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The Cabot Chronicle

January 2012 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the January 2012 pages (PDF)

Automated extraction, spot-checked. Advertisements, the business directory, and puzzles are omitted; obituaries appear as individual entries.

In This Issue

By Will Ameden

Our fresh beef arrived from The Royal

was to arrive for Thanksgiving. The Royal Butcher packages our beef to sell and it also fills our own freezer for eating during the year. And even though I send my cows off for butchering today, fall was always butchering time at my childhood dairy farm. My uncles would be there to help and we would butcher a couple of “cull cows”, animals that had finished their productive milk years or had problems settling (not becoming pregnant). As a kid, I remember being caught besuet during the mixed with bird seed. most people are familiar she also fed us suet Thanksgiving – which bird food.

tween sadness and Suet pudding with maple cream fascination with the and spices. Then I process. On one hand, I liked many of the the steaming tin cows we milked over the years. They all that fastens on top), had names — Budgy Face, Hannah, of sitting in a boiling Damn it, Judy and Sophie — and you wood stove, it was formed a relationship to some extent with I served the pudding every one of the 40 cow herd, so shipping warm, sliced thin or butchering these cows was difficult. On whipped cream; it the other hand, I was captivated by the like a cross between butchering, when you could see the four brown bread, and stomachs, and how the tendons held things together, and the bones underneath. The meat from these cows filled our freezers for the year. “The men,” as my grandma called my Dad, grandfather, and uncles when they were working together, were in charge of the process. The youngest uncle, Nor- Shredded suet man, was the one who shot the cows, the run to another room worst part. After that moment, something was your age” stories, clicks and you can stop seeing the cow as a nate I am to have creature you knew and get to the business close by. of butchering. The kids helped “the men”, who were patient while we cut the hide

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Pudding

3 c flour started poking at a stomach with a stick 1 t cinnamon (they really smell when punctured). With 1 t soda all the insides out, the hide, head, and feet 1 t cloves off, we would split the carcass and hang it ½ t nutmeg in the shed for a week before the cut1 t salt ting and wrapping. 1 c ground suet While the beef was hanging, my brother 1 c molasses and I would cut off some of the thin mus1 c raisins (small cle on the outside of the beef, fold it over a 1 c sour milk sharpened stick, and cook it over a little 1 c coarsely chopped fire we made beside the shed. I remember it being very tasty! One of the cuts from the cow is suet, the hard white fat that grows around the kidneys. My grandma always fed the birds Mix, suet, milk and ingredients. Combine for 3 hours.

The mission

Our purpose

DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior

Publisher: Cabot Coalition

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Cabot Connects Mentorship Program

That’s the way that with this fat. But pudding once a year at tastes nothing like

This spring, I’d been experimenting with some very old, unusual recipes from the Lobscouse & Spotted Dog Cookbook , and many of them reminded me of that suet pudding. So, for Thanksgiving, I pulled out my grandmother’s round suet pudding mold/ steaming tin and found her recipe still inside. I shredded some suet, added to it some flour, molasses, soda (baking), walnuts, raisins, milk poured the mixture into (a cake mold with a lid and after three hours pot of water on the finished! to my family, and topped with maple was delicious. It tastes gingerbread and a little bit like an old fashioned fruit cake, but without all the candied fruit. I served it with the crabapple brandy we’d made in the fall. Growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont in the 1960′s and 70′s, I am realizing now, was a pretty unique upbringing. This holiday season, when family comes together, and the kids to escape the “when I I realize how fortuthe stories and family

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Recipe

seedless)

nuts molasses. Mix dry mixtures. Steam This month, we asked five volunteers in the Cabot Connects Mentorship Program to tell us what it’s like to be a mentor. Each of the mentors was asked the same four questions: Why are you a mentor? What are some of the things you and your mentee do together? What stands out as a “memorable experience” among the time you’ve spent together? Who mentored you?

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Jon Vara:

I’m not a true mentor. All I do is go in and read with the kids in kindergarten one day a week. Well, they read to me, really—I just go and sit in the little chairs. So [my participation] --it’s not an active thing, but I think it adds value to their experience when someone wants to hear them read, when an adult takes them seriously. It’s enormously fun. I’m not an educator. But now I’m a real authority on Pickles the Dog. They read things like, “Pickles sees the red balloon. Pickles sees the blue balloon.” When I was growing up, you didn’t really learn to read until first grade, so I’m really impressed. I think when the students get a sense of “ I like to read” and “I can read” -- that’s half the battle. Kids are at such a disadvantage if they don’t read easily. When I was growing up the closest thing I had to a mentor was my Uncle Art. He was a lovely guy; he was about 20 years older than me, and we’d go fishing. It was just fun to be with him. I felt he took me seriously, and that’s a valuable thing; it stays with you. It’s really fun to be around the kindergarteners because they are so interested in the world around them. I look forward to Fridays.

