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

Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

May 2011 · 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 May 2011 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

CANDIDATE CAMEOS

This month’s Cabot Cameos features our Selectboard candidates. Each candidate was asked to write about themselves within the framework of the following questions: Describe yourself. How long have you lived in Cabot? Why are you running for a seat at this time? Have you run before? What strengths would you bring to the Selectboard?

What do you hope to accomplish as a Selectboard member? What do you want the voters of Cabot to know about you?

↑ contents

Jackie Folsom (1 year term)

My name is Jackie Folsom, and my husband and I have lived on our farm on Route 2 since 1985. We moved here with our son and daughter and have been milking cows and making hay (on our lands and local rented land) in Cabot since then. I have been actively involved in the community in a variety of jobs, including Town Clerk and Treasurer, School Bookkeeper and Transportation Advisory Committee Representative. I am running for Selectboard at this time to offer some diversity of area on the board; there has not been anyone representing the east side of Cabot since Glenn Goodrich was a member. I also think I have some great background for the office, as I've worked for the Town and the School before and have taken an active part in road issues for many years. We also utilized the UDAG funds when they were in the hands of the Town and our farm benefitted greatly from that investment. I have not been available to run previously, since my jobs after leaving the Clerk's office have involved extensive travel and schedules that kept me out of town. Because I have been Town Clerk, I feel I have the experience to help work on budgets and interact with our citizens. I believe in working as a team, not just with the others on the Selectboard and the town employees, but with the wide and astonishing variety of wonderful volunteers that keep our town running. I would like to make sure the Town Plan is developed and adopted soon, enabling Cabot to look to the future with specific guidelines that will encourage community development and our rural economy. I plan on gaining a better understanding of the Fire Department's concern with the road criteria and hope to assist in making a decision that will work for the Fire Department, as well as future growth in town. And, I would like to make sure the UDAG funds are working in a manner that will enable all Cabot residents to access those funds with ease and economic benefit, as well as continued use of the interest for grants to community organizations. I was the last Town Clerk elected from the floor of Town Meeting, and the first required to petition onto an Australian ballot; with the help of the Selectboard at that time, we computerized the office and updated payroll and accounts payable. We also began the discussions which resulted in the new and much improved clerk's office in the new space. I believe I brought accessibility and a userfriendly attitude to the position serving as your clerk. I hope you will vote for me to bring these positive experiences to the Selectboard on May 3rd.

↑ contents

Allan Perry (2 year term)

My name is Allan Perry and I’ve lived in Cabot all my life. I live at 1529 Whittier Hill Road and I’ve been a dairy farmer for 15 years, Cabot Road Commissioner for nine years, and worked at the highway department for 15 years. I’ve run for Select Board before – ran in 2004. Basically, I’m just not happy with the way the town is being run; the Highway Department has issues that need to be dealt with. I’d like to see a job description for the new Road Commissioner. A Commissioner was appointed recently in executive session – it’s time we had a job description. I can bring common sense to the Select Board. I’m also good with money and I’ve had those 15 years experience with the highway department. There are some major expenditures we need to make; we need a new road grader, new rubber tire backhoe and we need a new highway garage. I’m not happy with the different proposals for the garage I’ve heard; we already own a piece of property that is a very suitable site. Most of the voters of Cabot do know me; I’ve been here all my life. My advice is get out and vote. You hear a lot of griping, but no one wants to get out and come to meetings, and to vote. If more people would come to meetings, we’d like to see that. There are a lot of troubling issues that are bringing out some folks, more need to come out. So, come out and vote.

↑ contents

Dan Dunham (1 year term)

My name is Dan Dunham. I am 31 years old and have lived in Cabot for 20 years. I am a selfe mployed building contractor and father of two young boys. The reason that I am running for selectboard is to represent a portion of the 1200 people, who call Cabot their home. The reason that I haven’t run before now is that I was not in a point in my life where I thought that I could feel totally involved. I work and communicate well with others. I like to view all angles and scenarios before coming to a solution. I would like to learn the ropes before setting goals as an individual board member. What I would like Cabot people to know about me is that I do not plan on leaving Cabot in years to come. This is my home and I would like to be part of the decision-making process to insure that Cabot stays Cabot.

↑ contents

Judy Pransky (2 year term)

My name is Judy Pransky and I have lived in Cabot since 1974. I am an educator and business owner. I am running for the Select Board because I believe strongly in community and the importance of citizen government and responsible participation. I have thought of becoming more involved again in town government and I feel that the time is right for me. And though I am a busy person, I get things done because I love the challenge of creating solutions. I have always been active in our community, from cupcakes at the 4th of July to roasting turkeys and serving at Fall Foliage Dinner. When my children attended Cabot School I worked on many study committees and helped to create the Enrichment Program. I have served on and chaired the Board of Adjustment and am a founding member and current President of Cabot Commons Senior Housing. My experience for the past 26 years has been running my child care centers, including Camp Laughing Turtle, which relocated to Cabot in 1992, from Emerson Falls in St. Johnsbury. In 1984 I built Emerson Falls Hydro, Inc., a electricity generating facility on the Sleepers River at Emerson Falls in St. Johnsbury. I currently serve as President of Vermont Independent Power Producers Association and am involved in the day to day operations of EFHI as well as the larger issues of energy policy and renewable production on a state level as we move into the future and toward a greener energy economy. There are many issues pending which are either currently before the town or will certainly be on the table in the near future: completing and approving Cabot's Municipal Plan, addressing infrastructure critical to operations and safety as we consider replacement and/or relocation of vital community buildings and services, looking into the future with an eye toward supporting existing businesses and creating new economic opportunties in Cabot. These will all be high on my "to do" list. For example, the Town Garage has needed attention for years and a new look at consolidating town resources and services is on the agenda. I'd love to be a part of resolving the issue of in-town parking by considering the realities, the alternatives and possible solutions by working together to create and implement a plan for solving the problem. I will bring myself up to speed and be ready to take on the responsibilities of the Select Board and I will make a strong and abiding committment to listen and respond to the concerns of the citizens of Cabot. The strength of a community is best represented by the people willing to put forth the effort to keep it strong. That participation is not only valuable, but necessary in every aspect of community.

↑ contents

Green Up Day - May 7

By Gary Gulka Green Up Day is Saturday, May 7 from 9 am to 2 pm. This is the day to help clean up our town roads. After a long winter all of our roads need some attention. Each Green Up Day we clean up a significant portion of Cabot’s 50-plus miles of paved and unpaved roads. We need your help to accomplish this. Work by yourself –or form a group to clean a road section – or work with your neighbors to divide and conquer. Some residents get out picking up trash sometime during the week before Green Up Day when it is convenient, and bring the roadside trash down to the Fire Station on Green Up Day. Green Up trash bags will be available at Harry’s Hardware the week before and also at the Fire Station on Saturday morning where roadside trash can be brought. The Cabot Conservation Committee will have a map at the Fire Station to keep track of roads that have been cleaned, and can direct you to roads that need cleaning. Only roadside trash will be accepted.

There will also be tire collection for a reasonable fee at the Fire Station. Various size tires can be taken with or without rims. There will be no scrap metal collec-

contact Gary Gulka (563-2284).

↑ contents

COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP

By Staff Writer UNITED CHURCH OF CABOT

Chronicle: What is your group’s name and mission?

UCC: United Church of Cabot. We‘re a Christian congregation, worshipping in the traditions of the United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ (Congregational), that welcomes all people, no matter who they are or where they are on life’s journey, to gather and worship and learn with us in faith in Christ. Our mission is to live a life of communion with God, others and nature in Christ, through acceptance of grace, commitment to working for peace and justice in our community and world, and sharing the hope, joy and enduring strength we find in relationship with God.

Chronicle: What do you and your volunteers do?

UCC: We gather together for worship and fellowship each week. We offer Bible study, special services and activities, music performances, community space, community dinners, elder activities, wedding and funeral services and receptions, and support for community food shelves and charities.

Chronicle: When do you meet?

UCC: Weekly services are held at 10 a.m. Sundays, lasting approximately an hour, and are followed by an informal time of fellowship over coffee and snacks.

Chronicle: Where do you meet?

UCC: At the United church of Cabot, 2 common Way, Cabot, VT.

