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The Cabot Chronicle

August 2010 · 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 August 2010 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

Zoning Board of Adjustment: Creemee Stand Can Stay

People enjoy creemees at the Cabot Village Store while the Zoning Board of Adjustment reaches a decision about its future.

Many members of the community took notice and attended a July 1 ZBA meeting to determine if there is enough parking for the extended business. Until this summer, it consisted of a simple grocery store, but the addition of a creemee stand raised concern about increased vehicular traffic. Talk at the meeting focused primarily on supporting new ventures and economic development. The chair of the ZBA said the board does support new business in town. The ZBA has approved the permit with the following provisions: the Cabot Village Store must arrange for two off street parking spaces adjacent to the store, to replace those spaces occupied by the mobile ice cream stand; a letter from town clerk Tara Rogerson confirming her offer of two parking spaces on her private property; and a sign designating those spots for the Cabot Village Store. The decision also states that the mobile ice cream stand shall be removed from the location on the parking spaces from October 1 until April 30 of each year.

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From the Planning Commission: Cabot’s Future is in Your Hands

Submitted by Cabot Planning Commission

Cabot’s Fourth of July parade and community celebration was, again, a wonderful reminder of why so many of us have chosen to live and remain in Cabot. Under blue skies that contrast gorgeously behind our lush green hills, hundreds of spectators lined Main Street to cheer on a parade of celebrants that included our veterans, children and youth, volunteers, families, artists, and farmers. The variety of floats and vehicles, clowns and civic leaders, all contributed to a string of reminders about what makes Cabot

– and many other small towns in Vermont – so wonderful. As we gathered at the recreation field to dunk, bounce, dine, listen, and play, we all must have shared the brief thought that it is truly a gift to be a part of Cabot life. Here at the Cabot Planning Commission, we certainly heard that sentiment loud and clear in the 85 surveys town residents completed and returned to us. Thank you for taking the time to share such insightful perspectives on what makes Cabot a great place to live, and to identify some of the hard work ahead to make it even better. Residents from all over Cabot responded to the survey, most being in the 18- to 64-year-old age group. Over 90 per cent of respondents are year-round Cabot residents, and close to 50 per cent of the yearround residents have lived here for at least 20 years. About 95 per cent of year-round residents who responded to the survey own their home. We’re also grateful to the 42 residents who indicated a special interest in being kept up-to-date and involved in the planning process as we move forward. We need every ounce of your effort we can get. Our mandate as the Planning Commission is to develop a town plan that accurately expresses residents’ priorities for community development while also addressing state and regional planning priorities. We are a recommending body, not a deciding body. Over the next several months, our intent is to get to know your ideas for the future of Cabot so that we can make sound and lasting recommendations. We will do this by analyzing the results of this survey and continuing the conversation with you in a series of public forums later this year. These

School News: Classifieds:

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Cabot Chronicle Highlighted in

By Jeannie Johnson Have you seen the July/August 2010 edition of the bimonthly Vermont Magazine, published in Arlington, Vermont? One of the cover stories is about small-town newspapers, and boldly features the Cabot Chronicle and its community, developers, staff and readers. Written by our own Julia Shipley, occasional writer, part-time advertising salesperson and Cabot Cameos reporter-on-the-street, we see it as recognition of one of the talents that regularly contributes to our small, local paper. The article notes that the Chronicle is one of the newest papers in the state, and positions us with other weeklies and monthlies that have been around for decades, noting that, in the face of failing mega-papers and a poor economy, these small papers fill a niche for local community members.

It was nice to have recognition for our paper and its mission, as well as our contributors. Check out the magazine if you get the chance. The website is: vermontmagazine.com.

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

Hello from Afghanistan!

I am SSG Cory Copeland from the Vermont Army National Guard. I was asked to drop a line for the paper. Just a bit about the weather, it’s usually in the 80’s during the day and cools to maybe 60 during the night hours. Very little rain but when it does rain there’s usually a thunderstorm or hail storm attached to it. Living conditions are better than a lot of the bases over here so we don’t complain very much about that. They feed us very well. A very large variety of food for breakfast, lunch or dinner including a midnight meal. This is one reason it’s very important to exercise and watch the body weight, it will creep up on you but we’re a strong force and everyone is taking care of themselves. Enough about that! Have you ever heard the terms “Working like a dog or Man’s best friend?” Let me introduce you to Bert Je. He is truly man’s, woman’s best friend. This dog is on his third deployment. His job is to sniff out and make aware the presence of explosives like you would see in the airports back home. This best friend of men and women around the world is truly a work of art protecting and saving gosh only knows how many lives. So all I can ask is if you have a dog, give him or her a huge hug, as they are the true heroes! Back to work I go, thank you for all the support and remember this couldn’t be possible without you people back home doing what you do. Keep your chins up and we’ll see you before you know it. Be safe, SSG Copeland

Dear Editor:

Of the many thoughts one may have when reading and thinking about the parking situation in the rear of both the Willey Building and Cabot Garage, Inc., in Cabot, VT, it would be my hope that readers would think of this within the context of community – specifically the Cabot Community, and ask, who is parking there now and why. Thinking within this framework makes one realize it is our friends and neighbors who are parked there while either receiving or providing goods or services to and from Cabot residents, to patronize the Cabot Library, or to attend a celebration or meeting alongside other Cabot Community members! Signs, guardrails, barriers, lines, or enforcement will affect all of us – first by drawing battle lines within our community and eventually dividing us. We must question the validity of such actions. We must ask; who these measures will keep in or keep out? What economic climate do these actions create for existing or prospective Cabot businesses? During this time of economic uncertainty when collaboration should be at the forefront of our collective community thought process, it saddens and concerns us that, rather than supporting one another, some are choosing to position themselves to do battle with their neighbors. In the unfortunate event there ever was a fire at the Willey Building (a recently voiced opinion related to parking) you can count on us as Cabot Community members to help out in whatever way possible no matter who was in the building or where they had chosen to park.

Mike & Ann Cookson, Community Members

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Planning Commission

Photo of Cabot's 4th of July parade courtesy Ginny Burnham of Tunbridge, VT.

(continued from page 1) for agendas posted in advance. You are also encouraged to write to us with your questions, ideas, concerns, and recommendations any time at [email protected].

The Cabot Planning Commission invites you to get out your camera, pencils, crayons or paint, and capture an image of a place in Cabot that you think is special. Send your photo or artwork to the Planning Commission and we will display the images at a special community-wide visioning event to be held this coming September. All ages are encouraged to participate and the deadline for entries is August 15. Please send your entry with your name, contact phone or e-mail, and your age (if younger than 18) to [email protected] (10 MB maximum please), or by regular mail to the Cabot Planning Commission, P.O. Box 36, Cabot VT 05647. All entrants will be entered in a drawing for a gift certificate to the Cabot Creamery gift shop.