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The Cabot Chronicle is distributed the first

and is provided locally free of charge. ~ Mission Statement ~ of The Cabot Chronicle is to regularly publish local news is to share information that will help readers become better

Printed in Vermont ~ Copyright 2011 by The

of this paper may be reproduced without express written permission from Cabot for typographical errors. Acceptance of advertising is contingent upon publisher’s to indemnify publisher from loss or expense on claims based upon contents for errors in any advertising beyond the cost of space occupied by individual

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hronicle

I find mentoring is a good way to give back. It’s also a lot of fun. I think isolation is a problem in rural communities. I grew up in a rural community. I was a farm kid with five brothers. They were sort of my mentors and also my grandparents were kind of mentors to me. My parents encouraged us to do 4-H, which exposed us to lots of different things. I wanted to help kids gain exposure to different cultures and experiences. My mentee and I have gone skiing, and he took me snowshoeing in the area where he lived. We built a computer together. Another time we drove over to watch them blow up the Champlain Bridge. On our way home another highlight was following a plow truck, with what must have been a new driver --we watched him clip off mailbox after mailbox. One time I asked my mentee if he wanted to go to college and he said, “No.” So I asked him, “Why not?” He didn’t have a reason. So one day I was taking my nephew over to visit Vermont Technical College and asked him if he wanted to come along. He loved it there, especially the cafeteria. He said that’s where he wanted to go to college. All my kids are in their mid twenties, so mentoring is a way to stay connected to my community. It’s just fun.

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Cindy Robbins :

I love children; I’ve always worked with children, all my life. I was a social worker in the schools in Connecticut, and they had a Big Sister/ Big Brother program there, and there were never enough volunteers. I told myself when I retired I was going to be a mentor. I knew there was a need and that I would enjoy it. So when I retired I looked into a mentoring program in St. Johnsbury, but it didn’t work out. Then a mother approached me and asked if I would mentor her daughter. I said, “Oh, she doesn’t want an older woman to be her mentor.” And her mother replied, “Oh, yes she does!”

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What Mentors are

“It’s a good program for both the kids and adults. The relationship has offered respite from her family situation. And through it, I got connected with other kids in her class.” ~ Susan Tobias “The experience has been all positive. I forgot how much energy kids have! I get in touch with being a kid again. He has shared his interests with us. Through us, he gets to see things different than from his family…. His view has been broadened.” ~ Stephen Watkins “ Our mentee did not appear to be high risk. We are there to add to his parents’ support of him. We wrap our arms around him..” ~ Sarah Watkins

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What Parents are

“I have nothing but praise for the Cabot Connects Mentoring Program. I feel that the administration is excellent and communication between us, the coordinator, the mentor, the school and community has been great.” ~ mother of 17-year-old girl

“For my daughter, I think knowing her mentor’s kindness and heartfelt friendship is real and genuine. For [any] young person, I feel this is so important to have a successful, positive, kind role model. My daughter has someone that she can trust.” ~ mother of 11-year-old girl

“The mentor gets my daughter out of the house in a positive way. Her mentor helps in all areas of my daughter’s life. At school her grades got better.” ~ mother of a 12-year-old girl

Monthly group activities

Game Night November 2011

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Raquel Bigelow - Ashley Ksepka

Literacy Mentor, Advisory Board Community Mentor – Member – 1 year Cathleen Maine Sheila Booth - Literacy Mentor- 1 Community Mentor – 3 years Billie Marcotte Amy Bothfeld - Community Mentor– Community Mentor – 5 years Tracy Mauck Deb Bothfeld - Advisory Board Member School Mentor – 5 years Karen Mueller-Harder Judy Boucher - Community Mentor – 3-1/2 Community Mentor – 3 years Ed Pcolar Mark Bromley - Literacy Mentor—1 Cabot Roamers, Advisory Board Leonia Pike Member – 3 years Advisory Board Member

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Richard Bushey - Tara Rogerson

Community Mentor, Advisory School Mentor – 2–1/2 Board Member – 5 years Cynthia Russell Mark Christensen - Community Mentor – Community Mentor -1 year Linda Savoca Jennifer Churchill - Community Mentor – Community Mentor – 2-1/2 years Christa Scholz Cia Considine - Literacy and Community Community Mentor, Advisory Board Mentor - 1 year Member—1 year Jackie Scribner David Creighton - Community Mentor – Community Mentor—1 year Lynn Talamini Michelle Delaney - Community Mentor—1 Community Mentor – 3 years Lars Torres Jim Goodrich - Art Mentor—1 year Community Mentor – 4 years Susan Tobias Gail Greaves - Community Mentor – Community Mentor – 5 years Stephen Watkins John Hammer - Community Mentor—2 Community Mentor, Advisory Connie Withers Board Member – 5 years Literacy Mentor – 1-1/2

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What Mentees are

– 5 years year 4 years 4 years year 2 years – 3 years years year – 5 years

– 2 years years 1 year 2 years

4 years year

3 years years years years “ My mentor gives me someone to talk to when I need to talk to someone, or I need advice on something. My mentor is someone to hang out with and have fun with and now I have a real friend.” ~ 15-year-old girl “My mentor keeps me busy doing cool activities.” ~ 10-year-old boy “My mentor makes life interesting and fun! “ ~ 12-year-old boy “I tell my friends to get a mentor because it’s fun and you get to do a lot of different things and just have fun.” ~14-year-old girl