Chronicle: How does someone get involved?

UCC: Come to Sunday service, to any advertised church activity, call the church phone, 563-2278. and leave a message to talk with the pastor, Laura Cadmus, or talk with any member or friend of the church.

Chronicle: What else would you like our readers to know?

UCC: We are an open and inclusive church that professes the unconditional, yet demanding love of God who is still speaking through the inspired Living Word of the Bible. We aspire to worship and study and gather with the fullness of our knowledge, reason, experience, emotions and sensibilities because we understand that faith is far more than belief and is strengthened only in the honest sharing of our questions, doubts, struggles, experiences, hopes and joys with God and one another. We’re community a of diverse interests, experiences, ages, professions and opinions; we work hard and we like to have fun together and we support each other in faith as we stumble through life’s ups and downs.. We enjoy meeting new people and invite you to stop in whether you’re passing through or looking for a place to land. Please join us and come just as you are.

↑ contents

Larry Gochey - Retired Selectman Extraordinaire

By Julia Shipley Why is the community important

to you? My mother and father lived here all their life. I like my town, maybe more than anyone else. Back then you knew all the people. I sold newspapers, called Grit, door to door, and it got so here at this place I got raised donuts, and then I’d go to the next door and here I got some pie, and then this place had cakes, and then I’d get to Mrs. Tebbets and she made it all, she’d have a table with everything, all of it: donuts, pies and cakes all laid out. Selling Grit, I got to knowing people. Eleanor Blondin and I-- we were neighbors for 63 years! before I moved to where I am now. So, I saw that things weren’t the way they used to be and I wanted to help the town, so I became a selectman for fifteen years, because I like my town, it’s got nice people.

What accomplishments are you

proudest of? Well, I think this sign says a lot. [plaque reads] : USDA Rural Development Vermont recognizes Town of Cabot for extraordinary community leadership and Volunteerism in planning and building your new community wastewater system August 3, 2002. We got that sewer put in, and it was not easy, and now it comes up here, and Danville Hill, and Whittier Hill, it’s not just down town. And I wanted to get nice guard-rails. They HaUR @aNaRJ wanted to put in those aluminum ones on the bridge, but I wanted nice ones and I finally got them, and before they gave it to me I said, “Well, how about a light? You’ve got a light.” [Montpelier has lights shining on their bridge], and they said Ok, we’ll give you one light, but you’ll have to come up with the other one. So we’ve got the lights.

I think of it as my bridge as I clean the bridge off with soap and water in the spring. And the flowers around town—I like the way the town looks when I put them in. And the signs—I wanted people coming to town to see them, people coming through, going to the Creamery. It got expensive--the first quote was just for the sign, didn’t include the posts or the other part of the sign, which we needed to add because we’d won state championships… I got Pike Industries to pave the front driveway of the school so there wouldn’t be so much dust—and it didn’t cost us anything. And we had sidewalks growing up, but over time we lost them, so we got them back. And the ball field, the kids needed a place so they can play, because when they’re there playing sports they’re not getting into trouble. And the pond at my old house, I stocked it with fish, so kids could fish—that’s what it was all about. They could take four, and that was the limit. As Road Commissioner, I’ve gotten the town four bridge grants, a flood grant, three blacktopping grants and a sidewalk grant.

What’s it like to hold a public

office? I still remember Old Wesley Talbert saying, “You folks are going to tax us right out of town!” People want their roads plowed, but it costs money. Our town is very lucky. There are days that it’s not fun. The Selectman, the Road Commissioner… it’s not a good job..you’ve got so many offices..some days I just couldn’t stand it—especially in the Spring with the roads. The road crew would be workin’ so hard and still some people would be complaining.

Does it hurt your business?

They’re not customers, they’re friends. Yeah, it’s hurt my business some. That’s small-town living.

What changes do you see coming

that are hopeful? I hope they get water in Lower Cabot and I hope that the people will fight to keep the school.

Do you have any unfinished

business? It hasn’t been easy—I had a massive heart attack, my wife and son didn’t want me to run. I started to and then I ripped the ballot up…but I miss it…because I try to make a difference.

↑ contents

Cabot, Our Town

In his book, You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon, but Get Lost at the Mall, Colin Ellard writes about the human superpower of imagining the perspective, the look of things, from a place where our body is not. In other words, we could be sitting in the kitchen and also effectively drawing a detailed map of our garden, envisioning which crops go in which bed. He says, “Our ability to abstract ourselves from our current spatial context, to close our eyes and to visualize ourselves in some other space…is probably a uniquely human thing.” And then along comes google -earth, and now we can really be in the kitchen and, say, ten miles over rural Scotland in an even more dualistic existence. How does being here, and there, at the same time create or confound a sense of place? Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee) Galloway- Kane, who grew up in East Hardwick, has been working on a series of watercolor paintings, called Places I Love, inspired by Google-Earth images. The project began when she wanted to give her brother a birthday present. He’d recently returned from Findhorn in Scotland and loved it there. So she Google-Earthed Scotland, and painted the land of Findhorn from a cirrus cloud’s-eye view. He loved the painting and she discovered she loved the process of making this work, so she painted other places that mattered to her friends and family, and then gave them that “piece” of their favorite place. Eventually she realized she wanted to paint the places She Loved, which became the title of her show mounted at the Buffalo Mountain Coop Café back in February. These images included views of where she grew up; East Hampton, NY where her family used to visit; Minneapolis, where she went to school; and North Hampton, MA where she’s finishing college now. The images she paints are anywhere from 10 to 20 miles above the landscape, which she says, “is kind of fascinating, because you can’t necessarily see all the roads and all the houses… but you can still tell what some of the buildings are.” The technology of Google-Earth offers us a new way of relating to land—our facile access to this overview perspective of landscapes used to be solely the domain of pilots. My brother has been using Google-Earth to keep tabs on the land where our family house sold and was torn down for more housing. When I tell Ceilidh this she admits, “It’s a little bit creepy,” but she too checks up on a place in Friendship, ME that her family used to visit that has since become a condo. She concedes, “We have strong feelings for places, and our relationships with houses are powerful”

“Everyone has a different tie—and whatever that tie is—it explains a lot,” she said of her college friend who came to visit where Ceilidh grew up. “Oh, now I get it,” the friend said once she arrived and experienced the look and feel of northern Vermont, “Now I understand why you are the way you are.” Ceilidh says, “You get to know a lot about a person when you see their room, meet their parents, or see where they’re from. Vermont is such an open nurturing spacious place. I think it definitely makes an impact on who we are.” The title of her art show could have easily been, What is home? or Where is home? Because, as she says, she acclimatizes very quickly to her new surroundings, to each new place she lives, and yet, she viscerally knows the emotion of “missing home.” When she painted this Google-Earth image of Cabot, she said that the very act of making it brought back memories of driving through Cabot, visiting the Creamery, and playing soccer in the field. When asked, So, how does a specific locale make it into the “Places I Love” category? Ceilidh says it’s the feeling, “Not the physicality, but what the place makes you feel. Maybe it’s that you discovered a part of yourself there, or have family history there, or had a series of very small instances where you shared yourself with other people…but we can’t really ever “have” a place that we’re not in—well, you can have souvenirs, and photographs, but all you really have are the feelings and memories that place evokes--it makes you feel sort of helpless really, to just own a place in your head, but it’s also kind of nice to think you can.” Ellard concludes his chapter on “Muddled Maps in Human Minds” with the idea that, “This freeing of our mind from the trappings of physical space… has helped make us into beings unique among all living things… because we can imagine ourselves being elsewhere.” And thanks to Google-Earth, Ceilidh’s painting, and this innate capacity to be in more than one place, this means we can be standing solidly on Cabot soil while simultaneously twenty miles above it. Note: Ceilidh Galloway-Kane is from East Hardwick Vermont and is finishing up her undergraduate degree in Art History and Museum Studies at Smith College.She has been working on google earth inspired watercolors off and on over the past four years. If you would like to talk more with Ceilidh about her work or commission a work please email her at [email protected].