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OU DIDN

Ann Cookson's yellow trumpet lilies, back-dropped by her blue house, are strikingly cheery.

Praise for the old-fashioned warm summer weather.

As seen on national television, Sam Tormey, Clayton Daniels and Bryden Considine failed to catch a homerun ball, hit directly to them at a recent Washington Nationals game. Chris Tormey is aghast and confused: “What happened to all those years of baseball training?”

The Chronicle sends our best wishes to Erma Perry, who is celebrating her 80th rotation around the sun. Thank you, Erma, for your numerous contributions to our community. See Open House invitation in the box below.

Kudos to two new community leaders who participated in one of Cabot's most premier events, the 4th of July Parade. Thanks to Laura Cadmus (minister of Cabot United Church) and Karen Stewart (principal of Cabot School) for introducing yourselves to the community in this way.

Congratulations to Fourth of July Parade award winners: Susan Carpenter for “Farmers’ Tea Party”, Paul Celley for “Antique Snowmobile” and Kassandra Morse for “Alice in Wonderland Tea Party”. Fifty-dollar prizes were awarded for most patriotic, humorous and original floats. Wendy Barnett acknowledges the important contribution to the parade by these and all the other many wonderful float designers and parade participants. She also sends out her thanks to everyone who responded to requests for help, as well as the folks who just do their part, volunteering without being asked. This is the heart of a strong and healthy community.

Thank you to the PTSO for delivering another successful Fourth of July Parade. The whole community thanks Wendy Barnett and the PTSO for their work in producing one of the state’s long -standing, patriotic, Fourth of July celebrations. Besides being a PTSO fundraiser, it brings community, family members and out-of-towners together to mark a milestone in our country’s history.

Kudos to Shirley Ducharme for her outstanding efforts to keep the Willey Building clean. Her attention to detail, especially the insides of the cupboards, is greatly appreciated.

Marge Greaves has organized Cabot School Alumni Association reunions for 24 years, to give Cabot graduates a fun day to meet and reminisce with alumni friends. She will be stepping down after this year’s events. Her commitment to keeping Cabot alumni connected is laudable. See the details for this year’s event on page 6.

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Double Your Donation: CVHHH Seeks Funds Towards a Matching Grant

Berlin, Vermont – Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice (CVHHH) has raised $42,000 of a $50,0000 Matching Grant from a long time donor. The organization needs an additional $8,000 between now and the extended deadline of August 31, 2010, to receive the full amount. The donor of the $50,000 Matching Grant is Barre native Don Provasi, who made the grant in memory of his mother, Grace Provasi Savard. Though Provasi has lived in Orange Park, FL, since 1981, he demonstrates his commitment to the Central Vermont community by supporting CVHHH’s work. It is just one way he chooses to give back to the community where he grew up, looking to improve the quality of life for family members, longtime friends and classmates. This generous Matching Grant from Provasi is a strong incentive for the Central Vermont community to support CVHHH. The agency has long been a front-runner in the home care industry, maximizing advanced technology to provide the highest level of care. Funds developed for this initiative will help support the agency’s Telemonitor Program, which utilizes expensive state-of-the-art technology so patients with chronic diseases can be cared for in the comfort of their homes. CVHHH’s Telemonitor Program has already demonstrated many benefits, one of them primarily being the reduction of hospitalizations. CVHHH’s patient hospitalization rate has decreased dramatically from 33 per cent prior to implementation of its Telemonitor Program to only 15 per cent today. This rate outperforms the national home care hospitalization rate of 29 per cent, placing CVHHH in the top three per cent of all home care agencies nationally for the prevention of patient hospitalizations. Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice is a full service, not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Association providing high quality, medically-necessary home health and hospice care to all Central Vermonters, regardless of their ability to pay. It provides this service to 23 towns throughout Central Vermont, providing home health and hospice care to approximately 2,600 patients each year, and health promotion services (i.e. flu clinics, cholesterol screenings, foot clinics, etc.) to more than 9,400 people annually. The Visiting Nurses Association of America states most Americans can expect to experience a home health service at some point, either personally or as a family member. Donor Provasi says “I believe in the importance of having home health care available to those who need it, when they need it. And I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is. I encourage Central Vermonters to join me in supporting Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice by raising the last $8,000 of this Matching Grant. I’ll match your donation dollar -for-dollar.” If you would like to donate to this effort, make your check payable to CVHHH and mail it to 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641, or go to www.cvhhh.org to make a gift online. CVHHH and Matching Grant donor Don Provasi wish to express their thanks to the donors who have already helped support this vital initiative and raised the first $42,000. For more information on CVHHH’s programs and services, or to find out how you can help, please call 223-1878.

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P ICKLES F ESTIVAL 2011

Are you planning to make some dill pickles with part of the summer’s bounty? If so, the Cabot Coalition is putting out a call for a few good jars – of pickles, that is!

Everyone knows that Sugar-on-Snow is best served with a salty, crunchy dill pickle alongside it, and that is where all of you home canners can help. When you put up your pickles this year, please consider adding a jar or two, perhaps with a label marked “Maple Fest,” to be donated when the time comes. Don’t have the space to keep the extra jar? Perhaps you are afraid that all that salty goodness won’t make it until late winter. If that’s the case, you can drop them off at the Coalition office. Call the Coalition at 563-3338 to arrange a drop-off.

Thanks for your efforts, and we’ll see you at Maple Fest on March 19.

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The Cabot Chronicle ventured downtown on a scorching afternoon in July to ask folks what they do to stay cool in this heat. Here is the sage advice we received

By Amy Hornblas “Usually I like coming down here and eating creemees. Or I go upstairs in my house and find somewhere cool. I like going in the house somewhere dark and playing with Legos. Sometimes I get a cool drink of water or lemonade.”

-Sam Carpenter “We stay cool by coming to Vermont. We come from Virginia, where it is over 100 degrees! We also like visiting the ice cream stand.”

-Heather Greene, Kristi Jemetegaard, and Torill Yamarik As for Lisa White’s suggestion (owner of Organix Hair Salon), actions speak louder than words.