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By Chronicle Staff

On Tuesday, November 14, a dozen representatives of Cabot Connects Mentoring Program approached the Cabot school board to request that the program be based at the Cabot School and also for the school to contribute 10% of the Cabot Connects Mentoring budget (approximately $3,000) in support of this service. Thanks to the kindness, caring, and generosity of folks in Cabot, there are over 25 volunteer mentors spending time with children here. Most mentors are involved in one-to-one adult-toyouth mentoring relationships with students, who meet outside the school day. They visit places outside and within Cabot, go biking together, play games, do arts/crafts projects, bake, ride horses together, learn about farming, learn how to care for animals, go fishing, hike together, go to movies, and hang out together and talk. There are two school-based mentors that meet with children during the school day for friendship and there are four literacybased mentors helping students in classrooms to practice reading skills and develop a love of reading and learning. Cabot Connects also has a tenperson advisory board committed to maintaining the quality of this program for the kids of Cabot. Twelve percent of youth in town have their own individual mentors. These mentors collectively average over 200 hours each month meeting with children on an individual basis. Each mentor pair meets between seven and ten hours per month. Research in the field of mentoring shows this to be the most effective form of mentoring. In addition to this, most of the kids in Grades K through 3, another 21% of Cabot students, are exposed to the literacy mentors; adults in our community who care about them and want to share their love of reading with them. These volunteers are generous in their commitment to the students. One example of a literacy volunteer is Ed Pcolar, who showed up last year with packets of books for each student in the class and, then again this year, brought in new school supplies for everyone. Research clearly shows that children who have mentors get along better with parents, teachers, and their peers, they do better in school and are far less likely to be involved with underage drinking and substance abuse. Within the mentoring relationship, the young person feels better about him/herself and develops a better attitude toward school, peers, teachers and parents. Some kids start out having difficulty forming friendships and then over time build up social skills and confidence and learn how to make friends. Mentees are more likely to join after school groups, sports teams and try new things after they have been mentored. They make better choices and decisions regarding their behavior and develop a positive feedback cycle. All these things are precursors to doing better in school. This often takes years, which is why it is more effective to start when the kids are young. One year ago the Vermont Mentors Funding Collaborative contracted with the Mentor Consulting Group of Norwalk, Connecticut, to conduct an evaluation of the mentoring programs throughout Vermont. Dr. Susan Weinberger presented her findings at the Vermont Mentoring Symposium last May, where she reported Cabot Connects Mentoring Program to be in compliance with all the components of

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Support

successful mentoring and named Cabot Connects, “one of the finest rural mentoring programs serving youth in the state of Vermont”. She went on to say, “In this tiny rural town in Vermont, Cabot Connects is the epitome of a superb program that follows all the mentoring standards of excellence. Often rural areas in America considering the establishment of a mentoring program find many challenges. They lack dedicated staff, caring mentoring, available funding or the ability to follow the standards. Cabot Connects is the premier example of how a mentoring program in a rural community should operate. It adheres to the quality assurance standards of youth mentoring and is making a difference in the lives of young people every day”. At this symposium, Lori Augustyniak, Cabot Coalition Coordinator, and Kathleen Hoyne, Coordinator of Cabot Connects, shared their concerns for being able to sustain Cabot Connects. This eventually led the Vermont Mentors Funding Collaborative to help fund the program for this year with the hopes and expectation that it would become self-sustaining beyond this year. The plan to become self sustaining, developed by the Mentor Advisory Board, is to secure program support in four areas. There is ongoing research for foundation funding within Vermont, an individual donor campaign is underway, fundraising events are being planned and lastly, direct support is sought from the school/community. Nancy Thomas, Washington Northeast Supervisory Union superintendent, commented at the school board meeting that this support from the school/ community is essential when applying for grant funding outside of Cabot. Karen Stewart, principal of Cabot school, also wholeheartedly supported the proposal. Currently, funding for this year has been secured from the Vermont Mentors Funding Collaborative, the Henderson Foundation, the Tarrant Foundation, the Vermont Community Foundation, as well as through several individual donations and the Manifestivus Music Festival fund raising event last summer (for which we have countless people to thank). Logistically, the Cabot Connects “home” would be absorbed into the overhead of the school with little burden, as with the Twinfield Together Mentoring program, which has been operating out of Twinfield school for several years. The school board voted to include both the requests (operating space and $3,000 in support) to be factored into the 2012 school budget. Cabot Connects mentor coordinator, Kathleen Hoyne, says “I believe mentoring is the most economical and most effective safety net that we have for kids. This is especially true when you consider the costs to the individual, family, school and community when kids become disengaged.”

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Moving Forward

(Continued from page 1) talk about community development and economic issues in the town and I don’t know that there has been any real kind of regular participation from the school in that group. The school should certainly be part of that effort. It is such an integral part of the community and economic life of this town. Our youth leadership programs are continuing for another year. Schilling joined the Coalition Dave staff to facilitate the middle school group which is called KAPOW and the high school group, which is changing its name, so I won’t tell you what this is right now. Both of the those groups meet weekly throughout the year to do leadership activities, interact with their peers, and also do peer educational outreach. In the past, they were predominately focused on tobacco prevention. This year the funding is not tied to a grant, so the group is looking at a larger spectrum of things that they can do to help their peers make good decisions. That program ends up costing about $3,000 a year for staff and activities, so I will be looking this spring to try and identify some funding, so that there is money to do it again another year. [However] I’m not sure that it will happen, but we do have money through the end of this school year. The final thing that we have happening, which is probably, I think, one of the gems of the Cabot Coalition, is the Cabot Connects Mentoring Program. Kathleen Hoyne and the Cabot Con-

