demonstrated by her maneuvers on the computer. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and has earned the nickname, “giggles.” She celebrates her own sense of style, particularly when it comes to piercings and creative hair color. She definitely isn’t afraid to be a trend setter. Jenn may use these skills and interests in the future, since she is hoping to explore cosmetology as a possible career choice.

The beginning of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 5.

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Food Shelves Fill A Void

By Anne Nadel It is not new information that the economy is in poor condition. It should also come as no surprise that there are many people in the region who are struggling to pay all their bills and still feed themselves and their families. Two local agencies are doing everything possible to help alleviate that problem. Faith In Action, partnered with Northern Communities Partnership, has established a food shelf in Cabot. The food shelf operates out of the United Church of Cabot, and was the brainchild of the Reverend Bill Cobb. From one man’s concept, the food shelf “has grown to include a collaboration of community members and groups,” according to Kathleen Hoyne of the Cabot Connects Mentoring Program, who is also involved with the food shelf. “There are about 15 volunteers involved,” she said. According to Hoyne, anyone in the greater Cabot area who has need can come get food at the church during food shelf hours. People can also get assistance by calling either the church or the Cabot Coalition office. The only things food shelf visitors are asked is their name, how many people are in the family, and if there are any special dietary requirements (for example, diabetes). Winnie Mundinger runs Marshfield’s Onion River Food Shelf, a facility located in the Old Schoolhouse Common building. This hunger prevention agency also serves people from Cabot, as well as East Montpelier, Plainfield, North Montpelier, Calais, and of course, Marshfield. Like the Faith In Action food shelf, Onion River Food Shelf has regular hours, and those in need can arrange for help by calling Mundinger, as well. Mundinger said the need for food assistance grows throughout the month, because many families now have food benefits, but those benefits dwindle by month’s end. “Some weeks we have as many as 27 families (use the facility), and some weeks we don’t see many, particularly early in the month,” she said. The Onion River Food Shelf also does a monthly food drop of 5000 pounds of food that arrives on a truck from the Vermont Foodbank. This drop is distributed immediately, and according to Mundinger, is usually gone in an hour.

Other than the drop, visitors to the Marshfield facility may come in once each month, in order for the food shelf to help as many people as possible. Mundinger said in order for people to use the Onion River Food Shelf, they simply have to show proof of residence. According to Judy Stermer of the Barre-based Vermont Foodbank, there has been a significant increase in need for food assistance this year. As a result, the Foodbank is helping feed more Vermont families than ever before. The Foodbank is the primary source for much of the food each of its member partners distribute. These partners include food shelves, meal sites, afterschool programs and homeless shelters, among others. There are 270 partners of this variety, and the Vermont Foodbank is the only food bank in the state. Stermer said the partners report an increase in user-ship of more than 30 per cent in the last ten months. While some food partners report an increase of just a few per cent, some are seeing 90 per cent more people coming for help. “What we’re seeing is working families who, because of lost jobs, home foreclosure, large medical bills, for a lot of reasons, they need help,” she said. She added that the Foodbank itself is struggling to meet the need, as much of

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 5 onward.

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Good Luck Wishes Offered To Graduating 8th Graders

By Peter Stratman In a fond farewell to the Cabot School class of 2013 as they begin high school, teacher Peter Stratman wrote a tribute to each of the graduating eighth– graders.

Dakota Coutu likes to be outside; he works on a dairy farm, and loves to hunt, and ride his snow machine. He sees his red Organic Valley sweatshirt as a badge of honor, though he’s not quite sure if he wants to be a farmer. He is adventurous and outgoing. On our canoe trips, he developed his own paddling style by standing up like an Italian gondolier. He’s still working out the singing part. Thankfully, he doesn’t mind when his canoe tips. Dakota hopes to join the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and learn in the field.

Camden Celley might be described by some as quiet and reserved, but don’t be fooled by his restrained demeanor. From delivering a mischievous glance across the table, to giggling like a schoolgirl with his sidekick, Josh, Cam is always up to something. He is friendly, does well in school, and is a great athlete. He was class treasurer this year, and probably still struggles with fundraising nightmares. No doubt, Cam will continue his success in high school. We look forward to seeing him on the soccer field.