Consolidation equals yet another disinvestment in rural places. Moving beyond the lure of consolidation is not easy. Putting this idea aside means rural schools need to be out front in creating community leadership. They need to empower teachers, children, and parents in continuous, childcentered school improvement. At the same time, they need to tap into the rest of the community — not only for money, but also for the time, talents, and energy to engage citizens, teachers, and children in the classroom and in the community. Rural school leadership involves marshaling financial and non-financial resources as a creative investment in future community leaders, the children. Child-centered leaders are primarily concerned with efficient – that is, effective – schools that prepare children for community life. Yes, skills and knowledge are important, but so are physical and emotional health and a safe place where children can develop roots. Small, rural community schools are not only about the money and the curriculum. They value children as essential to the future of a healthy community. Rural community education is a long-run investment in nurturing children, who are future community leaders. Rural communities that are doing well have leadership with a certain “it,” an intangible combination of personalities — an ability to cooperate, accept differences, remain flexible, and respect knowledge, along with an unlimited supply of creativity and optimism. These qualities lead to an understanding that the global economy is not only navigable, but can be tapped to improve long-run community well being. Rural community schools need to be a source of intellectual and social leadership that builds excellence, capacity for community adaptability, success, and sustainability in a dynamic world. Consolidation robs communities of important assets: their children and their schools. Consolidation may seem efficient based on pupil-to-teacher ratios, costs per pupil, and the promise of improved curriculum and higher test scores. But it is hardly efficient, given the costs of transportation and the time children spend away from the school and their families. School and community leaders who promote consolidation may think they have the well-being of children in mind, but their emphasis on per-unit cost treats students as if they are assemblyline products and not children with differing needs, personalities, and dreams. Rural schools have provided their communities with doctors, lawyers, ministers, merchants, farmers, and laborers for generations. The notion of schools at the center of rural communities is hardly new. Nor is the idea of childcentered education. Conditions across rural America now make the case for small, community schools even more compelling. Rural schools centered on children and community can build lifelong ties between people and places. Besides building community, a task that requires considerable patience, they can be, with the right leadership, a significant financial and social investment in the well being of children educated for the community. Timothy Collins is assistant director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University in Macomb. Opinions expressed here are his and his alone.

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CONCERNING EDUCATION Consolidation, What Is It Good For?

By Timothy Collins We received permission to reprint the following from dailyyonder.com, a website dedicated to providing articles about rural life.

Schools can be places where generations of a community's residents are nurtured. That will never happen if the school is closed and children are sent to a consolidated facility a bus ride away. When you walk into an old rural high school, it’s easy to get some sense of the community’s history from the black and white senior class photos lining the main hall. You’ll probably notice that the graduating classes were small, except perhaps in the 1960s and 1970s, during the baby boom. Now the classes are small again, as they were 80 or 90 years ago. Seems to me that small classes worked fairly well in the past. Why not now? What is so scary about smaller school districts that they are driven to consolidate by state and local forces? Consolidation promises that bigger is better. Larger schools supposedly increase educational value per student and offer more opportunities for learning. Despite the good intentions of consolidation supporters, theirs is a narrow economic argument that tends to isolate the school as an institution from the well being of both the children and the community. Consolidation might make sense where merged districts are relatively small. But it is outmoded in contemporary rural America, given continuing population decline across wide swaths of the already depopulated countryside. Consolidation proponents are asking the wrong questions and pushing the wrong option for children and communities.

Let’s make consolidation the absolute last resort. Instead, let’s recognize that merging districts with financial problems and falling enrollment will not make them better off financially and educationally. Let’s focus on what’s really important — the resources (financial and otherwise) that strong community and school leaders can leverage to improve the well being of children. It is true that without good school leadership, small schools do not necessarily guarantee high-quality education, although the research does suggest that small classes and schools tend to benefit students. The main issue is a tradeoff between seemingly lower costs now with consolidation and the longer-run likelihood that smaller, community-based schools can ultimately improve lives, citizenship, and productivity of students when they become adults. Leaders of small rural schools need to ask different questions: What about education of children in and for the community? How can we be creative in using the school to help develop and nurture homegrown opportunities in a global economy, to build our community’s future? What about the school, not only as an amenity, but also as a vital force in the community? Rural School and Community Trust Schools and school districts have been getting larger for the past several generations. The reality of rural America today is that most communities are pretty much left to fend for themselves. Rural school consolidation creates a simplistic solution to what may or may not be a problem, but then creates another problem.

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SCHOOL NEWS A Letter of Introduction from New Cabot Principal Karen Stewart

I am genuinely honored to be the new principal of the Cabot School. My 25 years in VT education have been consistently peppered with reports of Cabot’s commitment to the community’s children. Over the years, I have been attracted to Cabot’s understanding of the importance of “place” in a child’s young life and the extension of that sense of place to the wider world. Like all schools, Cabot is struggling with the new economy and a dynamic social order that challenges children, families and school life. It has been a rapid change demanding a rapid adjustment that does not come naturally to most people. Still, a solid foundation weathers all insults, changes and new developments. It is clear to me that the Cabot community’s deep roots and high standards will ultimately prevail. A little flavor of who I am….. a lifelong educator and child advocate. My professional experience spans special education, school social work and administration with a keen interest in social responsibility & preparation for life in the world outside of school. I earned both a BA and MSW at the University of Connecticut and remain a faithful fan of UCONN Husky basketball. UCONN Huskies, Cabot Huskies and 2 retired Iditarod Huskies, Yogy & Mozy .....a catchy coincidence. I live on a woodsy home site in Barnet in a house designed and built by my husband Bruce who is a structural engineer & a master of many skills. His company is Stewart Structural Engineering and his office is in the second story of our garage. Thank goodness for satellite internet. We moved to VT from suburban CT in 1985 and we still agree that it was the best life decision we have ever made. Rural culture afforded our 3 daughters the opportunity to grow up at a natural pace in the natural world among neighbors with diverse lifestyles but similar values. This foundation and sense of place now allows them to be moral and responsible community members in Seattle, San Francisco and Brooklyn, NY. Emily is 32, newly married and works as a helicopter flight instructor (this is a very cool job if you are not the mother of the pilot). Molly is 27, a musical theater dancer and singer whose career was cut short in the economic downturn and is now a marketing director at a small corporation on the top floor of the Chrysler Building. She is also back in school working on a MA in Interior Design. Ally is 23 and a new college graduate working as an energy policy analyst in San Francisco. They all have health insurance.

(Yippee!)

We miss them everyday but they are their own women now and our proudest accomplishment. I grew up in Syracuse, NY, and was educated by the Franciscan sisters who taught me to write, to care about the world and to sing at every possible opportunity. I can tell Catholic school stories with the best of them but fondly remember school as a rich and joyful learning environment. My only sibling, Mary Winter, lives in Syracuse and is a recently retired Commissioner of Probation. She is a national expert on juvenile justice and a handy consultant for me. She is my best girlfriend; we speak on the phone everyday. I thrive on my work in education and consider it both my vocation and avocation. I read a lot and am especially drawn to scholarly publications that discuss the transformation of American education. I also read about the developing world and contemplate its impact on the future of America’s children. Travel consumes all of my disposable income and I have enjoyed adventures in China, South American, Europe and Alaska. There are many miles to go before I sleep and I am hoping that my sense of adventure will expand travel opportunities for Cabot School students. My goal as principal of Cabot School is to enhance every aspect of the educational program so that Cabot will be viewed throughout VT as a premier model of a P-12 rural school. No school can be all things to all people but Cabot can be an enviable public school where children of all backgrounds, learning styles and family configurations can learn to be responsible, contributing citizens of the local and global community.