↑ contents

Provender Farm

Provender Farm is gearing up for their first growing season on Menard Road in Cabot. They are a diverse farm focusing on producing organic vegetables, eggs, poultry, sap, small fruits, mushrooms and meat. Provender Farm is owned and operated by Dawn Andrews formerly of Morrisville, her son Jonah Bourne and Lindsey Scott. Jonah is also the co-owner of WoodBelly Pizza, a mobile pizza oven that travels to Farmer's Markets and catered events. Provender Farm is a unique and special place with its array of formal and vegetable gardens, orchards, greenhouses, a koi pond, a sugarbush and rock work created by the previous owner, Henry Menard. This year, Provender Farm is teaming with Riverside Farm of East Hardwick, a certified organic and long established vegetable farm, offering CSA shares. CSA stands for Community Shared Agriculture. CSA shares allow community members to buy a share of the harvest. Members receive a diverse array of vegetables each week directly from the farms for 18 weeks. The vegetables are harvested on the same day as member pick up days, which reduces the loss of nutrients and highlights their natural delicious flavors. Items you will enjoy from the share may include spinach, salad greens, spicy radishes, crisp peas, beans, zucchini, juicy cucumbers, sweet corn, heads of broccoli, cabbage, kale, red ripe tomatoes, peppers, gold and red onions, beets, potatoes, buxom squash, savory herbs, cut flowers and so much more! Buying a share is easy and very affordable. You will receive organic produce below retail price and payment plans are available. To find out more about the CSA, to purchase eggs, or to schedule a visit to the farm contact Lindsey at 274-1067, or email [email protected]. Also, check out woodbellypizza.com and Provender Farm on facebook to view pictures of the gardens.

↑ contents

CARVED BEAR RAFFLE

Congratulations to J. Barnes of Wheelock who is the lucky winner of the bear wood carving. Thank you to everyone who supported the Cabot Chronicle by buying a ticket.

↑ contents

Local Girl Takes Third Place In Fit And Healthy Video Challenge

Helen Johnston, of Cabot, took third place in the Move More category of the 2011 Fit & Healthy Kids Winter Challenge with a video entitled Be Fit, Have Fun!

↑ contents

Planning Commission to Wrap Up Town Plan in May

By Irene Nagle After over a year of work, which has involved two resident surveys, a townwide visioning meeting and several public work sessions on each of the elements of the Town Plan, the Planning Commission will be putting the finishing touches on the draft Town Plan in May before the complete document is presented at a formal public hearing. The Town Plan, which should be updated every 5 years, is an opportunity to take stock of the community’s assets, including natural resources, town facilities, housing, historic resources and human services. It also serves as an aspirational blueprint for the town, guiding the town towards its ideal future. The vision statement prepared by the Planning Commission, which takes into account the many suggestions and sentiments expressed at the town-wide visioning session in September 2010, provides the basis for all the recommendations contained in the Town Plan. The final draft of the Town Plan will include photographs that illustrate key locations, resources and scenic vistas throughout Cabot. Contributions by the public of photos, in either digital or paper format, are welcomed by the Planning Commission. Any questions regarding the status of the Town Plan can be directed to Gary Gulka, Planning Commission Chair via the Town Clerk’s office or by email to [email protected].

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

↑ contents

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

By Kitty Toll The 2012 state fiscal year budget is the fourth in a series of difficult budgets brought on by the recession. The $4.7 billion budget is 3.6% lower than last year’s total. Revenues are beginning to rise, however it is a slow climb. For the past three fiscal years Vermont has received federal stimulus funds for job creation, to help with the state’s infrastructure and to keep needed services for Vermonters who need them. This year, there were no stimulus funds available to bridge a $176 million gap between projected revenues and expenditures. Since 2009, there have been over $263 million in cuts and more than 700 state jobs eliminated. Difficult decisions had to be made to balance the 2012 budget. The Governor’s proposals were carefully reviewed by the House Appropriations Committee and modifications were made to lessen the impact on cuts to Vermonters. Highlights and key proposed changes to the Governor’s recommendation include:

• Adding back $4.5 million in state spending, reducing Human Services cuts from $43.8 million to $39.3 million. This change brings in $4.8 million in additional net federal funds.

• Restoring half the proposed reduction to services for frail and elderly and developmentally disabled.

• Restoring half the proposed reduction for Mental Health services.

• Not merging Catamount into VHAP, mitigating the reduced reimbursement rate to doctors and hospitals.

• Restoring 25% of school Student Assistance Professionals (SAPs), totally eliminated in the Governor’s recommended budget

• Replacing $1.7 million ARRA funding for homelessness prevention with general funds

• Funding 300 additional childcare subsidized slots to enable Vermonters to enter the labor force

• Funding for increased enrollment in Dr. Dynasaur and VHAP

• Maintaining a 5% salary reduction for legislators in FY 2012.

• Restoring $82,000 for operation of the conservation districts.

• Funding five vacant game wardens positions.

• Reserving up to $3.6 million of potential federal enhanced Medicaid payments in the caseload reserve as an offset for potential federal funds reductions.

• Maintaining stabilization reserve funds at the required statutory levels. These changes were found possible while still keeping the budget in balance and passed out of the Appropriations Committee with a unanimous vote in favor with 1 absent. The full House passed the bill with bi-partisan support. This year the Legislature was given the opportunity to consider a Capital Bill appropriating capital funds for a two year period. This is a temporary move to accelerate construction dates of larger projects and expedite job creation. This two year initiative will be evaluated carefully for effectiveness. The total funds to be expended on the state’s capital projects in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 are $153 million.

Clara Mueller-Harder, Governor Shumlin and Kitty Toll’ There is good news for the Cabot, Danville and Twinfield schools. The House passed funding for the state share of completed school construction projects in the Capital Bill. In 2012, towns will receive 25% of the balance owed and will be paid an additional 25% of the new balance in 2013. The Capital Bill also passed the House with bi-partisan support and is now in the Senate for consideration. The Transportation Bill passed the House and has been moved to the Senate for additional review. The total budget of both federal and state funds for transportation projects is $554 million. This includes $335 million for highway infrastructure projects and $44 million for town highway aid programs. Once again, this bill passed the House with bi-partisan support. More good news, this time from the Secretary of the Administration’s Office. The general fund revenues are ahead of target and revenues are 8.87% ahead of fiscal year 2010. This increase helped to close the February year to date shortfall. It was a pleasure to have Clara Mueller-Harder spend a day with me at the Capitol to learn more about state government and to witness democracy in action. Vermont is one of few states where the Capitol building is completely open to the public and one can run into the Governor in a hallway or eating breakfast in the cafeteria. We are truly a unique state. To read the bills in their entirety as presented for debate, please visit the state’s legislative website at www.leg.state.vt.us. Please feel free to contact me anytime to share your thoughts: State House: 828.2228, Ho me : 684.3671, Email: [email protected] Mail: PO Box 192, Danville, VT 05828.

↑ contents

OBITUARIES

Wanda “Sandy” McKinney (nee Sandefur), born on February 20, 1925 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Mildred Chew Carradine and Julian Sandefur, passed away in Silver City, New Mexico on March 29, 2011. She was predeceased by two husbands, Friend Cheadle Van Fleet III and John Reynolds McKinney and her son Jalal McKinney. She is survived by her children Janet Van Fleet of Cabot, Vermont, Gail Simms of Gidgegannup, Western Australia, and Sean Matthew McKinney of Belvidere, New Jersey, as well as 8 grandchildren and her companion of 20 years, Richard Fox. Sandy lived in central Vermont in the late 1970’s with her daughter Janet Van Fleet, later working as a type composer for the World and living in Plainfield and studying at Goddard. She passed through many phases, and at each turning she reinvented herself in a lifelong quest for understanding. She was a navy wife, a medical Cabot Coalition’s youth groups attended Prevention Day at the State House on April 19. Both the KAPOW! (Junior High) and CYA (Senior High) students testified about their personal experiences involved in prevention to the Senate Human Services committee. They were introduced and welcomed in the House of Representatives and later lunched with Representative Kitty Toll and Senator Bill Doyle. From the top left: Mike Garfield, Becky Blaisdell, Donovan Bigelow. From front left: Shelby Maurice, Gala Morse, Senator Doyle, Clementine O’Connor, Megan Walker and Maya Morse.

↑ contents

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

A son, Owen James Maxfield, on March 8 to Fawn (Wells) and Zebulon Maxfield.