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Eveline G. Rice

Eveline G. Rice, 84, peacefully passed away Friday, December 9, 2011, at Rowan Court. She was born October 5, 1927, in West Epping, N.H., to the late Margaret Ann Guerin and Ralph White. She was married for 56 years to Raymond Rice, who predeceased her in 2000. She was employed for 35 years by the Walden School hot lunch program, as well as owning and operating Walden Sheepskin. She loved flowers, cooking and sewing. Survivors include a son and daughter -in-law, Allen and Kathy Fogarty-Rice, of Millington, Tennessee; a daughter and son-in-law, Pearl Eveline Smith and David M. Krenn, of Pacifica, California; three granddaughters, Monica Manning of Randolph, Vicki Caudle and Tina Stern of Millington, Tennnes-

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Izayah Robert Dailey

Aldo Nunn and Terri Dailey welcome the birth of their grandchild, Izayah Robert Dailey. Born November 30, 2011, at 12:09 p.m. at Central Vermont Hospital. Izayah was 21.5 inches long and 7 lbs. 13 oz. at birth. Mom (Alexis Montoya) and Dad (Ricky Dailey) are all doing well.

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hronicle

nects Advisory Board have really been stellar. served [This program] not only has Cabot youth very well, but it has become well respected in the state. So much so, that this summer, when we were facing the end of the Cabot Connects program, a funding source came to us and offered [to find] us money to continue the program and then, in an unheard of chain of events, this source did call back to tell us that they had a group of funders. They didn’t want to see our program end. They said that [Cabot Connects] is one of the best mentor programs in the state…how much money do you need? We also received a second grant which will allow us to fund the program through the end of the school year, and we are waiting to hear from three other grant sources. In the meanwhile, the advisory board is working tirelessly to put together a sustainability plan to continue the program for many years to come.” The school board voted to include the Cabot Connects Mentoring Program in the proposed school budget, to be approved by Cabot voters on Town Meeting Day. tions tion: If you have thoughts or suggesyou'd like to add to the conversaLori Augustyniak can be reached at the Coalition office one or two days per week - you can leave her a message

point.net. Chris Tormey can be reached

talk to any member of the School Board.

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EMORIALS

see; seven great-grandchildren, Katelyn Manning of Randolph, Stephani, Lauren and Sean Caudle and James, Timothy and Brianna Stern, all of Millington, Tennessee; and devoted friends and caregivers Trish Eaton of Montpelier, who loved and cared for her like a daughter, and Kelly and Melody Gamble of Walden. Mrs. Rice was supported and comforted by her membership in the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Hardwick. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hardwick Congregation of Jehovah's Witness c/o Peter Nichols, 55 Tousant Hill Road, Greensboro Bend, VT 05842-4210. At Mrs. Rice's request, there will be no service. Arrangements are by Northern Vermont Funeral Services of Hardwick.

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through December

Property transfers are listed in this format: property, location, description and sale price. Albert May and Vivian May to Hazel May, 910 U.S. RT 2, 8/25 32 ac., $0

VHFA to Lee R. Collier and 9/12 Scott A. Sayers, 1085 VT RT 232, 2 ac., $35,000. Bank of New York Mellon Trustee to Brian Mudgett 9/21 and Stacey Mudgett, 2262 South Walden Road, 4 ac., $120,750. Stephen Bothfeld and Amy Bothfeld to Zebulon Maxfield 10/3 and Fawn Maxfield, Menard Road, 2 ac., $0. Alain Tanguay and Sandra Tanguay to Erik Oliver and 10/11 Theresa Stimson, Cabot Plains Road, 10.29 ac., $19.000. Mayo Sanborn and Ida Sanborn to Gregory Burtt 10/18 and Stefanie Burtt, 217 Bolton Road, .5 ac., $50,000. George Hallsmith and Gwendolyn Hallsmith to 11/2 Matthew King, 50 Garden Road (Lot# 4), 0,0 ac., $22,500. Howard Brining , Jr., and Sondra R. Brining to Kevin 11/17 R. Sare and Leah E. Baribeau, 900 Whittier Hill Road, 12.1 ac., $145,000. Margaret Longo Drown to 11/28 Craig Cook, Mack Mountain Road, .5 ac., $1500. Walter Bothfeld Family Trust and Roberta P. Bothfeld Family Trust to Walter 11/30 Bothfeld, Jr. and Rose Bothfeld, Bothfeld Hill Road, 400 ac., $1,174,194. Will Gary Peigelbeck to Paul Habersang and Richard 12/16 Aronson, 330 Bayley Hazen Road, 10.1 ac., $258,000.