Jay Deasy is full of surprises. For example, Jay has the special genetic adaptation of hollow legs. We discovered this on our trip to Washington, D.C., watching him ingest twelve pancakes one morning with a repeat performance of twelve waffles the next. Thankfully, we had the continental breakfast! In all seriousness, Jay is friendly, helpful, polite, and sincere. He also loves baseball and soccer, and shocks everyone with his booming kicks.

Josh Hough has grown tremendously in his middle school years. This is significant, considering he was 5’ 9” entering the 7th grade! Josh’s character matches his stature: he is friendly, openminded, bright and outgoing, and popular with students and teachers alike. Nor is he afraid to try new things... like oversized pants, creative haircuts, or wearing Sheila’s clothes in literature class. Though he is undeniably goofy, when it comes down to it, Josh brings maturity and a positive attitude to his endeavors.

Daniel Hoyne-Grosvenor is a likable young man with diverse interests and talents. He’s engaged in academics and active in extra-curricular endeavors. Daniel helped plan and present last year’s Energy Summit; he participates with Vermont Rural Partnership projects, he served as a legislative page, and is an avid athlete, especially when it comes to skiing and soccer. Last year, Daniel practiced with the varsity soccer team, even giving star seniors a run for their money. His outstanding effort on the field earned him the loving nickname: “Daniel the Maniel.” Daniel appears to have his recipe for success figured out and he’s sure to make an enduring mark on the world.

Taylor Kittredge is an adventurous and outgoing young man, an avid hunter and loves being outside. On our leadership canoe trips, Taylor actually liked to tip his boat in the beginning of the trip just to get it out of the way. Taylor is also curious and willing to try new things. One of his favorite experiences in Washington, D.C. was riding the escalators up and down in Union Station. Considering the draw, it might be worth installing an escalator somewhere here in Cabot. Taylor is an exceptionally hard worker, willing to lend a hand at a moment’s notice. Next year Taylor will be attending VYCC and perhaps building a playground for Cabot School.

Samantha Lowe As a teacher, you know that you reach students in different ways. I’m not quite clear about my influence on Samantha. For example, Sam sometimes breaks out into unexplained giggle fits. At recess, she hides in the shadows proclaiming that she doesn’t like the sun. Fortunately, she lives in a state with 10 months of winter. Perhaps most peculiar, however, is that she likes to mimic my motions and gestures while I attempt to teach the class. Sam takes class participation to a whole new level! Her attention to detail makes her a capable artist, an inventive technologist, successful student, and served her well as the 8th grade class secretary.

Timothy Mueller-Harder is a multi-talented young man ahead of his time. He’s a gifted writer and a critical thinker, who confidently shares his interests and talents. Whether conducting science experiments, playing in the band, or designing a model printing press, he’s demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Timothy is also the 8th grade’s resident computer programmer and graphic designer. In Washington, D.C., we learned that Tim has so much to say that he and Jay actually conducted conversations in their sleep. Someday, Timothy will likely be running a computer company or writing crosswords for the NY Times.

Mazie O’Conner was born with a book in her hands. A voracious reader with a near photographic memory, her information intake is extensive and impressive, particularly when it comes to dinosaurs, dragon mythology, and quantum physics. Mazie is multidimensional, and loves to swim, dance, explore nature, and play music. She is happily in control of her journey and has a wonderful perspective on the world. It probably won’t be long before Mazie is discovering distant planets or working on a cure for cancer, but until then, we’re lucky that she’ll still be close by.

Maelily Robison is a bright shooting star who greets us each day with a sleepy smile. Her upbeat attitude is contagious, and she keeps us on our toes with her quirky sense of humor. Maelily has a wide variety of talents and interests to accompany her fun-loving personality. She’s a capable writer, basketball player, and overall class leader, serving as an officer for two years. She’s also courageous, as demonstrated by her willingness to swim the rapids on our canoe trips and hit the trails on her mountain bike. Maelily even delivered a speech at a televised press conference with Governor Jim Douglas! Though we are sad to see her move on, we are excited to see her make her positive mark on the high school.