A son, Caleb Edward Scribner, on March 16 to Tricia (Nunn) and Eric Scribner.

↑ contents

Tarantula in the Toilet Reflections on the Belize Trip

By Jeanne Johnson Eleven Cabot Marine Biology and Cultural Anthropology students and five adults (two teachers and three parent chaperones) spent four days exploring sea life and four days learning about the rain forest and Mayan culture in Belize. I was privileged to be one of the chaperones. For the Marine Biology work, we spent a lot of time in the water. Everyone snorkeled, and several chose to SCUBA dive (SCUBA = self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). After the first day of snorkeling exploration, the Cabot kids documented 39 identifiable species. After day and night diving in several locations, the list increased to at least 80. Students assessed coral health and their data will contribute to a global initiative, a research database called “Coral Watch” (see www.Coral Watch.org). We saw barracuda, angel fish, sting rays, jellyfish and hermit crabs tiny to huge, up close and personal in our marine life exploration. In the rain forest, we explored dry caves on foot and swam through wet caves 1,200 feet below ground. A native Mayan showed us how he built his house from nearby forest materials, strapping timbers together and splitting palm branches to create the thatched roof. He and his family demonstrated weaving and coloring baskets, carving rosewood, mahogany and maya wood bowls, making rings from cohune palm nuts, and traditional embroidery. They made local dishes using cocoa beans and locally-ground corn meal. The students interviewed Mayan natives, including two generations of one family, and learned what it’s like growing up Mayan and their concerns for the future. The Cabot students chose individual research topics, and each was able to converse with a Mayan about their project. Our last stop was the Belize Zoo, where we saw nocturnal animals during a nighttime tour. We hugged a boa constrictor and touched a jaguar, a puma, an ocelot and a tapir (the national animal of Belize). We saw a Harpy Eagle and cringed at the intimidating screeches of howler monkeys. Briefed constantly on safety procedures to avoid personal injury or damage to the environment, we were advised to wear sunscreen everywhere, use bug spray in the rain forest, never “go vertical” near a reef to avoid damaging sensitive coral, and always look carefully for creatures in dark spaces to avoid being bitten or stung. The value of that advice was proven the first night in the rain forest, when word went around there was a tarantula in the toilet. Turns out it was just a very large and hairy spider, but nobody forgot to check after that. It was an amazing experience, and I thank Cabot teachers for making it possible. Lee Penniman and Michael Crocker lead the group. The kids worked hard and were great representatives of Cabot, but the trip requires even more energy, knowledge, attention and dedication from the teachers to make it the rich, varied, challenging yet safe experience that it is. I thank them, and Helen Morrison, too, whose previous leadership in this endeavor deserves recognition.

↑ contents

NATIONAL EMS WEEK 2011

Every year in May a week is dedicated to celebrating the EMS community by recognizing those among us that put their lives foremost to help people in need of emergency medical services. It doesn’t stop there. EMS personnel all over the country take time out of their schedules to teach the general public about topics as CPR, Safety, Preventative strategies for personal health, and other topics to keep the public informed. This year, May 18th is dedicated to children. Cabot Ambulance personnel would like to encourage parents, young and old alike, to teach your children about CPR. It’s never too early to teach them how they could save a life using CPR techniques. Following you’ll find other suggestions on how to keep your children or grandchildren safe. Teaching children how to make good decisions to protect themselves from harm is paramount in keeping your children safe. Simple first aid can also be taught, such as stopping bleeding. Instructing children in the use of 911 and learning their address and parents names help to activate emergency services of any kind in a much timelier manner. Practice safe evacuation routes in the event of a fire or other emergency. Young children should be able to recognize “Mr. Yuck” stickers meaning they are not to ingest or inhale whatever product they see the stickers on. This is also a reminder to parents to keep medications, dangerous chemicals, and guns locked up with the key out of reach of children. Keep children away from the gas pump nozzle while you’re filling your car. Always use approved car seats for safe travel and use them properly. Children should not be near hot places, such as stoves. Move handles away from the front of the stove where children can grab a handle and pull hot food or liquid onto themselves. Burns are very painful and take a long time to heal. Have appropriate helmets for children riding bicycles, snowmobiles, and four wheelers. Teach them how to ride safely on roads or trails. Cabot Volunteer Ambulance currently has a staff of 20 volunteers but we are always looking for more people to help out. We have two administrative people, three CPR certified junior riders, eight EMT Basics and seven EMT Intermediates. Almost everyone on the squad works at full time jobs throughout different hours of the days. We are always looking for new volunteers. Currently, there is an upcoming First Responder course which is 40 hours long that will be taking place in Northfield. If you’re interested in volunteering your time with us, contact Sheila Brown at 426-2064 . We certainly can use more help, especially during the daytime hours. Our business meetings are every 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Interested persons may also come to a meeting to see what we’re all about.

↑ contents

THE WORLD’S BEST TALENT SHOW

By Hugh Burke Could Cabot be as star studded as Hollywood? Well you can find out at the first annual Cabot School Performing

This year on May 20th at 7 p.m., the 1st annual Cabot “World’s Best Talent Show” lands in our little town of Cabot, and you’ll be happy it did. How old are you? Well it doesn’t matter because people of all ages can enter and there will be three different age groups competing; elementary/middle school age, high school age, and adults. There will be a cash prize for each category and the amount of money one can win is determined by how many people attend. Bring your friends and family.

If you have a talent, we want to see it. To register, you can either go to cabotschool.org and click on the CSPAC link or you can call 802.563.2546 and leave a message. Someone from the Performing Arts Center will contact you with further details. The entry fee per act is $10. The audience admission price is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

The talent show is open to residents of Cabot and the surrounding areas (Danville, Walden, Hardwick, Plainfield, and Marshfield). We will provide a full soundsystem, back line of instruments and amps, and microphones for participants. If you will need any assistance with your act then we may be able to provide one or two stage crew members to lend a hand. So all of you undiscovered (or frustrated, under appreciated) musicians, singers, dancers, and storytellers get your acts together and be ready to compete. See you there!

Arts Center Talent Show.

↑ contents

YOU

By Chronicle Staff The Belize travelers brought more than just their experiences home with them last month. They brought the sunshine and warmth! Hooray for the first weeks this year without snow in the forecast! Sugarmakers dealt with a 10-day warm-up that halted their first good runs of sap. They resumed with the switch back to the seasonal temperatures and some were still collecting sap from their northern slopes, even past Earth day on the 22nd of April. Speaking of Mother Earth…don’t forget to honor your Moms on Mother’s Day. Think about how your mom has influenced you. This week Rusty Dewees spoke at the Vermont State House Prevention Day about his experiences with underage drinking. He spoke about the delicious Sunday dinners his mother prepared for the family every Sunday. He spoke about the upperclassman that gave him beer in the school parking lot, one Sunday, during an afternoon drama practice, and he spoke about his regret and utter disappointment at returning home to a delicious hot Sunday dinner that he had no appetite for. He thought that this inability to eat was shameful, knowing how his mother faithfully, dutifully, lovingly, provided him with such good food. This influenced Rusty. He went on to say that he has never been a drinker and still does not drink, to the surprise of many. Not really surprising when you consider the way to a man’s heart (through the stomach), but more so the power of a mother’s influence. That was a great mother’s day message. And for the faithful group who arose early for Sunrise Service on Cabot Plains, there was the Easter message delivered by Pastor Cadmus. Thank you to Martha Rockwell and Mike Cookson, who rustled up a warming fire. Thank you to all who participated in the Cabot vs. Twinfield Alumni Game. It is reported that $1700.00 was raised for the Cabot and Twinfield Recreation Departments. It is great to see Cabot Alumni volunteer and rally in continued support for their alma mater. Neighbor to Neighbor AmeriCorps is looking for volunteer support as well. They are looking for someone to provide weekly friendly visits to an older woman at her home in Plainfield. If you think this might be you contact Matt at 476-2668 or [email protected] for details. There will be some new light shed in the Cabot Post Office. Apparently the outdated fixtures have been blowing out lightbulbs. The shards were a mess to clean up and Claudette on one occasion, called 911, very concerned about how to handle these cleanups. She was told that one of the long bulbs is equivalent to 40 of the regular bulbs, as far as the harmful mercury inside. Claudette was counseled not to vacuum it up – a definite no – the worst thing to do! Ask her what happened next… They cannot be recycled and are not accepted in landfills. Needless to say, those fixtures are all getting replaced very soon. Did you hear the tolling of the bells last month? It was a warm afternoon last month, when the church bells were ringing almost continually for about 15 minutes, as the clock was being reset and the clock hands moved through several hours of tolling. Folks on the street were seen staring amazingly as that moment in time flew by. We all will soon have an opportunity to have an amazing look at the night sky. The Northern Skies Observatory will be opening in Peacham. Check out the Calendar for Star Gazing Nights and the Open House. Some things that are hard to find? The Cabot Coalition listing in the Yellow Pages. That would be under Screw Manufacturers – really! And..who is the Weigher of Coal these days? And, affordable Green Mountain Coffee is getting more rare, unless you bring your travel mug into the Village Store, where any size mug is $1.25.