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NNOUNCEMENTS

the festivities. [the late] School Cabot. graduate, wedded Brian Wright of North Carolina in a civil ceremony October 2, and invited their blended family to celebrate and share at a sunset commitment ceremony on the beach in Topsail, NC, on Friday, November 25, 2011. Brian’s children, Noah, Abigail and Rachel, played an active role in planning Maryland, Mike, Vermont to participate Domey, and family Carolina

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2011

date of record, seller(s), buyer(s),

Susan Freeburn to Robert Maier, 3690 VT RT 215 N, 7.7 ac. $105,000. Gilbert J. Houghton to Gilbert J. Houghton and Randall J. Houghton, 303 Danville Hill Road, 1 ac., $78,500. Terry MacDonald and Cindy MacDonald to Benjamin J. Dunham and Bonne Dunham, 39 McCarty Road, 1 ac., $17,000. Andrew Leinoff and Gwenyth Jones to Mayo Sanborn and Ida Sanborn, Bolton Road spring rights, $0. Troy Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, 217 Covenant Hills Road, 200 ac., $0. Douglas Hill and Terri Hill to James Reynolds and Aimee Reynolds, 33 Blodgett Road, 20.6 ac., $210,000. Tracey MacLaren and Anthony Jarvis to Anthony Jarvis, 908 Lovely Road, 4.2 ac., $44,000. Frederick A. Ducharme and Shirley A. Ducharme to Daniel W. Moyer and Cheryl L. Williams, 128 Elm St. .5 ac., $178,000. Audur Winnan to Nord Winnan, Bayley Hazen Road, 30 ac., $0.

Randall and Allyson Sironi to Randall Sironi, US Route 2, 91.9 ac., $100,000.

Sarah is the daughter of Ed Gould and Connie Gould of Sarah’s sister, Carrie Kabler of attended with her husband, and children Anna and Stella. A family contingent drove down - Marvie Domey, Ted Annie Domey, Jeanne Johnson Caleb Domey. The Gould Wright resides in the Raleigh, North area.

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To The Editor

The last issue of the Cabot Chronicle printed an incorrect version of my letter. Thankfully, I know and respect the Chronicle staff and appreciated hearing it was merely simple human error, and not something more grievous on the part of the “media”. So, while I need not have the corrected copy printed, I do want it noted - for the record - that I had subsequently wished the Welters continued success and hoped their business would be good for the community. As with all businesses in Cabot, I feel it’s critical to support each other in order to ensure long term community viability. For further notation, I would like to add that since Cabot is currently looking at how to draw in and develop new business, and subsequently retain/ sustain current businesses long term, the greater issue regarding change and corporate attitude addressed in my letter should be of growing concern to the community at large. In order to maintain the beauty and community sense that Cabot has, it will be ever more critical to protect ourselves from overzealous developers and “big business attitude” as we look at development issues. Lest we fall prey to those with less than idyllic notions about our town, businesses that seek to utilize & refurbish current buildings would be a far better mindset to covet than those wanting “new”. My hope in returning to Vermont and choosing it as my final homestead was that we were strong enough as a people to withstand outside pressure and influence, so as to retain the beauty and community life that we either grew up with, or sought to embrace for ourselves had we not. Unfortunately, noted recent developments around the area and state show that we are, literally, on the precipice of determining our fate. I believe we must all be acutely aware of the differences between socially responsible businesses and those whose attitudes might smack of selfaggrandizement and manipulation. We can no longer afford to take a back seat and let others drive – or we will end up standing on the sidelines of a vast wasteland formerly known as Vermont. Now is the time that we should embrace only those businesses (and politicians) with the absolute best intentions for our town, county, and state (and country), so that we can become the model to which all others will ascribe in time.

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Dear Editor,

The comments by Wendy Heilig in your Community Commentary require a clarification to prevent any misconceptions about our intentions. Rhapsody Natural Foods, the very small food business we run on Danville Hill Road, has recently gotten an unexpected opportunity to attract more business. However, before we were going to decide whether we would do that here in Cabot or at for instance the newly opened Vermont Food Venture Center in Hardwick, we wanted to know what we could expect from the Town of Cabot in terms of infrastructure maintenance to safely accommodate increased truck traffic. (At the moment we get one tractor trailer truck delivery per month and one or so box truck per week. That would probably double.) We want to make clear that we did not ask for paving the road, merely wanted to know what we could expect and paving came up as a result. We are content with our road being a (Vermont) dirt road. Rhapsody Natural Foods stands for: small, local, decentralized, organic agriculture, people-friendly food production. We produce a fermented soyfood called tempeh, amazake-rice milk, and egg rolls. Our organically grown beans come from within 100 miles, most of our vegetables are from Cabot and Plainfield, or elsewhere in Vermont. We do all this production in a super-insulated building (made for a large part from locally harvested and milled wood) to minimize our energy use, and build it where we live so we do not have to commute. We like it like that - no need to have Corporate America to take care of us; we prefer to strengthen our local community instead. And also, our parking lot is the legal minimum, so small intentionally, because we rather use the land to grow our food. And if that means you might have to slow down or wait for a minute behind a truck, we think that's a small price to pay for building a diverse, vibrant, local, sustainable community. We feel it is not only prudent but essential, to get away from importing more than 90% of our food and other essentials out of state if we want to survive into the next half of this century, and, obviously, the place to start is at home.

Sincerely,

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Himalayan Adventure, Cabot Public

Library, 6:30-7:30 pm. This past October, Christina DeRuzza of Cabot left for a company sponsored two week expedition in the Himalayas from Lukla to the unexplored Lunag Massif. Come relive the experience with Christina up the Everest trail, then west toward the Tibetan border of Nepal.

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Consequence of Doom by Paul

Luciano, 7:00 p.m. Paul Luciano (AKA Lucian Harke) is a Vermont-based fiction writer and musician. The book, featuring fictional character Lanthan Mire, is an adventure story about an other-worldly being sent to a lost planet and the inspirational powers of sound. The story is a positive one and incites readers to follow their inspiration to great heights and never lose hope. Jaquith Public Library in Marshfield.