Sebastian King can usually be found grinning from ear to ear, flirting with girls, and plotting his next move. Sebastian loves music, and would likely have an iPod surgically implanted if it were an option. He is also exceptionally athletic, fueled by an abundance of energy and lightening speed. When he runs, he actually leaves a path of fire in his wake. He could actually start his own Cabot track or cross country team and likely take himself to the state championships. Sebastian’s upbeat personality will serve him well in the future.

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Fireworks Safety A Priority

It's that time of the year again. According to Michael D. Greenia, Assistant State Fire Marshal and Fire Safety Education Coordinator and Captain of the Underhill- Jericho Fire Deparment, the Vermont Division of Fire Safety has received numerous questions about fireworks use in the state. Greenia writes that despite efforts to educate people about the hazards of fireworks, problems with illegal personal use still continue. He explains that some people still conduct backyard fireworks displays despite laws against their use and the great danger to themselves and others. Vermont law indicates that the sale, possession, use and distribution of consumer fireworks is only legal once a display permit has been granted by the chiefs of police and fire departments of the municipality in which the display is to be held.. Individuals interested in technical assistance or additional information can visit the Division of Fire Safety website at www.vtfiresafety.org, or call the Division of Fire Safety’s central office at 1-800-640-

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 5 onward.

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Celebrates Nine Decades

Cabot Festival shuttle: No school buses or taxis in Cabot! Dairy fest attendees were shuttled by horse, and then tractor, drawn wagons to the rec field, which served as parking lot for the Creamery’s festivities. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel Visitors were greeted by the sound of musicians and the delicious smell of fresh-brewed coffee upon arrival at the Dairy Festival celebrating the cooperative’s 90th birthday. Samples of Vermont food products were offered, including the perennial favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and of course, Cabot Cheddar. More unlikely offerings like granola and emu sausage were also crowd pleasers. Beside edibles, both the young and young-at-heart had plenty of old-fashioned games and entertainment to sample. Burlap bags set the stage for sack races, stilts of varying heights had folks stepping up to try new skills, and a fortune teller offered hints of things to come. Early in the day, a wagon pulled by two Belgian horses took people from their Recreation Field parking spaces to the Creamery, but as temperatures climbed and the day grew hot, the horses were replaced by a tractor. Sunny skies dominated, and a good time seemed to be had by all.

Cutting the cheese: Cabot Creamery Waterbury Annex employee Caroline Gagne is artful in her cheese carving. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel Sack races: Young festival attendees take part in some good old-fashioned sack races. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel Folks line up for Ben and Jerry's: Festival goers line up to sample some free Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel

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Graduation Memories

The Cabot School graduating class of 2009. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel Celebrating graduates toss their mortarboards into the air. Photo courtesy Salutatorian Julia Gulka and Valedictorian Lillian Alexander perform during their graduation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel True to tradition, parents and friends of graduating seniors serenade the class of 2009. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel A rite of passage for Victoria Lynn Harshman, as she moves the tassel on her cap from one side to the other. Photo courtesy of Anne Nadel

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CABOT COMMUNITY

Rain, rain ...and more rain. I can’t mow the back lawn without violating the Federal Wetlands Protection Act. The little brook near the house is almost always silent, but today I can hear it from 300 feet away – and it don’t sound welcoming. Even the dogs are affected. They usually can't wait to get outside. When it rains, they take one look outside and give me that have-aheart look that says they'd rather stay inside and sleep. Me too. This high water can’t be doing the rivers and bug hatches any good, right? Well, not so fast: there’s something good about these high volume flows. Many years ago I guided fly fishermen on New York’s Beaverkill, Willowemoc and Delaware rivers. Along came one of those “hundred year” floods and everyone was sure it would be many years before the hatches would be back up to normal levels. Several guides considered taking up golfing or setting pins at a local ancient bowling alley. But, our fears were unfounded. I ran into Jock Coiningham, a fisheries biologist. He was hired by Trout Unlimited to study stream restoration needs on the Beaverkill. Many landowners who owned tributaries to the Beaverkill had been allowed to make “improvements” with no oversight. As a result, the straight channels they made, intended to prevent flooding on their property, dumped lots of sediment into the Beaverkill – not a good situation. “What do you think?” I asked Jock. “About what?” he replied. “How many years until the hatches come back to this year’s levels? It seems pretty clear to me that all the fish and all the insect life are being swept away,” I said, waiving my arms around like a demented maestro conducting the 1812 Overture. He said, “You may know how to find and catch trout, but, you don’t know squat about insect habitat needs and I’ll bet a case of that Newcastle Brown Ale you’re drinking that you’re wrong." He explained that sediment builds up over many years. It settles to the lowest strata of the stream bed as it fills in the spaces between the rocks. Eventually it will cover all the rocks, and all that remains is a sandy bottom with the rocks all but invisible below the sand.