↑ contents

ROM ME............ PONDER THIS

By Lori Augustyniak

May 6 is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

It is easy for parents to identify their child’s physical needs: nutritious food, warm clothes when it’s cold, bedtime at a reasonable hour. However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life. Studies on the brain show that physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in childhood (as well as stress in the form of exposure to violence, warfare, or famine) can cause permanent damage, reduce the size of parts of the brain, impact the way a child's brain copes with daily stress, and can result in enduring problems such as depression, anxiety, aggression, impulsiveness, delinquency, hyperactivity, and substance abuse. Nervous mannerisms, shyness, withdrawal and aggressive behavior may be signs of childhood fears. A change in normal eating and sleeping patterns may also signal an unhealthy fear. Children who “play sick” or feel anxious regularly may have some problems that need attention. Fear of school can occur following a stressful event such as moving to a new neighborhood, changing schools, or after a bad incident at school. If your children have fears that will not go away and affect his or her behavior, the first step is to find out what is frightening them. Be loving, patient and reassuring, not critical. Remember: the fear may be very real to the child.

When to seek help? Parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. Your observations with those of teachers and other caregivers may lead you to seek help for your child. If you suspect a problem or have questions, consult your pediatrician or contact a mental health professional.

Warning Signs:

The following signs may indicate the need for professional assistance or evaluation:

• Decline in school performance

• Poor grades despite strong efforts

• Regular worry or anxiety

• Repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal children’s activities

• Hyperactivity or fidgeting

• Persistent nightmares

• Persistent disobedience or aggression

• Frequent temper tantrums

• Depression, sadness or irritability

Where to seek help? Information and referrals regarding the types of services that are available for children may be obtained from the Washington County Youth Service Bureau, 229-9151

↑ contents

The Cabot Community Service Award

In an effort to celebrate the valuable contributions made by many people to our community, the Cabot Select Board and the Cabot School Board are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Cabot Community Service Award. This award will recognize a Cabot resident whose contributions of time, talent, and energy over a number of years have had a significant positive impact on Cabot School and/or the larger Cabot community. Previous recipients of this award have contributed to the strength and vitality of our community in a variety of ways: through coaching, mentoring, organizing and helping with community-wide activities, and serving on various boards and committees. If you know of an individual welldeserving of this award, please send a letter of nomination that describes his/her contributions, to either the Cabot School Board or the Cabot Select Board at the addresses listed:

Cabot Select Board Caleb Pitkin, chair c/o Town Clerk’s Office Willey Building Cabot, VT 05647

Cabot School Board Chris Tormey, chair c/o Cabot School 25 Common Rd. Cabot, VT 05647

↑ contents

FROM THE CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

By Kathleen Hoyne and Anne Walker

Reminder Notice for Parents

It has come to our attention that several of our young patrons are playing outside during the Library’s open hours. Sometimes they are playing in an unsafe place or manner. Please be aware that the Library does not take responsibility for children when they leave the Library. If your children are here in the Library and they decide to go outside, we do not watch them as they play around the building. We worry about their safety, but as Librarians we are not responsible for their whereabouts once they leave the Library nor can we compel them to stay inside the Library. If you want them to stay inside during their visit, please have that conversation with your child. Also, the Library’s policy is that anyone under the age of 8 years old needs to be accompanied by an adult. Thank you for your understanding.

Three Great Programs in May!

We are sponsoring three wonderful programs this month: For the Next 7 Generations: Film and Discussion

with Sandra Mennella, Healing Arts Committee for the Grandmother’s Event; New Perennials and Annuals for the Northern Vermont Garden With Amanda Legare and Libby’s Loons by Nancy Prince. We look forward to seeing you. Refer to the Chronicle Event Calendar for the time, date and detailed descriptions.

Thank You!

We would like to thank all the people who came out to town meeting and voted for the library budget. We really appreciate your support. Thanks also to Kathleen Higbee, Vicki Palmer and Beth Wade for their many hours of help with labeling, shelving, and programming. Thanks so much to the Friends of the Library for their support to help bring Ron Krupp to speak at the library last month. And lastly, many thanks to Holly Kruse, Peter Stratman, Brian Boyes and the entire Cabot Middle School for their impressive dramatic performance of stories and monologues depicting the struggles of ethnic conflict in the former Yugoslavia based on The Day of the Pelican.

Community Outreach

If you or someone you know has difficulties getting to the library and would like to receive home deliveries of library materials, please let us know. We would be happy to arrange for home library services to any patrons in the Cabot area. You can call us at 563- 2721 or email us at [email protected].

↑ contents

OUR PETS How to Conquer the Flea

By Andrea Gilbert, D.V.M.

Out of the entire flea population, only 5% live as adults. 50% of the population are eggs. Eggs are initially laid on the animal but quickly fall off and you cannot see them! An adult flea can lay 50- 60 eggs a day and she lives for months. Immature fleas can go dormant and just lie there. They’ll hatch when conditions are right. So, you can go from no fleas to many fleas overnight. Fleas do spread disease to people. Historically, the flea played a critical roll in the Bubonic Plague Epidemic in Europe in the mid-fourteenth century. Fleas are a key component of cat scratch fever. Fleas are more than annoying pests. There are a number of good flea control products on the market and they do all work if used consistently and correctly. Use your veterinarian to help you sort through the products available and figure out what is best for you. There are monthly pills as well as topical medications. Which one you choose is based on your preference. Here are some things to think of when designing your flea control plan. Sometimes people make critical mistakes in using a product and they’ll think the product does not work. Indeed the product will work but needs to be used in specific ways. Use flea control before you have a

problem. Prevention is much easier than treatment. There is no such thing as just one flea.

If you see one, there are many, and fleas lay tons of eggs. So one flea begets 1000 fleas very

quickly.

Be patient. It takes 2-3 months to get

an infestation under control if you have adult fleas. Most products are meant to be used

monthly. You want active product on your pet when the flea eggs in the environment hatch. So, if you are a couple weeks late, all the newly hatched fleas won’t be exposed to the product, and then ,they will lay eggs and now you will have to wait longer to get the problem under control. If you use topical flea medication, every time you bathe your pet and every time he or she swims, some of the product is getting washed away. Keep baths to a minimum. And if your pet is a swimmer, use a product that will hold up in that situation. Treat all the pets in the house. Cats are good groomers, so you might not see fleas, but fleas like cats, as well as, dogs. It is often cheaper to buy three or six of a product at one time. You might save money if you and a friend or relative need the same flea medication. Be careful—many dog products cannot be used on cats. Read the labels carefully. And if your cat and dog have close contact (mutual grooming, sleeping together, etc), use something for your dog that is not toxic to cats. Once you get your flea problem under control, treat your animals for tapeworm. Tapeworm is transmitted through fleas. Sometimes you see it as little white things around the anus or in the feces. They are easy to treat but your pet will become infected again if he or she is exposed to fleas.