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Farmer's Appreciation Day at Jay

Peak. Over 300 farmers from across Vermont gather, Vermont foods are on tap along with a ski race and apres ski party. Three free tickets are issued per Wednesday, January 1, pick up non to 2 p.m. Thursday, January 26 , pick up 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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Cabot Recreation Dept monthly CABOT

meeting, second Tuesday of each month, Willey Building, Cabot, 6:00 MAPLE FEST p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cabot United Church services are Cabot Village Center every the church Sunday for at a 10:00 function a.m. or To any reserve other • • Pancake Craft Tables Breakfast

Children’s Playgroup , every Wednes- • Maple Cotton Candy day morning, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Cabot • Sugar on Snow United Church. • Maple Delectables • Signature Cheese

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Healthy Living Gentle Exercise

Monday Program , every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Old Schoolhouse Common, Friday Marshfield, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m., free. January 6 January 9 January 13 @ Whitcomb @ Blue Mountain @ Chelsea Boys-7:00pm Boys-7:00pm Boys-7:00pm Come join us for a free exercise program Saturday January 14 @ Richford (JV) Girls-1:00pm Boys-2:30pm that strengthens bones and builds balance, strength and endurance. All levels welcome. Wheelchair friendly. Sponsored by Twin Valley Seniors.

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Qi Gong Breathing Classes , every

Wednesday, Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., $5 per Wednesday January 18 Friday January 20 Tuesday January 24 Thursday January 26 Saturday January 28 Tuesday January 31 Thursday February 2 Friday February 3 Saturday February 4 Wednesday February 8 Thursday February 9 @ Craftsbury @ Sharon Academy @ Canaan @ Whitcomb @ Blue Mountain @ Whitcomb @ Concord @ Twinfield @ Trinity Baptist @ Mid-Vermont @ Blue Mountain Girls-5:30pm Boys-7:00pm Boys-7:00pm Girls-5:00pm Boys-6:30pm Girls-7:00pm (JV) Boys-1:00pm Girls-7:00pm Girls-5:30pm Boys-7:00pm Boys-7:00pm Girls-1:00pm Boys-2:30pm Girls-6:30pm Boys-7:00pm class. Come join our classes and learn the ancient secrets of breathing for life, Friday February 10 @ Chelsea Girls-7:00pm energy, and stress reduction. sored by Twin Valley Seniors. SponSaturday February 11 @ Blue Mountain (JV) Boys-1:00pm Tuesday Story Time , Mondays at 10 a.m., February 14 @ Concord Girls-5:30pm Boys-7:00pm Friday Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield. For February 17 @ Canaan Girls-5:00pm Boys-6:30pm children birth to age six, and their Wednesday February 22 @ Sharon Academy Girls-7:30pm (JV) Boys-5:30pm Saturday February 25 @ UCA Girls-1:00pm UDAG Meeting , 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday every month, Willey Build(Newport City Elementary) ing. Tuesday Thursday February 28 March 1 @ UCA @ Twinfield Girls-6:00pm Girls-7:00pm

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January 26 (Thursday)

First day town clerks may post warnings for the town meeting and the presidential primary election (40 days before the meeting). 17 V.S.A. § 2641(a) Last day for receipt of petitioned articles to be added to the town meeting warning. (Petition must have been signed by five percent of the legal voters of the municipality.) 17 V.S.A. § 2642(a)

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January 30 (Monday)

In Australian ballot towns, nominating petitions for town offices must be filed with the clerk of the municipality no later than 5:00 p.m. (sixth Monday before the election). A nominating petition must be signed by 30 voters or one percent of the legal voters, whichever is less. 17 V.S.A. § 2681(a) and (b) In Australian ballot towns, town clerk receiving petitions for candidates running for municipal office must return any defective petitions to the candidate (within 24 hours of receipt). 17 V.S.A. § 2681(e)

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February 1 (Wednesday)

In Australian ballot towns, a candidate may withdraw by notifying the municipal clerk in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday after the filing deadline). 17 V.S.A. § 2681(d) In Australian ballot towns, supplementary petitions for municipal candidates whose original petitions were defective must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday after the filing deadline). 17 V.S.A. § 2681(e) In Australian ballot towns, candidates for municipal office must file a consent of candidate form with the municipal clerk by 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday after the filing deadline). 17 V.S.A. § 2681(a)

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February 15 (Wednesday)

Last day to post sample ballots (for the presidential primary) in the same places as the warning, notice, and checklist (not later than 20 days prior to town meeting). 17 V.S.A. § 2522(a) In Australian ballot towns, ballots for local officers and local public questions shall be prepared by the town clerk and available not later than 20 days before the election. 17 V.S.A. § 2681a(a) First day for legislative body to post warning for public informational hearing (to be held on or after 2/25/12) on any public question to be voted by Australian ballot at town meeting. 17 V.S.A. § 2680(g)

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February 25 (Saturday)