It’s those same spaces that are habitat for the larval and pupa forms of the insects that trout depend on. So, in short, it reduces the amount of available insect habitat. The flooding, Jock said, would reverse the effect of many years of sedimentation. Take a step back and you can see it’s the same factor that’s involved with deer or bird populations. If you don’t have the proper habitat, you can’t have the species that depend on that habitat. Pretty simple – no? At this point Jock predicted that the flood would, in fact, improve the hatches, and would do this in just two years. Seeing an opportunity to drink for free, I pressed the bet to two cases of Newcastle. Fast forward two years. The hatches came back big-time in numbers that hadn’t been seen since the 1950’s. Even bugs like the Green Drake, that had only been seen a few each year, came back big. It was not uncommon to see hundreds of Coffin Fly spinners laying eggs at dusk. In the case of insect life, it’s the high water flows that uncover the essential habitat. Old Jock was right. If you go down below the power plant on RT 215 you'll see a similar situation on the upper Winooski. Each time they make power, it takes out lots of sediment. The rocky bottom is what a stream bed should look like. Compare the stream bed below the power station with the stream bed between Marshfield and Plainfield. You'll see lots of sediment that shouldn't be there. Even with high water during snow melt there is a lot of sediment remaining. The problem is that the stream bank is collapsing into the river because the stream banks have been cleared right down to the river's edge. So what's the solution? Join the Friends of the Winooski River. This group does a lot of things to help stabilize the banks and reduce the amount of sediment that falls into the river. They also monitor river water quality and that improves the fishing for the rest of us. They also get schools involved so the next generation learns about environmental issues. You can find this nonprofit group at www.winooskiriver.org. Post script: Jock, if you’re out there, I moved to Vermont before I could pay up on our bet but there was no room in the truck for your beer so I had to drink it before I left. No hard feelings?

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Reward Set At $300 For Stolen Sign

By Will Walters The Town of Cabot is offering a reward of $300 for information leading to the return of a street sign which was stolen from in front of the home of Larry Gochey on graduation night. The sign warned motorists of the possible presence of an handicapped individual. Gochey, Cabot’s road commissioner, said the reward is being offered because the town has lost numerous signs, costing the town between $500 and $1,000 each year, and it is hoped a reward might bring action to stop the thefts. According to Gochey, he was in his home at approximately 2:00 a.m., and noticed a foreign car stopped near the sign, which was posted in front of his house. He said he became suspicious and called the state police, but that they did not have any troopers in the region at that time. Because of a recent town vote, he was unable to call a constable. Gochey said that after he contacted the state police he returned to his window to see if he could identify the car. He then “noticed a guy standing at the sign, and then that son of a bitch stole the sign,” he said. Gochey noted that a hanging flower basket was also stolen from in front of the Cabot Village Store that same evening. He added that while the town is offering the reward for information to have the sign recovered, anyone involved in the theft can return it “no questions asked.” Commissioner Gochey can be reached at 563-2496.

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Fourth Annual Cabot “Run the Ridges !” Run/Walk A Success

By Sue Freeburn The fourth annual Run the Ridges Run / Walk took place in Cabot on Saturday, June 13th, under sunny skies with warm temperatures. A record 40 runners and walkers departed from the town green to traverse up Houston Hill, across scenic Churchill Rd., and down Bothfeld Hill Rd. back into the center of town. Blanche Lamore, longtime Cabot resident, and Ed Pcolar from the Cabot Creamery, jointly started the race, appropriately ringing a cowbell to get everyone in motion. Rob Maier, one of the race’s organizers, noted that Blanche was in second grade when the creamery was formed 90 years ago! “I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Blanche about her participation in the race.