↑ contents

FRIENDS OF CABOT LIBRARY NEWS

By Friends of the Cabot Library Team

Spring has finally come to Cabot and the Friends of Cabot Library are working on our next event – the annual July 4th Book Sale. Anyone wishing to donate fairly recent novels, books classified as do-it-yourself, craft, music, or art, cookbooks, children’s books, audio books, or even movies or music CDs/DVDs in good condition for our event – please contact the library or email the Friends at cabotlibraryfriends@ gmail.com. A FOCL member will then call to set a time to review and pick up your items. Your contributions are instrumental to our success and help make this a much anticipated event by visitors every year. And if you would like to become a FOCL member, have event ideas, or simply have questions, please email us. We’d love to hear from you! Have a Happy Spring

↑ contents

TWIN VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

Growing By Leaps & Bounds By Stacey Sharp

Twin Valley Senior center has moved into their new space in the Old Schoolhouse Common in Marshfield. There are so many people to thank for making this happen, starting with our six communities who so generously supported us on Town Meeting Day. Ernie Penley worked tirelessly preparing the space for our new dining and activities area. Senator Bernie Sanders worked hard to obtain Federal stimulus funds for kitchen equipment, including refrigeration and freezers so that we can store seasonal bounty and buy in bulk. Many thanks go to Chris Martin for his work planning and choosing the new flooring. Fred Ducharme, TVSC Board member from Cabot, receives a huge thank you for working with Rita in laying out plans for the room and for also installing the sink in the room. Fred assisted Ernie when needed and is always there to help the senior center. Once again Twin Valley Seniors send to Wal-Mart so many thanks for helping us with the purchase of a new LCD flat screen television. If you’ve hesitated about joining us at the Center for meals and activities because of the crowded space, we invite you to come and see us in our new digs. We welcome the entire community to come and take a peek at what we’ve accomplished with the help of so many!

Madeline Kreuzer and Madeline Greninger enjoy the new space at Twin Valley Senior Center. Read the exciting story in our May newsletter about how these two childhood schoolmates from Brooklyn, NY met each other at TVSC after so many years!

It’s spring cleaning time and we’ve all cleaned out those accumulations of ‘stuff’. On the 4th of July TVSC will be hosting a six towns flea market at the Plainfield Hardware Store. Call 454- 7750 to find out about renting a table! In addition, TVSC has tickets for sale for a Rueger M77 Hawkeye, 270 Bolt Action Shotgun with a scope. MSRP is $1,042.00. Tickets are $5.00. Call Tori Hodgkins, 229-5671.

↑ contents

Recreation Department Update

By Libby Hale Hopefully by now the fields are dry and we are playing Ball!! At the time of this writing we are having lots of water and it’s hard to imagine Larry’s field dry enough to play on. We should have a T-Ball team, a Farm team and a Minors team playing this spring with great energetic coaches and umpires. We are very thankful that these folks have stepped up to make this spring a successful and fun experience for the kids.

Trail work continues with improvements and signs being installed in the town forest by the school program led by Dave Schilling. We will get maps out when they are ready. Other progress is held up temporarily as we wait for a few land-owner permissions to come in. As seasons change we must be aware of the environmental impacts of our trail use and be sure to tread lightly when the ground is very fragile.

If anyone has the know-how and the time to dedicate we would love to have a Rec. Dept web site and /or facebook page to keep any interested parties informed and up to date as changes and opportunities arise. Please contact Libby at 563-3226 or Rebecca at 563- 3503.

Just to put out there to keep on your radar we are planning a repeat of the very popular summer soccer camp during the first week of August. Also far ahead but good to keep in mind is another used equipment sale that will take place near the beginning of school. So… stay tuned, and keep it in mind as your kids out grow their sports stuff and you clean out the extra sports/recreation related items.

Thanks to all who keep the town going with all the volunteer time and effort it takes!!! Let’s broaden the circle!

Rec Dept meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of every month, at 6:00 p.m., at the Willey Building. All are welcome; those with good ideas are encouraged.

↑ contents

Cabot Students Participated in the Green Mountain Youth Symphony’s 10th Anniversary Season

The Green Mountain Youth Symphony (GMYS) is celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year with a series of special concerts and events, culminating with the young musicians’ performance at the Palais Montcalm in Quebec City as part of the Eurochestries Festival in August. GMYS was honored with an invitation to represent North America at this international festival of youth orchestras. Then on Saturday, April 9th at 7 pm the Senior Orchestra of the GMYS will performed at the Lebanon Opera House in New Hampshire in a joint concert with young musicians based at the Upper Valley Music Center. GMYS Artistic Director, Robert Blais, conducts both groups and this concert marked their first joint performance.

The following day, on Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 pm, the three ensembles of the GMYS, consisting of more than 90 young musicians from throughout Central and Northern Vermont, will performed at the Barre Opera House. The program included some of the pieces GMYS has premiered in the last decade as well as music from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Gladiator. Four Cabot Youth participated in these performances. Lars Hammer, Heidi Cookson, Maisie O’Connor and Clementine O’Connor. For more information about the Green Mountain Youth Symphony, please email GMYS at [email protected] or visit the our website at www.gmys-vt.org.

These Cabot School students received special awards at the Vermont Destination ImagiNation Tournament on March 26. The trophies, now engraved with their names (added to those of previous winners), were presented to the students at Cabot School on April 5 by VT Destination ImagiNation director Pasquale DiLego. (L to R) Isabella McCallum, Alisha Celley, and Wyatt Ameden, won the Spirit of Discovery and Imagination Award for outstanding teamwork, spirit, and kindness. Lela Jones (R) received the Taylor Vigne Brightest Spirit Award for outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication to Destination ImagiNation. It is a great honor to receive these awards, which are given to just one individual or team in the state each year. The trophies are currently on display in the Cabot School office.

↑ contents

Summary of Cabot Annual School District Meeting - February 28, 2011

Board of School Directors:

Chris Tormey, Chair Ann Cookson Linda Gabrielson David Hale Niall McCallum

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the School Board Chairperson, Chris Tormey. Article 1 –Moderator: Ed Smith was elected moderator. Article 2 – School Directors Elected by Australian Ballot: Ann Cookson was elected for the two-year term and Paul Stecker was elected for the three-year term. Article 3 – Approval of Minutes: Minutes of meeting March 1, 2010, were approved. Article 4 – School Directors Report: Chris Tormey discussed costs, staffing levels, improving and drawing new students to the high school program and working on the physical campus needs. Niall McCallum spoke about school property repair needs and the new physical plant manager, Peter Ackermann. David Hale discussed expense increases and cuts necessary to minimize an overall budget increase. Principal Karen Stewart discussed practices necessary to bring Cabot School into the 21st Century, the results of NE- CAP testing, vertical continuity for students and anticipated school changes necessary to meet the goals of the School Board. Rebecca Nally asked about vertical continuity of curriculum and whether online courses are planned for AP classes? Karen responded that online learning may be in the future and supplemental instruction would be necessary; a vertical curriculum is necessary to fill in the lapses between the younger and older NECAP groups. Mary Carpenter asked that people be wary of NECAP interpretations and asked if money exists for John McSweeney’s position, as it was crucial to many children. Karen responded that information technology would be accomplished through the school librarian and media specialists. Jessica Miller asked why the Article amount was different than the total appropriation request. Chris responded that assistance for some children is obtained through Washington County Mental Health; more assistance was needed last year, the school was charged a higher rate and less reimbursement is received from the Federal government. Karen Alexander asked what other metrics beside NECAP are used to track the progress of students and how the suc-

tional mobile “sheep barn” for us to explore. The barn is full of information and projects about sheep, wool, fibers and weaving. We carded and spun wool and Kimberly also showed us how to dye yarn using onionskins. Thank you so much Kimberly! Deb Bothfeld invited us to see her new lambs, several of which were in her living room. We also got to see her handsome and impressive rams, the ewes and the rest of the lambs in the pasture. It was an awesome field tripthanks Deb for having us!!! Our final session will include lots of crafts, tons of exploring in the outdoors, local healthy snacks and cooking projects and of course Fun Fridays! TLC is dedicated to providing safe, educational and nurturing activities to the students of Cabot. See you after school.

↑ contents

Farm to School: ON THE RISE

By the Cabot Middle School Students

Middle School Students showcase their project-based learning by creating the Cabot Community Bread Oven.

Can you imagine fresh-baked flatbread on the 4th of July, or a studentrun artisan bakery that serves up tasty treats? It’s all part of the master plan-- Cabot Middle School students are baking up plans for a community bread oven. Seeds for the bread oven project were planted last fall when a student planning team received a project grant from the Vermont Rural Partnership, an organization that supports placebased learning in Vermont Schools. Cabot Middle School began designing the Cabot Community Bread Oven project with the goal of creating a shared community asset that could be used for years to come.