- Karen Stewart, Cabot School Principal

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FARM TO SCHOOL

Scott St. John (food service director), Mary Ann Tormey (fourth grade teacher), Janet Bird (fifth grade teacher), Karen Stewart (principal) and Amy Hornblas (farm to school coordinator) at the Summer Institute’s closing ceremony.

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Cabot Farm To School Update

By Caitlin Howley Cabot School’s Farm to School committee was chosen to join five other teams from around the state at Shelburne Farms for a Summer Institute. The conference was sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control, as part of an effort to learn about why Vermont youth eat more healthfully than children throughout the rest of the nation. The program included workshops, sharing in peer groups, and team planning time unlike anything achievable in the busy environment at home. Cabot was represented by two elementary teachers, the food service director, the new principal and the farm to school coordinator. The new third grade teacher, Rachel Kellett, and paraprofessional, Susan Pitkin, joined the team for a day of planning, as well. Scott St. John, Cabot’s food service director, was invited to share his perspective and experience with the other teams through an on-stage interview. This summer the Farm to School committee is focused on fundraising plans. The planning process has been exciting so far, with a couple of solid, realistic ideas in the works. The public is invited to join in this creative process. The next committee meeting will be Wednesday, August 11, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., in the Cabot School Library

Anyone who has planted a row for Farm to School this year (or noticed they will have more of something than needed) should call the program staff. Excess garden produce can be dropped off at the kitchen once school opens, but a phone call or email first would be helpful. Generous gardeners can leave a message for the food service director at 563-2289. Keep an eye on your mailbox- letters from the Farm to School committee have been sent out to families of students at Cabot School. Included is a Free and Reduced lunch program application, information about privacy and simplified instructions. The Free and Reduced Lunch Program offers students the opportunity to eat breakfast and lunch at school for no or little cost. The program also benefits the entire school population. Cabot School only needs to enroll about 10 more students in the program to reach the magical number, 50%, which qualifies the school for grants and other programs. For example, if everyone who is eligible applies, Cabot School could begin offering free breakfast for everyone. Included with the letter is also a student lunch survey which will help the food service program understand your family’s needs. Return your application and survey by August 15th and enter to win a $10 gift certificate to the Cabot Store! A community member requested some ways of making the most of the bounty of the season. Here are a couple of suggestions: Berries: Freeze berries by spreading the dry fruit out on a plate or platter and placing it in the freezer. After about 12 hours they are ready to put in a freezer bag, doubled up. Use them in recipes such as muffins and pancakes all winter. Free Sun Tea: Fill a jar with water. Pick some wild and/or garden mint. Take only the freshest, newest leaves. Rinse gently and bruise them a little in your hands. Add to the jar of water and leave exposed to sun and moonlight for about 12 hours. Strain and drink. Leaving it out overnight will mean it is cool in the morning and can go right in the fridge. Try including other edible herbs, such as lemon balm, clover, St. John’s Wart, Echinacea, lavender, and calendula. Check your resources, since some herbs should only be used sparingly, such as sage. Seasonal Salsa: What have you got? You’ll want to use some lush items, such as berries or other fruit, tomatoes or tomatillos. Folks have been known to make salsa with apples, cherries, blueberries, and cucumber. Anything juicy will do. For spice, how about some peppers (hot or not), onion, and/or garlic? Herbs of all kinds can be used, including cilantro, mint, and basil. Want some grounding elements, as well? How about fresh black, fava, or soy beans, wild mushrooms, or corn? Take what you have and chop it up, by hand or in a food processor. (Keep the beans whole and add them afterwards.) Refrigerate. Let it sit for a few hours so the flavors can mix. Eat the salsa fresh, or can it for winter enjoyment. (Research canning directions for the individual foods you use, as the techniques will be different depending on the food’s acidity.) Make Your Own Veggie-Burgers: Make a batch of rice, or other grains. Prepare some fresh or dry beans, as well. Harvest a bunch of greens (use up some stems from hardy plants such as kale and chard) and cook them down with onion and garlic. Gather fresh herbs and chop them up small. Mix it all together, with enough egg and a dash of flour, so it holds together. Add salt and pepper as you like. Make patties (a 1/2 or 1/3 measuring cup works well) and fry in oil until brown. Wrap individually in wax paper, and freeze. Eat the goodness all winter long.

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SCHOOL NEWS. Eighth Grade Class Toasts

The Cabot School class of 2014 was wished a fond farewell by their teacher, Peter Stratman, at the eighth grade graduation ceremony. Following are excerpts from his tributes.

Joe Ambroz is a multi-talented middle school phenomenon, gifted in writing and mathematics. He brings his creativity into the classroom, turning original rapping rhymes into class concerts about factory farms and the freedom of speech. Joe is also blessed with athletic talent. Over the last couple of years, Wesley Ameden has defined himself as a middle school leader. This year, he served as the eighth grade Vice President and has earned distinction in our outdoor leadership program. Wes also excelled in academics, is a talented musician, is athletic, and he’s an excellent writer.

Olivia Bellavance is an outstanding all-around student. She has maintained an “A” average throughout middle school. Olivia is a self starter. She is organized, focused, helpful, and even makes a delicious apple pie.

Donahughe Burke is a young man on the move. He served as the eighth grade class president, starred on the varsity soccer team, represented Cabot as the school Geo-Bee champion--and could likely show you on a map where to locate the Federated States of Micronesia. Hugh even knows how to ask to use the bathroom in Gaelic!

Darren Celley is a young man who has learned to overcome adversity. He may be quiet on the surface, but has a goofy sense of humor and loves to steal the show. Darren is a good friend to many people and is always willing to lend a hand. Darren also played a major role on Cabot’s Varsity soccer team this year.

Adlai Feldman has grown a lot in middle school. He started seventh grade at about 5’ 4” and is now well over six feet tall! If you watched closely, you may have seen him grow during his graduation ceremony. Over the last two years, Adlai has made great strides in academics and is known for being friendly, helpful, and kind hearted. He is athletic and loves snowboarding and soccer, currently playing for the Capital Soccer Club in Montpelier.

Christopher Goslant joined the Cabot School community last year. Over his time here, he has matured and has begun to see the world through wider eyes. Chris has become an integral member of his class... and learned to flirt with the best of them. Chris is athletic and daring.

Andre Jacques is a young man who typically wears a smile on his face. He is easy going, kind-hearted, and is known for his own unique sense of style. Andre loves to ride his snow machine.