The runners commented on the beautiful scenery, the difficulty of running the hills, and the kindness of the local people. Participants ranged from Cabot residents to folks from Burlington and New Hampshire. Several runners were in town for the weekend’s graduation celebrations. After the race, awards were given out and a delicious lunch was served. All profits went to Faith in Action Northern Communities Partnership, Inc. The Cabot Creamery’s Dairy Fest 90th birthday celebration was held on the same day as the race, so there was al ot to see and do in town in addition to the race. Many of the runners headed down to the creamery to enjoy the festivities after the race. The organizers of the race wish to thank all the volunteers who helped make this a record-breaking turnout.

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Ladies Only Bow Hunting Class Offered

Every day, women are demonstrating that they are increasingly aware of the many outdoor opportunities offered by living in Vermont. With increasing awareness comes increasing demand for exposure and training. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is now offering a "Ladies Only" Bow Hunter Education class that will be instructed by, you guessed it, a woman. "We are excited that we have several very experienced and knowledgeable female instructors in both hunter education and aquatic programs such as Let's Go Fishing," said Information Specialist Ann Shangraw, Shangraw continued, "We're adding an average of two female instructors a year, and it's our goal to increase this average.

Typically, learning experiences are enhanced for women when taught by the same gender. Everyone should feel completely comfortable in a learning environment, and that's what we're trying to provide." Demands have increased during the last year for women's programs, ranging from ice fishing and Doe Camp to Becoming an Outdoors Woman, according to Shangraw. The "Ladies Only" Bow Hunter Education class will be held Saturday, August 8, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Edward Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton, Vermont. Registration is required and will be open July 13, 2009. Please call (802) 241-3720 or email Shangraw at ann.shangraw@ state.vt.us for more information.

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Village Common Graced By New Tree

By Will Walters A Liberty Elm tree was planted on the common on June 6 at 9 a.m., according to Tree Warden Roland “Slim” Payne. Payne said the elm was shipped to Cabot by the Elm Tree Institute of Keene, NH, in response to a $1,000 donation made by an unnamed individual. The tree was provided free to the town, the Elm Tree Institute’s only requirement being a ceremony commemorating the event, including the reading of a Thomas Paine poem. Rebecca Nally represented the Recreation Committee and Will Walters represented the Conservation Committee at the ceremony. The local Boy Scout troop also participated in the event, which earned participating members credits toward merit badges. The Boy Scouts read the poem “A Liberty Tree” by Thomas Paine for the dedication. The tree was planted between the two maple trees alongside Main Street. Jeff, Rita, Daniel and Matthew Durgin helped dig the hole in which the tree was planted. Hank Nally also helped. When the hole was nearly deep enough to set the tree, a large slate rock was uncovered and a quick loan of a sledge hammer from Harry’s Hardware was needed to break it up in order that it was not necessary to dig a new hole. Payne also had two metal plaques made to memorialize the event. The plaques will be set at a later date.

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Cabot PTSO Hosts Annual Rummage And Yard Sale

Cabot's Annual 4th Of July Celebration is approaching and The Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is seeking community help for its annual Rummage and Yard Sale. PTSO members are seeking the following items for the sale: clean clothes in good condition only, and yard sale items, excluding books, electronics and computers. Donated items can be brought to the Cabot School gym July 1, 2, and 3 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The Rummage and Yard Sale will be held July 4, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Rummage items will be sold at a cost of $3 per bag. Yard sale items will be priced individually. Volunteers are needed to run this event. Individuals who are interested in helping should call Mary Carpenter, event organizer at 563-9965.