First day for legislative body to hold public informational hearing on any public question to be voted by Australian ballot at town meeting (hearing shall be held within the ten days preceding the meeting). 17 V.S.A. § 2680(g) Last day to post sample ballots (for the municipal election) in the same places as the warning, notice, and checklist (not later than 10 days prior to town meeting). 17 V.S.A. § 2522(a) Selectboard must mail or otherwise distribute town meeting warning in annual town report by this date to avoid publishing warning in newspaper (at least 10 days before town meeting). 17 V.S.A. § 2641(b)

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February 27 (Monday)

A local candidate who has made expenditures or accepted contributions of $500 or more shall file a campaign finance report ten days prior to the election. 17 V.S.A. §§ 2822, 2103(13) During the eight days preceding election day, and on election day, the clerk shall divide the list of ill and physically disabled early or absentee voters into as many equal parts as there are pairs of designated justices, and deliver those lists to the justices, together with early or absentee ballots and envelopes. V.S.A. § 2538(b)

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February 29 (Wednesday)

17

Last day, until 5:00 p.m., to apply for addition to the checklist to vote at town meeting. Town clerks' offices must be open from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to accept applications. 17 V.S.A § 2144(a) Please note that § 42 of the Vermont Constitution has been amended such that every person who will attain the full age of eighteen years by the date of the general election shall be entitled to vote in the primary election. Last day, until 5:00 p.m., for people who are not eligible to register by this date but who will be eligible by election day to file a written notice of intent to apply with the town clerk and to request an early or absentee ballot. 17 V.S.A. § 2144(b) and (c) Last day to receive a request for an application for addition to the checklist accompanying an early or absentee ballot request (by 5:00 p.m.). 17 V.S.A. § 2532 (b) and (c)

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March 1 (Thursday)

Town meeting warning must be published in newspaper by this date if town report has not been distributed otherwise (five days before the meeting). 17 V.S.A. § 2641(b) Last day for town clerk to forward to the board of civil authority a list of voters added to the checklist (at least five days before town meeting). 17 V.S.A. § 2144b (d)

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March 3 (Saturday)

Last day for the board of civil authority to designate pairs of justices of the peace, assuring a political balance in each pair, to deliver early or absentee ballots to ill and physically disabled voters (not later than three days prior to the election). 17 V.S.A. § 2538(a)

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March 5 (Monday)

Voters, family members, authorized persons or health care providers may request early or absentee ballots until 5:00 p.m. or the closing of the town clerk's office on this day. 17 V.S.A. § 2531(a) Clerks must make a list of all early or absentee voters available upon request at their office. 17 V.S.A. § 2534 Board of civil authority must appoint a presiding officer if the town clerk or other regular presiding officer is unable to preside at the Australian ballot portion of town meeting or if more than one polling place is used. 17 V.S.A § 2452 The presiding officer of each polling place must also post a copy of the warning and notice, sample ballots and the current checklist in a conspicuous place in each polling place before the polls open on election day. 17 V.S.A. § 2523(a) and (b) The presiding officer shall make sure that signs informing voters of procedures for depositing ballots are placed on or near the ballot boxes before the polls open on election day. 17 V.S.A. § 2523(b) Prior to the day of the election, board of civil authority must appoint assistant election officers for town meeting. 17 V.S.A. § 2454 Last day for legislative body to hold public informational hearing on any public question to be voted by Australian ballot at town meeting. 17 V.S.A. § 2680 (g)

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TOWN MEETING

In presidential election years, a presidential primary for each major political party shall be held in all municipalities on the first Tuesday in March. 17 V.S.A. § 2701 A meeting of the legal voters of each town shall be held annually on the first Tuesday in March unless the town charter changes the date or the voters have voted to begin on one of the three days preceding the Tuesday. 2640(a) and (b), 2631 17 V.S.A. §§

Clerks must make a list of all early or absentee voters available upon request in each polling place as soon as it opens. 17

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By Chronicle Staff

References to Cabot’s ‘community’ are broadly made all across town – at public meetings, when grant writing and sometimes it is even cited by outsiders. We who live here know that it is a special place and, yes, that there is a strong sense of community spirit. This may be true, but consider this…we may have a bias. It would seem silly to compare the strong community of Cabot to any other town’s; after all, doesn’t everyone hold their own communities strong and dear? When we are talking about community, we are really talking about the people that live together in a proximity to each other, and, if it is a ‘good’ community, then the living together part is working and harmonious and the people care about what happens. What got my attention the other day was when I was told by a non-Cabot resident, that her perception was that Cabot has far more really nice, civicminded, good people per capita than other towns. I will not mention this person by name - her own community being nearby... Well, I first considered how knowledgeable this person was about Cabot people and concluded that, yes, this person has had good in-depth exposure to Cabot life. Next, I wondered about how well this person has assimilated into her own community…. Again, I recognized this person did understand real community and, thus, my attention to the state-

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T ROM E

ment and I questioned to myself…Does Cabot have far more really nice people per capita? I thought about who I had seen in town that day, the greetings, the short hellos and good mornings, the doors held open and even the conversation at the coffee pump and all the “How ya doins?” Yeah, maybe Cabot people are nice; certainly polite. I thought about how the librarian lent me her glasses to search the bookshelf for a title and how I spent the whole day with those glasses on - went to work, and only realized that the glasses I used all day were not my own! I dropped by the library to return them and, just like a librarian, she had a desk full of glasses and hadn’t missed the pair I mistakenly walked away with. She waived the overdue eyeglass fee, too! There’s some of that Cabot ‘nice’. It always amazes me that most people, in a pinch, can borrow their neighbor’s eyeglasses to see. Perhaps we all DO see things with a similar view after living together in a community for a while. I don’t know what to think of this outsider’s super complimentary observation of Cabot Community. Does an objective observer guarantee and validate? Maybe this person should think about moving to Cabot. It seems she already seems to see our perspective . Looking forward to the new year and Cabot’s vision for continued community prosperity. Happy New Year!