Lars Hammer is a talented musician, athlete, an avid gardener, and Yankees fan. He is capable of being serious and focused, excelling in his studies through his middle school years. He loves basketball and played a little soccer with the varsity team this year. If you hang out with Jonah Jarvis for a few minutes, you’ll quickly realize that he has a mature perspective on the world. He’s engaged in social issues, isn’t afraid to express himself, and uses his easy-going attitude to bring people together. Jonah is also an accomplished snow boarder, soccer player, dirt biker, and trampoline jumper.

Kassandra Morse officially joined the class of 2014 in January. Kassandra is focused, independent, creative, and artistic. Out of 10,000 entries in the Junior Scholastic Map Man contest, Kassandra’s entry was in the top 25.

Shelby Marcotte is a capable student, athletic, and very socially oriented. She is an amazing soccer and basketball player, and she can send a text message at lightening speed. Shelby has worked hard to stay on track and has grown tremendously.

Ashley Maurice has blossomed as a student over the last couple of years. She is engaged in her studies and takes pride in her work. She is also helpful and has volunteered to make many lastminute copies for her teachers, has taken on special projects such as writing donation letters or making “official” fundraising phone calls and has thrived in this leadership role.

Carter is a Maxfield, which has special meaning around these parts. He’s bright, a bit mischievous, and perhaps too smart for his own good. Cabot High School may have to implement a wake-up call service to get Carter to school on time. In Washington, DC, we learned of Carter’s unfortunate weakness for Red Bull. Hopefully for his high school teachers, it gives him wings early in the morning.

Nell McQueeney is rock solid tough. She is fearsome on the soccer field and tenacious on the basketball court. Nell is also a strong student who produces amazing work when she sets her mind to it.

Randy Rich is a young man of few words. He is the type of kid who is smooth, confident, and just goes with the flow. Randy loves the outdoors and has thrived in the middle school leadership program. He enjoys fishing, riding his 4wheeler, and, according to one of his more creative t-shirts, “makes dirt look good.”

Mary Younce came to Cabot last year and made a positive impact on our middle school community. She is artistic, creative, friendly, and she is a capable writer. Mary is known for her cheerful smile and calm demeanor. Mary believes that you should cherish the most important people in your life, a lifelesson that we can all remember.

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OLD HOME DAYS Old Home Week to Become Weekend Event

Cabot United Church, Cabot , VT. Photo courtesy of Jeannie Johnson.

Provided By Deanna VanSchagen

For more than 100 years, Cabot has hosted an Old Home Week with many different activities throughout the week. Times, commitments and interests have changed over the years and family connections to Cabot are not the same or not there at all. This year, the 109th Old Home Week in Cabot will become a weekend activity. There will be a Flea Market on the Common on August 14 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Many local merchants and organizations will participate. Any flea market vendor or crafts person who is interested in having a space at the Flea Market should contact Pinky at 426-3866 or [email protected]. Rent is $10.00 per space. Cabot United Church will offer lunch as well as a food sale. On Sunday, August 15, the Old Home Sunday church service is at 10:30 a.m., followed by a brunch in the church vestry hosted by the Old Home Days Committee. The Old Home Days Committee is Marvie Domey, Blanche Lamore, Jane McKay, Erma Perry, Pinky Van Schagen and Janet Westervelt. Please feel free to contact any committee member for more information concerning this Old Home Days Weekend. Further events will be taking place that weekend, including Alumni Day (August 14) for the Cabot School, sponsored by the Alumni Association, and the church’s own Old Home Days’ Committee’s Old Home Weekend events.

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Big Hosmer Soccer Camp Celebrates 2010 World Cup

This year's Big Hosmer Soccer Camp will have an international flair as participants, including the coaching staff, celebrate the World Cup."

Craftsbury will again host Big Hosmer Soccer Camp during the week of August 9 through 13. This is the camp’s 31st year. The excitement of Fifa World Cup 2010 has coaches looking forward to the prospect of preparing players for their upcoming season. An experienced staff of 15 coaches will focus on individual player improvement, tactical knowledge and inspiring lifelong appreciation for the game that all countries adore. A World Cup theme will enhance fun at camp. All Players will receive a World Cup shirt and also have a choice of a camp ball. Choices of ball include US, Brazil, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, England or Spain national balls, or a World Cup Jabulani. Camp director/coach Mike Clark is pleased to announce the following staff members: Miles Etter coached the Lyndon State College women to several National Tournament appearances. Mark Kalat is a former Norwich University standout and Twinfield varsity boys coach. Mark May created the foundation for the Stowe varsity boys dynasty and has led Vermont’s Twin State teams to victories three times. Rob Carey is former Vermont Player of the Year, Sunrise Conference MVP and presently Assistant Coach at Lyndon State College. Thom Costello is a Twinfield physical educator who led his 2009 varsity boys to a 11-5 record. Jay Baitz is a physical educator and Central Vermont goalkeeper coach, who will direct the BHSC Goalie Camp. Daniel Etter has recently concluded a successful 4 year career at Guilford College while also coaching at the high school level in the Greensboro, N.C., area. Returning as assistant coaches and presently enjoying college careers are Caleb Clark, Shay Gestal, Thorin Morrow, Jacob Clark and Ana Herzog who hails from Rio DeJaniero, Brazil. Jennie Holloway, Hazen Union standout, two-time NVAC Mountain Division All-League, 2009 All-State and Twin State team member will join the coaching staff this year, as will Sawyer Connelly of Hardwick, who played for Northfield Mount Hermon and was team MVP his senior year. Sawyer will be returning from South Africa soon, where he attended five World Cup games. Big Hosmer Soccer Camp uses the beautiful fields at Craftsbury Common, Sterling College, and Dustan Field. The camp is coed, ages 7 through 17 with six age groups. Ages 7 -8 play together, 9-10 and so on. August 9 through 13, 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., morning play concentrates on technical and tactical skill with afternoon reserved for World Cup game play and some full field action. Guest speakers are featured at the conclusion of each lunch period and the day concludes with a popsicle celebration for everyone. A tuition of $150 includes the camp ball and shirt, and scholarship is available by calling Mike Clark at 563-2216 or email at [email protected]. Mike can also help with carpooling options. Space is still available, so join the fun and give your game some tune-up preparation before the 2010 season.

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Local Recreation Activities

Cabot Historical Society Museum

Main Street, Cabot Telephone: 802-563-3396 Website: www.cabothistory.org The society has restored a one-room schoolhouse, as well as another school which was used as a Good Templars’ Hall. Collections include household furnishings, tools and farming implements, documents from 1800 to 1920, and photographs. Hours and Admission: July 4th, Old Home Week, Fall Foliage Festival, and by appointment.