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Our Animal Companions Dogs

By Anne Nadel Domestic dogs are, scientifically, a subspecies of the Grey Wolf family, and like the wolf, have legion loyal fans. Just when dogs were actually domesticated is the subject of scholarly debate, but images of dogs working with hunters grace numerous prehistoric cave images. One thing is certain, domestic dogs are, and have been, among the most widely kept working and companion animals in human history. While most people think of dogs as warm, affable, and often comic animal friends, in many places they are still very much working animals. From hunting to herding to police work, many breeds like the German Shepherd, Border Collie and Australian Cattle Dog excel in many tasks, including keeping livestock in line, locating missing persons, and sniffing out drugs and explosives. Human beings’ brains are dominated by the centers that control visual input. Dogs’ brains, on the other hand, are dominated by the use and processing of their senses of smell. As a result, new canine talents seem to be discovered almost daily. In recent years, dogs have been discovered to have an uncanny ability to sense when people with seizure disorders are about to have a seizure, when a person has cancer, and more recently, when a Type I diabetic is about to suffer a dangerous change in blood sugar. It is believed by many scientists that their senses of smell play an important role in all of these skills. Other dogs assist people with special physical needs in a wide variety of ways. Certain breeds have long excelled as guide dogs for the blind, including Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Hearing dogs alert their human partners to sounds. Mobility assist dogs are trained to assist people with disabilities, even learning to open and close doors and turn off lights. They can also help pull a wheelchair. Walker dogs are trained to assist those who have challenges to their balance. Some of these dogs are trained to use their paw to hit a button on a console and call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Dogs are also frequently teamed with people with either a psychiatric disorder or autism. These dogs often forge connections that help their human counterparts feel safe and more able to reach out to the world around them. All of these varieties of Service Dog, as they are collectively known, are permitted by law anywhere people go, unlike your average front porch pooch. There is something comforting about the presence of any dog, for most animal lovers. Not only are they antic and entertaining, they are often highly protective of their people. At the very least, most will bark when someone approaches who is not in their family pack. And of course, most domestic dogs see their human beings as their pack. The saying “three dog night” originated not, as many people think, with a rock band in the late 1960s, but rather as a reference to an old saying. Apparently, when someone who lived in arctic climates encountered a particularly cold night, it was said he should bring in three sled dogs to keep the bed warm at night. Perhaps this is still a commonly held belief, or should be, here in Vermont, when some winter nights can be dauntingly chilly. Certainly, many people keep multiple dogs as pets. In reality, dogs are social creatures, taking their pack relationship where they can get it, which explains their fierce devotion to their human families. This writer has almost always had multiple dogs, which has both good and bad sides. They do not get lonely when we are away for any length of time, and they all have different roles in the pack. The senior dog is an elderly male pointer cross. He is the cranky but lovable Alpha male, and grew up with our younger child. Alpha female sits on the shoulders of the enormous female Labrador Cross. She is also ruler of the free world and protector of the castle. The youngest is a pit-bull mix a good friend rescued from an almost certain death on the streets of New York City. She came to us malnourished and abused. Today she is truck dog, at my husband’s side everywhere he goes. And boy, can she protect the truck. At home, she is the baby of the pack, tolerated and even indulged by the other two, knowing just when to grovel in front of the cranky one and lick obsequiously at his face. On the other hand, the two older dogs had long gotten over the need to get in the trash every time we went out until this younger dog arrived. She reintroduced them to the skill’s enchantments, probably because when she was on the streets, foraging in trash was her only way to get food. Unfortunately, it’s a game which, three years hence, they still all like to play. We have tried every trainer’s trick to stop this behavior, but to no avail. We love our dogs, so we tolerate it, grudgingly. Whether you are one of those who prefers to buy a purebred dog from a breeder (something this writer does not endorse, for a variety of reasons that would take far too much space to write) or loves the gratitude and joy in the eyes of the dog who gets to call your home a forever home after time spent in a shelter or rescue, there is a dog out there for everyone. There are nonallergenic dogs, hairless dogs, shaggy dogs, bark-less dogs, small dogs, enormous dogs, swimming dogs, running dogs, lounging around dogs. Mark Twin said, “The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's.” To our dogs, wherever we are is their heaven. In their eyes, you can find absolution and unconditional love.

Apollo relaxes and reads the Chronicle while Kathleen Hoyne holds it in place for him. Photo courtesy of Will Walters.