A bread oven is a domed shaped structure that can be constructed with masonry or cob. Cabot’s oven will be in the Quebec style, constructed of a base of 6X6 hemlock and a cap composed of clean blue clay, sand, straw packed around a frame of woven speckled alder. Bread ovens have been used by many cultures throughout history and have a rich heritage around New England and Quebec. Over the past ten years, many schools have built bread ovens as special school projects. Cabot School plans to take it one step further in the hopes of further by integrating the bread oven into school curriculum, and developing a business/entrepreneurship class that is built around the bread oven and a student-run cafe. tIt is hoped that the Cabot Community Bread Oven will become a fixture at community events and celebrations.

In school, one important outcome of the oven will be that students can design and implement hands-on actives in daily lessons—using mathematics for baking and business, for example, or investigating heat transfer or the amount of BTUs emitted by different types of hardwoods. Student groups can also benefit from selling delicious foods. Money would be used to fund extra-curricular experiences, like class trips or independent student projects.

Designing and building a community bread oven is a huge task, so to tackle all of the work, middle school students are divided into action teams: project facilitators, design/build, business plan, the culinary crew, curriculum connections, Bread Historians, the Bakers Guild, and a Public Relations team. Each working team has a specific focus that connects back to the larger bread oven project. Students are actively researching, writing, and presenting their work with the ultimate goal of creating a tangible resource.

The Curriculum Crew is devoted to trying the bread oven into Cabot school’s schedule. They are writing letters to teachers asking for suggestions and ideas. Culinary is researching the recipes from around the globe and facilitating monthly “bread labs.” In last week’s bread lab, students made four different types of crust recipes using different types of flours and olive oils. The goal was to identify the best crust, but also to analyze the impact that these ingredients had on the final product. The Business Team is drafting a document that outlines how the oven can be used to create a small, student-run artisan bakery. The Bread Historians are researching the history of Quebec bread ovens as a way of imagining how Cabot could use its oven to support community events. The Design/Build Crew is designing the architecture of the oven and a shelter that will protect it from the elements. Project Facilitators oversee pro- Peter Stratman, Cabot Middle School Teacher, unveils a batch of rising bread dough, as students, Eli Hale and Tiger Bastress observe the mass’s transformation. gress, making suggestions and managing all of the work that needs to be done to make the project smooth and successful. The bakers’ guild is organizing a series of expert-facilitated baking workshops for students anc community members. Finally, the Public Relations group is responsible for spreading the word. These students are managing a website and establishing a framework for promoting the oven once its constructed.

After months of planning and dreaming, the stage is set to break ground on this amazing community asset. In early May, local pizza artisans, Woodbelly Pizza, will bring their mobile bread oven to Cabot School for a day of baking. Once students sample food cooked in a real bread oven, there will be no turning back! Construction for the Cabot’s bread oven is slated to begin in late May and many Cabot teachers are designing integrated projects around sustainablity, food, and agriculture that will be showcased at Cabot School’s celebration of learning on May 26th.

Middle School students hope the bread oven will be provide unique learning opportunities for students and community members alike. Students are seeking volunteers, materials, and ideas to make the bread oven a successful place-based project. Stay tuned--the Cabot Community Bread Oven is on the rise! To join in and get a snapshot of student work, visit: www.cabotcommunity breadoven.weebly.com or call 563-2289 ext. 229. To learn more about Woodbelly Pizza, visit www.woodbelly pizza.com.

↑ contents

TLC News

By Lindsey Scott Cabot kids have been very busy at TLC, Cabot’s after school program! In April we completed our fourth session of activities, which included story writing, fiber arts and weaving, digital photography, arctic games, folders and flyers clubs, and theater and costume making which we will continue with until the end of the year with a finale of a play! Our favorite guest Peggy Gravel returned with maple syrup which we drizzled on snow and we also made homemade maple ice cream! Delicious! Peggy and the kids made a TLC plaque for our office that will remind us for years of the good times had after school. Thanks again Peggy! Kimberly Hagen brought in her educacess or failure of the new implementation can be used as feedback to the Town? Chris agreed that better tracking of students would be helpful. Karen Stewart responded that no comprehensive assessment system is in place and implementation will have to be reviewed. Lynn Rockwell asked whether talks of consolidation were still being considered. Chris responded it will always be considered, but the board is attempting to maintain and improve the high school and collaborate with Twinfield to expand opportunities to children. Jessica asked whether teacher salaries could be leveled. David Hale stated that the increased salaries are under contract and are an obligation of the school. Article 5 – School Budget Request of $3,500,289 for school year beginning July 1, 2011. Caleb stated that the school increase is small compared to many monthly household expenses. Sam Lewis asked whether the budget will meet our financial obligations for 2012. Chris responded that 2012 will be difficult, as well. Bill Cobb stated that the budget should be turned down to send a message that the school must think outside the box and find a new way to look at the budget. Lars Torres supports the budget and stated that new leadership counts a tremendous amount but would like to have a panel to look forward so we are not at the same stage years down the road. Leonard Spencer stated that a preemptive budget cut was made and a lot of energy was spent on improving budget and programs and the school should be supported. Jessica Miller stated that a committee isn’t needed as the School Board should be able to make improvements to the school and budget. Bonnie Dannenberg stated that problems would increase if schools are combined and is thankful to the School Board members. Article 5 was adopted by paper ballot. Article 6 –Deposit of Audited Fund Balance as of June 30, 2011, into the Reserve Fund: Jessica Miller suggested that the balance should be used to reduce taxes. The Chair stated that approximately $9,000 would be forwarded to the reserve fund. Article 6 was adopted by voice vote. Article 7 – Other business: The Board Chair thanked Niall McCallum for his service for the past few years. Steve Gregg asked whether he could move to vote the school budget by Australian Ballot in 2012. The Moderator stated that it would not be binding, but could be petitioned for next year. Article 8 – Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

↑ contents

Award Winning Plants All American Selections

By Amanda Legare Every year plant grower associations give out awards for what they consider the best plant or plants for their specialty. Those of us obsessed with gardening scour the catalogs and internet looking for the latest and greatest new plant. Gardeners in the US are probably most familiar with the All-America Selections (AAS) program whose mission it is “...to promote new garden seed varieties with superior garden performance judged in impartial trials in North America.” The plants must represent either a totally new variety, or one improved in some way over an existing one. Some past AAS choices have become classics, like ‘Blue Wave’ petunia and ‘Queen Sophia’ marigold or ‘Bright Lights’ swiss chard and ‘Big Beef’ tomato. Other selected winners, like ‘Thumbelina’ carrot, ‘Holiday Time’ pepper or ‘Apricot Brandy’ celosia never caught on with the gardening public. This year four flowers and four vegetables have been selected. The winning flowers include a gaillardia (blanket flower), an ornamental kale, a scarlet salvia, and a viola. ‘Arizona Apricot’ is a gaillardia with 3 inch wide flowers which are a rich apricot with yellow edges. Although this is a perennial, this gaillardia blooms from seed the first year so acts like an annual. Another gaillardia, ‘Mesa Yellow’ won the award last year and it did well in my garden, so I am trying several of the ‘Arizona’ series this year. It will be interesting to see if the ‘Mesa Yellow’ over winters successfully. ‘Glamour Red’ is an ornamental kale with frilly or fringed leaves. It is the first kale, either edible or ornamental, to win in the 78 years of the All- America Selections program, so of course I have to grow it. ‘Summer Jewel Red’ is a type of salvia “...with many flowers beginning early and continuing through the season. The half-inch flowers are on spikes 18 to 20 inches tall, on compact plants about 16 inches wide. The bright red flowers are not only colorful but attractive to hummingbirds, and hold up well in rain and wind.” Vermont horticulturalist Charlie Nardozzi specifically recommends this flower because you don’t have to dead head the spent flowers. I’m trying it. ‘Shangri-La Marina’ viola has light blue flowers with a dark blue “face” surrounded by a white border. The AAS folks chose ‘Skippy Plum Gold’ viola in 2008 and when I grew this plant I thought the flowers were muddy and nothing special. There are many wonderful violas out there, so I’ll pass on Shangri-La this year. Four vegetables were selected for the AAS awards for 2011; a pumpkin, two tomatoes and a pepper. ‘Hijinks’ pumpkin has small fruits, 6 to 7 pounds, measuring 7 inches across. Because these plants take up so much space and a pie pumpkin is relatively inexpensive in the fall, I’ll leave growing this variety to someone else. ‘Lizzano’ tomato is a red cherry and semi-determinate type. Its main attraction is that it is the first of its type to tolerate the late blight disease. Other traits that judges say led to its selection include a good flavor, abundant fruits (about an inch wide) over a long period, and good plant habit. ‘Terenzo’ tomato is another red cherry type, with fruits a little over an inch wide. It is a “tumbler” type — low growing and trailing, so hopefully perfect for hanging baskets or in patio planters. This is a determinate type, forming a bush up to 20 inches high and wide. Seeds are pricey, so I am growing both of these tomatoes on a limited basis. The last vegetable to win this year’s AAS award is ‘Orange Blaze’ pepper. The photos of this introduction make them look like big blocky peppers. When you read the description you learn they are actually 1 and 1/2 inches wide. I grow other early peppers that are long, slender and highly productive, like ‘Lipstick’ or ‘Gypsy’ and even ‘Fooled You,’ so I’ll pass on this one. However I can highly recommend “Carmen” which won the vegetable AAS award in 2006. It is early, sweet and productive, producing 6” long and 2” wide peppers that go from green to red. We northern Vermont gardeners have to remember that these award-winnng plants are judged by their performance all over the US and many may not perform as well in our growing conditions. To see photos of the 2011 AAS varieties I have mentioned, visit my website