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

Main & Prospect Streets, St. Johnsbury Telephone: 802-748-2372 Web Address:

www.fairbanksmuseum.org The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium is northern New England’s premier museum of natural history. The Museum was founded in 1889 by St. Johnsbury industrialist Franklin Fairbanks. It includes more than 18,000 square feet of exhibits and 150,000 objects from nature and cultures around the world, including comprehensive collections of northern New England’s birds and wildlife and a spectacular array of large mounted animals. The Museum also features Vermont’s only public planetarium, and the Northern New England Weather Center, from which the popular “Eye on the Sky” weather forecasts are broadcast. The Museum presents extensive school programs in science and history, and hosts school field trips as well. Planetarium shows are held on the weekends September through June, and daily in July and August. Hours: July and August: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Planetarium shows as well, call for details. Admission: Adults, $8, seniors and children age 5 – 17, $6, Children younger than 5 free. Family rate: $20. Planetarium admission: $2. Call to verify hours and schedules, please.

Peacham Historical Association

Peacham Village Telephone: 802-592-3571 A permanent exhibit of tools, a telephone exchange, and items from an old country store are displayed in a threeroom historic house. Archives and the museum library are housed in the former town office. Collections include paintings, photographs, maps, tools, furniture, bottles, costumes, and quilts from 1805 to 1950. Changing exhibits of local artists, including an exhibit celebrating the Library’s 200th anniversary. Hours and Admission: Sundays 2:00

– 4:00 p.m., and by appointment. Open all day during Peacham’s Fall Foliage Day. Donations appreciated.

Boulder Beach State Park

2278 Boulder Beach Rd, Groton Park Phone: 802-584-3823 The day use area has 75 shaded picnic sites with tables and hibachis. All rest rooms have lavatories and flush toilets. There is 200 feet of beach and swimming area, car-top boat launch, play area, shelter with group facilities, three large parking lots, and a concession stand. Hours and admission: Open seven days a week, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. or official sunset. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children.

Barre Pool and Playground 2000

Rotary Park, Barre Telephone: 476-0257 The Barre City Municipal Swimming Pool is located off South Main Street on Parkside Terrace in the City of Barre. There is a large recreational pool with a diving board and water slide that empties into five feet of water. The recently renovated bathhouse is available with restrooms and changing rooms. Hours and admission: Monday through Friday, 12:00 – 4:00. Family nights as well, call for details. $2.00 admission fee for non-residents.

Montpelier Pool and Recreation Facility

Elm Street, Montpelier Phone: 802-223-6829 Located on Elm Street, this park offers something for people of all ages: swim in the municipal pool, play basketball on the lighted, full court with six baskets; play volleyball or baseball on the courts and fields; play tennis; or picnic along the North Branch River. The Skateboard Park is the newest feature and is very popular. Hours and admission: Vary seven days a week, with family and groups swim times. Call for details. $3.00 - $8.00 a person, family rates.

Playgrounds:

Cabot School has a playground (and some garden beds around the elementary buildings that could be weeded). There is another playground between the soccer field and the basketball hoops, up on the hill.

Hardwick Elementary School

has a new playground to check out behind the elementary school on Main Street.

Plainfield has a playground, tennis court, and skateboard park in the Recreation Field. Located downtown behind the baseball field.

Marshfield has a playground with twirling rides found no where else. It is located behind the Jaquith Public Library, so shade can be had indoors with a good book. A lovely bandstand gazebo also offers shade for adults while young people play on the playground.

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Northeast Kingdom Ride the Realm Bike Ride

Green Mountain United Way is ready for its first annual Northeast Kingdom “Ride the Realm” bike ride which will take place on August 21, 2010. Teams and individual riders may choose between two bike routes, both starting and ending at Burke Mountain. The 45 mile loop goes along Route 5 to Barton, around picturesque Lakes Crystal and Willoughby, and back to Burke. The 80 mile loop goes past Barton to Derby Center, by Lakes Salem and Seymour, through Island Pond and back to Burke. Both rides commence at 8:00 a.m. There is a participation fee of $25 for either route.

Sponsors of the ride are Saint Johnsbury Automobile Company, Passumpsic Savings Bank, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and Burke Mountain. Riders may register online at www.BikeReg.com or go to www.gmunitedway.org and click on “GMUW NEK Bike Ride: August 21, 2010.” There will be strategically located rest stops and a free T-shirt for every pre-registered rider. A cool, clear, rain-free day is almost assured. Organizers hope to see many registrants for what will be a fun event.

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Cabot Recreation Department

It’s August, and the Recreation Department is hosting a soccer camp from the 2nd to the 6th at the Recreation Field. 4-7 years and 8-11 yearolds are from 9-11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and twelve and up are 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call Rebecca Nally for information and to register, at 563-3503, or register on the first day. The Recreation Department is also preparing for fall elementary and primary soccer. Preschool to second graders will have a fun soccer skills and games program on Saturdays, and we’re happy to field 3rd/4th and 5th/6th grade boys and girls teams. For information and to register, call Rebecca Nally at 563-3503 or Libby Hale at 563-3226, or find packets of registration forms on the bulletin boards at the Cabot Village Store, Post Office, Town Library, or Town Clerk’s office. Please leave completed registration forms at the Town Clerk’s office or with Libby or Rebecca. If you have soccer experience and you would like to coach or assist or referee, please contact Libby or Rebecca for volunteer application forms. You can register your children at any time during the summer. Note: Please return any Little League shirts to Rebecca or Libby ASAP or at the beginning of school.

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What’s SPEWCH?

Amber Graves and Cynthia Russell began their SPEWCH project on July 13th. That's S for Spruce, P for Pisgah, E for Elmore, W for Worcester, C for Camel's Hump and H for Hunger - six formidable climbs each within a reasonable distance from Cabot. They left Cabot at 9:00 a.m. and at 9:10 the rain began. Cynthia said "Uh oh.” Amber said, "This is good, it'll be more of an adventure." So off they went. The rain held off, and it was mosquitoes that proved to be the annoyance. The trail was wetter than any time in recent history, and a cloud remained around Amber all the way up and back; the only respite was at the top where a welcome breeze kept the evil pests at bay. The trail up was bordered with beautiful wildflowers, among them Vermont's state flower the red clover, yellow Saint John's wort, purple heal-all, pink flowering maple, white blackberry flowers and red raspberries that will provide a lush treat for someone -animal or human - by next week. Further along we came to a slough where the mosquitoes appeared in earnest. Then up through a field of hay scented ferns, through the delicate blooms of wild sorrel and up the rock staircases to the spruce and poplars that grace the top of the mountain. The view to the northwest held a pond that was later identified as Seyon Pond, part of a state retreat. On the way down, a barefoot wood sprite of a boy quietly emerged from the woods and surprised the hikers. Amber named him Mowgli after the jungle boy. The next trek will be more ambitious - up Pisgah. Since it's right next to Willoughby, a deep glacial lake that holds exquisite relief for hikers, a swim may be in order. Stay tuned. With "S" under their belts, the project ahead is renamed "Pewch".