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Lilac Dedicated To Franny Walbridge

By Will Walters Friends, family and co-workers attended a ceremony during a light rain on Sunday, May 24. The ceremony marked the dedication of a lilac bush, on the grounds of the Cabot Creamery, to Frances Walbridge. Walbridge, who died in 2007, worked for the Creamery for 43 years, from 1963 to 2006. Lester Walbridge, Ms. Walbridge’s nephew, led the remembrances, followed by comments from Linda Walbridge, sister of the late Ms. Walbridge.

The bush is located at the Human Resources building across the parking lot from the visitor’s center. More than $300 was donated by employees of the creamery to purchase the bush, which cost $100. The remaining $200 will be used to maintain a memorial garden near the visitors’ center. This garden features plaques dedicated to the memory of deceased creamery employees.

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Big Hosmer Soccer Camp Celebrates 30th Year

By Mike Clark For 29 years, Craftsbury has hosted the Big Hosmer Soccer Camp. This summer, June 29-July 3 and August 10- 14 will mark the camp’s 30th anniversary. Big Hosmer features experienced, enthusiastic coaches creating an atmosphere designed to foster skill development, game knowledge, camaraderie and fun. There is still room for players in both sessions. The camp runs from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and meets on the Common in Craftsbury. Dustan and Sterling College fields are also used. Five age groups accept coed players, ages 7- to 17-years old. Players need to bring their own lunch; water is provided, and the $150 registration includes a camp ball and shirt. Head coaches this June include Mark May, who has guided numerous, suc- The Joys of Summer. Farm league baseball has begun for the season. Here Rider Lalomia lets fly a high ball towards home plate. Photo courtesy of Will Walters

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Friends of the Library Sponser Garden Tour

By Will Walters The Friends of the Library sponsored guided tours of eight local gardens Saturday, June 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The sign up table at the library had 13 people enrolled to take part in the tours. The event was a fund-raiser to support the Cabot public library. The money was raised through the sale of maps of the tours. This year, the sale netted a minimum of $157. The Cabot Blooms Garden Tour was self guided for visitors who went from site to site at their leisure. Land-owners met guests at their gardens and provided them with information for their visit.

Cynthia Russell’s garden surrounds a house that was built in 1789. She hosted visitors for what was called a “woodmans’ stroll” through a largely wooded area that had a well laid out path through it. Russell said she hoped to enroll more gardeners for the event. In addition to Russell, the gardeners who participated were Richard Ducharme, Mary Belenky, Sandy Ducharme, Velma Urban, Henry Menard, Gemma Yamamoto, Betty Baker and Lassie Rathbone. Any gardeners interested in participating in next year’s event can contact Russell by e-mail at [email protected].

Wednesday, or Friday at Old Schoolhouse Common, and join the volunteers who serve there. TVSI is also seeking people to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors. There are several events scheduled for July at the Center. On July 4, TVSI will host a Huge Yard Sale in Plainfield, on Route 2, in the field across from Tim's Convenience Center. Items are still being collected and you may call 454-1263 to arrange for pick-up. A Foot Clinic is scheduled for July 13. Participants need to register by calling the center. The fee is $15. July 29 will be Family Day at the Center. Guests are invited to bring a family member or friend to share a meal and enjoy fellowship.

For information about the Center call 426-3447.

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A New Home

Once again Cabot’s students haveleapt ahead of the crowd. Last week I got to witness a truly remarkable event in this little town. I actually didn’t get to see the inside of Cabot’s new performance center until the concert was over. The reason being the turnout for the last performance of the year was overwhelming and “SRO”. “O” meaning outside. But from outside I could see the professional setting of the stage and bandstand that had been created with the sweat and money of the community. It reminded me of a project in my town of Roxbury, MA, started by a lady known as Elma Lewis, a center for the Arts, born out of the community. The mixture of stage, bandstand and seating areas gave you that feeling of a little Carnegie Hall, where you can mix the music with the art of acting and singing all at one time, getting them all to blend together without missing a beat. All this was only half of the enchantment for the evening. I have to say, since the last time I heard the children of Cabot, they have come a long way. Did their new home have anything to do with this? Probably so. But my money is on the school’s music director Brian Boise. His patience, skill and pure enthusiasm has brought these children, ages 6 to high school age, so much further. One thing I first noticed about all the bands was that they played so confidently, smooth and with the same pure enthusiasm Brian brought to the bandstand in himself. And you just don’t get music. These children have made leaps and bounds in their execution of each song and act. We were treated to the expanded version of their talents. There were shadow puppets, there were singers, there were actors and actresses, there were stories written by the students themselves. Just what I heard and what I saw on the faces of the performers gave me plenty of evidence that Cabot had made a VERY good decision in investing in their new home for the performance center. I urge all towns with music and arts programs to keep and expand on them. And those towns that don’t, beg, borrow, pitch in, and roll up your sleeves to get your children a pure method of education and the best way to expand a person’s intellect and imagination. My hat’s off to the children of Cabot. And to Brian Boise “Push it up, Push it up!!!!!”