- www.amandasgreenhouse.com and click on “My blog.” Tuesday May 10 at 6:30 pm Amanda will present an illustrated talk on New Perennials and Annuals for the Northern Vermont Garden at the Cabot Public Library.

↑ contents

Superintendent’s Corner

By Nancy Thomas Each year, schools receive not only the results of state testing, but are also given an AYP determination. AYP is “Adequate Yearly Progress” and is a measure of the school as a whole. This determination is made up of test results and other measures. This includes NE- CAP (New England Common Assessment Program) tests of reading, writing, and math for the school as a whole and by groups, such as students eligible for free and reduced lunch, as well as graduation rates. The state’s target for schools is raised every three years. This is the year that the targets were raised, making it harder for all schools to make AYP, and this year approximately 75% of Vermont’s schools did not make AYP. Both Cabot and Twinfield were among those identified as not making AYP in both math and reading for both “all students” and for those on free and reduced Lunch. While we don’t want to have our education programs overly focused on any individual test, the results of the NECAPs are, in fact, generally flat and not demonstrating the high level of skill acquisition that we want for our students. This is a first check-mark for Cabot, so there are no immediate consequences from the Department of Education. As Twinfield did not make AYP in math last year, the results put Twinfield in ” Year 1 School Improvement” and as such we will be working with consultants at the Department who will provide technical assistance in our efforts to improve results. In the meantime, Pat Johnson Knoerl, our Curriculum Director, and the leadership in both schools have been continuing to analyze the data from the NECAPs and create plans to address the gaps that are indicated. There are many aspects of the work that will include development of the action plans, local assessment plans, curriculum documents and professional development plans to address identified areas of need. In addition, there is the work of creating high expectations of ALL students, regardless of background, creating a professional climate with expectations of on-going collaboration and continuous improvement and seeking out the latest research and the best models to fit our particular schools. We will be referencing the work outlined in the Vermont “Roots” study, using the work of the YATST group regarding Rigor, Relevance, Relationships and Responsibility and continuing our work of keeping communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills at the heart of instruction. The work is formidable, but very exciting, and as a Leadership Team, including our newest member, incoming TUS principal, Mark Mooney, we are moving forward to address the challenges. Friday, April 8th was our third and final WNESU In-service day for all teachers in both schools. Organized through the Higher Ed Collaborative, this was a day with Dr. Christian Jernstedt from Dartmouth Hitchcock, a well-known presenter of the latest research regarding the brain and learning. In addition, Bill Rich, formerly a teacher from Colchester, provided the teacher perspective and practical tips on how to integrate the science into the day to day classroom practices. In addition to the staffs from our schools, staff and administration from Hartford, Danville, East Montpelier and Northfield attended the day, paying conference fees that reduced the overall cost to WNESU. We sometimes talk about the art and science of being a good teacher. This presentation provided the concrete “scientific” side of the equation with ideas about how to use the “artistic” side of an educator’s skills to maximize learning in the classroom. Many teachers have told us that this was the best in-service they have ever engaged in. But we know that even the best of presentations do not result in changes in practice if there is not follow-up and the opportunity to practice, discuss and review. Pat has made arrangements for Bill Rich to return as part of our opening day in-service work in August and we are working on bringing Dr. Jernstedt back at an in-service later in the year. As a team, we are considering what additional supports, professional development and coaching we might access through the Higher Ed Collaborative. We are working to increase opportunities through shared coursework. Following up on a very successful AP Biology course taught by veteran teacher Helen Morrison, Cabot and Twinfield staff are looking to continue options next year. We have had a series of large and now small group meetings with high school teachers to explore ways that we can more effectively provide diverse and challenging course offerings to students at both Cabot and Twinfield. Guidance counselors Melissa Gosselin and Sue Polen, and Pat Knoerl have been instrumental in working to create dynamically changing school schedules for their own schools and helping to envision the coordination needed to make any sharing work. The teachers are working hard to find ways to create more opportunities for students. As this is a work in progress, we will report on final collaborative offerings next month. There is good work going on in both schools as we move towards the end of the year and we look forward to many exciting changes going into next year.

↑ contents

SEED: Semester of Environmental and Entrepreneurial Discovery

A new collaborative effort of the Barre Technical Center, Cabot and Twinfield Schools This semester-long course encourages students to take an active role in understanding, participating in and creating sustainable communities through place-based experiential learning. In each semester, students will participate in service learning and hands -on investigations focusing on gaining a better understanding of the natural and human systems that surround us, and their place in the larger world. Both semesters will emphasize teamwork, leadership, professionalism, career exploration and critical thinking. Students will spend a significant amount of time learning how to best work and learn together in a small group, and will develop ownership of their own educational experiences. The course meets for a four-hour block each day. Much of this time will be spent outside, either on the Cabot and Twinfield School campuses, or working in collaboration with nearby farms and community organizations. Students will manage a café on the Cabot School campus, as well as develop and execute a business plan for the school’s community bread oven project. Students will earn one semester’s worth of credit in four subject areas. Learning will be evaluated through ongoing reflective writing and blogging, producing a portfolio, and a final project.

The fall semester will focus on watersheds, forest ecology, and sustainable agriculture. To demonstrate skills and knowledge, students will design their own final projects, focusing on making one specific system in their community more sustainable.

The spring semester will focus on entrepreneurship and small business, winter ecology, and renewable energy. To demonstrate skills and knowledge, students will create and execute a small business plan with an eye on environmental sustainability.

↑ contents

BED & BREAKFASTS RIVENDELL Bed & Breakfast

“Magical rooms, culinary wizardry!”

A woodland Bed & Breakfast in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, offering dinner upon request Newark, VT (802)467-1121 for information and reservations. Visit Us at www.myrivendell.net 4/12

↑ contents

THERAPY

MARRIAGE THERAPY

Stephanie L. Churchill, LMFT Clinical Member, A.A.M.F.T. 231 Concord Ave., St. Johnsbury VT 05819 (802) 748-5364 Specializing in couples therapy (GLBT) with strength-based focus. Most insurances accepted. 8/11

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

↑ contents

Proud You Are!

The Cabot Chronicle is creating a special section in the June issue to recognize graduates from Cabot High School and Eighth Grade.

If someone special to you is graduating or you’d like to congratulate the entire class of 2011 or 2015, send us your greeting and we will put it in a special section of the June Cabot Chronicle! Send your message along with payment to

Maximum of 50 words, Payment must be received by May 15, 2011.

Graduate’s name: Your name: Contact Phone #: Message:

Photos may be included for an additional fee. Call for details, 563-3338

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

↑ contents