The Cabot Connects Mentoring Program is a project of the Cabot Coalition, which is a prevention program to develop healthy relationships to ensure positive outcomes for youth. We are in need of mentors for a couple of fun, outdoorsy, elementary-aged boys. For more information, please contact Kathleen Hoyne at 563-3338.

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Winooski Sojourn

Friends of the Winooski River, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Winooski River Watershed Basin, hosted their third annual Sojourn, a six-day river trip from Marshfield to Lake Champlain in late June. I had the pleasure of joining them for 2 days of paddling and one overnight. Ann Smith, Executive Director, does a wonderful job organizing the trip, which offers 3 meals every day, daily guest speakers, and assistance with boat portage courtesy of the students of St. Michael’s Wilderness Program. The theme of this year’s trip was the flora and fauna of the Winooski Watershed Basin; the speakers revolved around this topic, as well as having a naturalist along on the trip, giving talks, tips, and pointers along the journey. My portion of the trip started on Friday in Richmond, day 4 of the Sojourn; a warm, sunny day. Fortified by a great breakfast prepared by the Beacon Light Grange and a talk about some of the flora and fauna we’d see, we got underway. That part of the river was calm and flowing swiftly due to the rains on the previous days, so we made good time and enjoyed the sunshine and the vistas from the river. We stopped along the river for a talk about the floodplain forests with Karen Bates of the Department of Environmental Conservation, then a bit further down pulled up to shore for lunch. A bald eagle was spotted several times during the day, seemingly guiding us down the river. Later in the afternoon, we reached our destination of the Essex Dam, where we were met by the volunteers from St. Mike’s who assisted us with our boats. We then proceeded to our campground to pitch our tents, change clothes, and relax for the evening. Dinner was delicious lasagna, rolls, and salad catered by Hoagies, musical entertainment provided by the President of Friends of the Winooski River, Collin McCaffrey, and lots of lively conversation about current events revolving around the Winooski Watershed Basin and other topics of mutual interest. We turned in early, but I did wake at one point during the night to look out of my tent and see the full moon reflected on the swiftly moving river, a beautiful image I will remember for a long time. Saturday morning dawned cloudy, and after a hot breakfast provided by a fellow paddler, we packed up our tents and had an interesting tour of the Essex Dam. Most of the equipment, and the dam itself, are original from its 1915 construction. During the flood of 1927, the entire building was under water, but within 9 months was cleaned up and working again, now providing power to over 4,000 homes in the vicinity. I was quite apprehensive, eyeing the rapids, at the beginning of our journey, but bravely, one by one, we all tackled them. The trip was supported by several ‘safety boaters’, expert paddlers whose job it was to get us out of whatever situation we got ourselves into, and having witnessed their expertise, I would not have felt comfortable on the water without them. Happily, we all came through the rapids without major incident, other than getting soaked a time or two. There were several areas of turbulence after that, as well as miles of flat water, and a bit of rain. Although our safety-boaters claimed they were only Class 1-2 rapids, I felt like I’d conquered major whitewater! We passed through Lime Kiln Gorge that day, the only major gorge on the Winooski that has not been dammed. It was an amazing sight, and while one can get a view from the overhead bridge, there is no comparison to seeing it from the river. By mid-afternoon, we had reached our take-out at the Winooski Gorge Dam. Having paddled in wet clothes all day after our rapids experience, and the rain, we were all glad to get to our campsite and a dry change of clothes. Showers were available at the Winooski YMCA, after which some of us explored town, and we all met back for dinner at the O’Brien Community Center for a groupprepared dinner of burritos and a talk by author and photographer Susan Morse on Mammals of the Winooski. This paddler then headed for home, while the through-paddlers headed back to camp to complete their journey the next day into Lake Champlain. This was an extraordinary adventure that I could not have done on my own. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to join Friends of the Winooski River to experience the river from a unique perspective. I would highly recommend this to anyone with river paddling experience, but it’s not for divas or beginners: some of the put-ins and take-outs are steep and rocky, there are some rapids, and it goes rain or shine. You must have your own equipment, river paddling ability, a rugged outlook, and a sense of humor. You can join the group for one day, two, or the entire 6 days, and know that any proceeds from this event go to keeping the river that runs through our town clean, safe, and viable for future generations. For more information about the Sojourn or Friends of the Winooski River, go to http://www.winooskiriver.org.

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Venture Vermont 2010 Outdoor Challenge

Looking for something fun to do this summer?

Venture Vermont makes it easy!

You and your family earn points by doing fun outdoor activities from our score sheet.

You take photographs of your activities to keep track of what you've done.

When you reach 250 points, send us your score sheet, photos, artwork and writing.

Upon completion, you will receive a Gold VIP pass for Vermont State Parks, giving you FREE entry into the parks for all of this season and all of next!

You'll never run out of fun ideas for things to do and you and your family will have a blast!

Entries must be received by October 15, 2010

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LIBRARY CORNER. From The Cabot Public Library

Programs Thanks for coming to the Cabot Public Library for our summer programs! Forty-eight youths signed up for our summer reading programs, Make a Splash! Read! or Make Waves at Your Library. They have been receiving Tshirts (thanks to a generous donation from The Cabot Creamery) and various prizes for their efforts. Patrons of all ages have enjoyed the variety of evening programs, including music, magic and natural history. We’ve visited with live turtles, salamanders and the VINS presenter’s pet iguana of seventeen years. There was standing room only one hot summer evening in July, as Cabot’s own Katie Trautz played folk music on guitar and fiddle. Angella Gibbons took us down to the Winooski River where a deer skull was found, as well as some very wet kids. At the time of this writing we are looking forward to piano music from Cody Michaels and magic from our old favorite, Tom Joyce. If you have any particular suggestions for next summer, please let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

Book Reviews

Part of our reading program was the option to write a book review. We had two young patrons take us up on this offer and their reviews are reprinted below. The originals also have wonderful drawings. Please visit us at the Library to see them.

By Isabel, age 8 How to Train and Keep a Dragon by John Topsell This book tells you about all the Dragon species. And how to get a Dragon. It tells you how to care for your Dragons. I loved the drawings! I liked learning about new Dragons! It was a great book. By Desiree, age 9 Puppies Need Someone to Love by P. Mignon Hinds In Puppies Need Someone to Love it’s telling that they, too, need someone to love. In the book it say[s] you have to feed them in small meals. When puppies are just born they need milk from their mothers. When your dog does something good or bad give them a hug or tap them on the nose and say no bad dog. If you walk in the cities [or] towns puppies should be on a leash. You should get your puppies checkups time to time.