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OF THE ORDINANCE REGULATING THE DISPOSAL OF WASTEWATER AND THE USE OF THE PUBLIC WASTEWATER SYSTEM IN THE TOWN OF CABOT, VERMONT

On June 16, 2009 the Selectboard of the Town of Cabot, authorized by 24 V.S.A. § 1976, hereby amended the Ordinance Regulating the Disposal of Wastewater and the Use of the Public Wastewater System in the Town of Cabot, Vermont, and is summarized as follows:

The Board of Wastewater Commissioners is dissolved and all references to it are eliminated throughout the ordinance. All duties formerly assumed by the commissioners, enumerated in the subsections of the ordinance, are hereinafter transferred to the Cabot Selectboard and its designated agents.

With the dissolution of the Commission, the Town Treasurer shall be the treasurer of the Wastewater system.

References to past construction, allocation, and connection deadlines which are no longer applicable have been removed.

These amendments will take effect August 15, 2009, unless a petition signed by at least five per cent (5%) of the qualified voters of Cabot is filed with the Town Clerk by July 30, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., asking for a vote to disapprove this ordinance amendment under 24 V.S.A. § 1973. If a petition is received, qualified voters may vote on that question at a Special Meeting duly warned by the Cabot Select Board. The full text of this amendment is available for inspection at the Cabot Town Clerk’s Office. For further information, call Caleb Pitkin, Select Board Chair, at 802-563-9965.

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Twin Valley Senior Center News

By Marvie Domey Summer is off to a slow start, but things are booming and blooming at the Senior Center. The Meals on Wheels program now serves nearly 150 meals weekly. TVSI is actively seeking a volunteer to cook for a couple of hours a week in order to keep the meal inventory supplied. Interested individuals should call the center, or come to a meal on Monday,

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 10 onward.

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Do You Know Where This Is?

This photo is the first in a series of pictures from your community. If you know where this picture was taken, send your answer to our editor, Anne Nadel, at [email protected]. The answer and winner will be announced in our next edition of the Cabot Chronicle—The voice of your community.

If you have a photo of an unusual or unique feature of your community, we would love to see it. Send your entry to our editor as well. All submissions become the property of the Cabot Chronicle.

~ OR ~

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Thurs, 7/23

"Grandpa's Sleeve" (a "Tricks with Stuff" workshop), 7 pm, Donation, Greensboro Free Library. Rob Mermin, founder of Circus Smirkus, presents a hands-on "magic class" of easy-to-do tricks, stunts, puzzles and homemade amusements especially for grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers and parents. Bring a notebook but keep little kids at home: this time is fun for adults only (teens welcome too).

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Mon, 7/13-17

Mommy & Me Sheep & Wool Week, Vermont Grand View Farm (1638 Scales Hill Rd), Admission, M-F 10am- 2:30pm. Fiber filled week for children ages 7-11 and their mothers. Info: 685- 4693.

Vermont Mountaineers Home

Game, see 7/1.

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Thurs, 7/16

The Wizard of Oz at Hyde Park Opera House, $18 adult, $12 student/senior, A theatrical version of the classic film. Thurs. and Fri. 7 p.m., Sat 2 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. Info: 888-4507

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FOR FREE

Free Bunnies - 6 Friendly caged bunnies, approximately 9 weeks old. Not sure what gender they are. Will try to find out upon request. Please contact Rita or Jeff Durgin after 5pm or leave a message, 563-2826.

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