Michelle Delaney, adult Born to Run by Christopher McGougall Explore the world of running from a very different perspective. Christopher McDougall tells a compelling story in Born to Run, based on his time with the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's Copper Canyons. He sites research, history, and science to call into question our modern American beliefs about running. It is a fascinating book written in a story format that runners and nonrunners alike will enjoy.

Special Notice:

We will be closed the week of August 22nd to August 28th. We are hoping to rearrange the desk in preparation for going LIVE with our new automation system. We are also going to clean up little pockets of accumulated clutter.

Reminders: There are no programs or story hours for the month of August.

Summer Hours – End August 21st.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 9 onward.

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SENIOR NEWS Twin Valley Senior Center

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller Twin Valley Seniors once again is not alone and we are so very fortunate to have Mildred Hopkins of Plainfield care and do so much for the center. Mildred made this queen size quilt she has donated to the center to help raise needed operating funds. The quilt is beautiful with the bright and sunny colors of lavender, green, gold and squares of beautiful pastel colored flowers. Staff, Board of Directors and Volunteers will be selling tickets on the quilt to be given to some lucky winner this fall. Tickets will be $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Tickets can also be purchased through the center by calling 426-3447. So please be kind and help us raise money by purchasing tickets for the quilt. Meals are served at Twin Valley Senior Center Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon. Meals are also delivered to home bound residents on these days. They receive a hot meal on delivery day and frozen (microwavable) meals for the days that the center is closed. We presently are delivering 150 meals weekly, which are prepared by the center cook Waneta Mayhew and volunteers. There is a staff of volunteers that package, label and seal the meals. There are volunteers that pack the meals plus milk in insulated hot and cold delivery bags for the delivery drivers. We have 5 delivery volunteer drivers that take the meals to the homes, which enables them to also have contact on the well being of the recipients. The center suggests a donation of $4.00 per meal at the center as well as the home delivered. As Helen Keller said: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” It takes many hands to run the center site and Meals on Wheels program, so please, if you have a couple of hours a week, consider volunteering with us to take care of our aging population in our communities, as they so deserve to be able to stay at home. Do not forget the Senior Center when harvesting your gardens. Donations are greatly appreciated, as it helps with food costs. Vegetables, which are so very important to meet the nutritional requirements for seniors, are best when fresh. Anyone interested in volunteering at the center, or with any questions about operations or programming, should call 426-3447.

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Friends of Cabot Library News

August 2010 The Friends of the Library hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the great Vermont summer this year. The Friends have had a busy start to the summer with the very successful Cabot Blooms Garden Tour in June and the July 4th Book Sale, which was the most profitable to date. They thank the community for its continued support of this event. The loyal group of volunteers had a wonderful day seeing friends and neighbors, and meeting new acquaintances. It proved to be a fun day for all involved. The next planned event will be a Book Sale table on the Green at the upcoming Old Home Days, Saturday, August 14. The Friends of the Library hope visitors stop by to see the newest selection of quality used books and DVDs. People can buy a “Friends” book bag, become a member of the group, or just pick up a new movie or novel to see a read through the rest of the summer. Everyone hopes for good weather. Anyone with books, movie DVDs, music CDs, or audio books they wish to donate to the events should call the library to arrange for a member to come do a book review and pick-up. Community donations are what make these events so successful. Come join the group and/or share suggestions at a meeting, which take place on the second Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Willey Building meeting room. The Friends of the library would love to hear new ideas for events and fundraisers.

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CABOT AND BEYOND Traveling Bumblebees Bring Trouble Home

By Kent McFarland There has been a lot of bad buzz about bee populations lately, mostly about the decline of European honeybees that are used across North America to help pollinate everything from California almonds to Maine blueberries. Scientists coined the phenomenon colony collapse disorder (CCD), and have since identified a variety of culprits, including pathogens, toxins, and stressful apicultural practices. But while CCD focused scientists and the public on the threat to honeybees, a non-native species originally imported from Europe in the 17th century, some native bees appear to be in serious trouble, too. These natives are often highly specialized and efficient foragers that are important pollinators for tomatoes, cucumber, squash, berries, and fruit orchards. Across the United States, these native pollinators annually contribute an estimated $3 billion worth of crop pollination. In the late 1990’s, bee biologists started to notice a decline in the abundance and distribution of several bumblebee species, and in the Northeast, there appeared to be a sudden, rangewide decline in numbers. Leif Richardson, a biologist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, was concerned. Because there was no data on bumblebee populations in the region, Richardson visited the insect collections at the University of Vermont and other institutions to examine past records of bumblebee abundance. Richardson found that students had commonly collected one species, the rusty-patched bumblebee, in the 1960s and 1970s but that, despite searching for them, no rusty-patched specimen has been found in Vermont in recent years. What was among the most common bumblebee species of fields, farms, and gardens is just about completely gone. Because the rusty-patched bumblebee disappeared, so did the Ashton cuckoo bumblebee. Cuckoo bumblebees are antisocial bees that parasitize other bumblebee colonies. They infiltrate a rival queen’s colony, enslave the workers, and use them to feed the cuckoo’s young. The Ashton cuckoo specializes in parasitizing the nests of rusty-patched bumblebees. As the host disappears, so goes the parasite. Bumblebees are excellent pollinators of greenhouse-grown tomatoes and other plants, and this may be where some of the trouble began. In order to increase crop production, especially in greenhouse-grown tomatoes that don’t benefit from wind for natural pollination, farmers release common Eastern bumblebees into their greenhouses. As it happens in these days of global trade, many of these native American bees are actually hatched and raised in Europe before being exported back home. While in Europe, some of the queens were infected by intestinal parasites common to native European bumblebees, and those parasites came to North America on the homeward journey. Some of the imported and infected bumblebees escaped from the greenhouses where they were working and came into contact with wild bumblebeespopulations, transmitting the parasites to them. In 2006, Sheila Colla, a doctoral student at York University in Toronto, and colleagues captured native bumblebees at varying distance from commercial greenhouses where bumblebees were being used. They found that native bees captured close to these greenhouses were much more likely to be infected with introduced parasites than those captured far away. The common Eastern bumblebee is a host that isn’t affected by these parasites. It can, however, carry them and pass them onto other bumblebees. Short -tongued bumblebees, such as rustypatched and yellow-banded bumblebees, appear to be especially sensitive to these introduced parasites, and this may explain the decline in wild populations. Introduced parasites are not the only problem facing our native bumblebees. Habitat loss and land fragmentation, planting of monocultures, and urbaniza- Classified ads are 10 cents per word, for a minimum of $2 (not including help wanted or employment classifieds).

For full details, see our media kit at or contact us at 563-3338.

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