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By Andrea Gilbert, D.V.M.

Listed below are a number of products, plants and foods that are common in our houses before, during and after the holidays. Some are not as poisonous as commonly thought, while others are very hazardous. In general, use common sense and keep decorative plants, holiday decorations and people food away from your pets. • Poinsettias are not as toxic as often reported. Unless massive quantities are ingested or if an animal happens to be very sensitive, poinsettias cause mild and self-limiting vomiting and diarrhea. • American mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.) also has an exaggerated reputation of toxicity. However European mistletoe (Viscum spp.) is more toxic. Ingestion of American mistletoe may cause mild lethargy and vomiting. However, if your pet is more sensitive and seems severely affected, he or she might need veterinary care. • All flowers and leaves of the Lilium species, including Stargazer, Easter, Tiger and other Asiatic lilies, are extremely poisonous to cats. Lilies are not toxic to dogs. Even small pieces of lilies cause kidney failure in cats. Any cat ingesting any amount of lily needs immediate veterinary attention and sometimes cannot be helped. Please do not bring lilies into your house if you have cats, and do not include them in bouquets for friends unless you are 100% sure they do not have cats. This is an under-appreciated health hazard. • Tinsel and ribbons are not pet-friendly decorations! Though not poisonous, when ingested, tinsel, ribbons, yarn and dental floss (string or string-like objects) can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages in your pet. These cases are difficult and costly to treat. Keep stringy things away from your pet! • Liquid potpourri can cause serious harm to pets. If eaten, it can cause burns to the mouth, esophagus and

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AFULLERLLC@MSN.COM

stomach. The fumes can be deadly to birds. If pets get the oil on their fur, the fur needs to be washed until all traces of the oily residue are removed. Not an easy task in a cat. Use a safer option for home scent, such as reed diffusers, plug-in air fresheners or scented candles. Keep candles safe so they cannot accidentally get knocked over. • Don’t give your unwanted fruit cake to your dog! If ingested, some of the common ingredients in fruitcakes, such as raisins, grapes and alcohol, can result in kidney failure and other issues in dogs and potentially in cats and ferrets. If your pet eats some fruit cake, seek veterinary care immediately. • Table scraps can be harmless in moderation or can cause serious health issues. Apples, peas, green beans, unsalted, unbuttered popcorn, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, squash, ice chips, lettuce and blueberries are safe for pets in moderation. Often, a bite or two of a food won’t bother most pets, however some animals are very sensitive. Be safe and avoid table scraps. • Baked goods are not acceptable treats for pets, even if they do not contain chocolate. White chocolate is definitely on the naughty list for pets. Unbaked yeast bread dough can have fatal consequences. And xylitol, a common sugar substitute, can be fatal to dogs. If you want to bake your dog a holiday treat, make home made dog cookies. There are many recipes online. make one with 2 cups flour, 1 cup milk, some uncooked oats, 1 cup of peanut butter and some maple syrup (since we live in Vermont). They make nice holiday gifts too.

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By Chuck Wooster

If you’re a fan of a good, old-fashioned New England winter, with snow piling up under the eaves, you’ll be pleased to know that we’re going to have a La Niña this year. If you can’t tell a La Niña from an El Niño, and also can’t recall old-fashioned New Englanders speaking Spanish when talking about the weather, read on. The story starts in Peru a century ago, where coastal fisherman close track kept of the ocean’s temperature because it affected their ability to catch fish. They occasionally noticed that the surface temperature became abnormally right warm around Christmas and named the phenomenon

rived just it arabout the same time as the Christ child’s birthday. Fast forward to today, and this abnormal warming of the tropical waters in the eastern tropical Pacific is known to meteorologists around the globe as ENSO, or the El Niño Southern Oscillation. The phenomenon first entered the public consciousness in the 1980s, when several very strong El Niño years were linked to crazy weather around the globe. Since then, La Niña has also entered the lexicon, referring to the years when the eastern tropical Pacific is at its normal, or cooler, temperature. The ENSO pattern is relatively easy to predict in advance, at least 3 to 4 months, and the weather pros are calling for a moderately strong La Niña this year. Looking back over weather data for the past 30 years, we know that for us here in the twin states, La Niña conditions lead to average temperatures and above -average precipitation, especially towards the tail end of the winter. The National Weather Service currently sees a 60 to 70 percent chance that we’ll receive an extra 7 to 9 inches of snow this winter in New Hampshire and Vermont. Last winter, for purposes of comparison, was a strong La Niña winter and featured lots of snow, especially late in the season. The winter before was a moderate El Niño, and many valley locations were snow-free by the middle of March. But with something as complicated as weather forecasting, there’s always more to the story. While a La Niña is relatively easy to forecast, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is not. This is the second major pattern that affects our winter weather, and it’s hard

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Calls For Snow

to predict more than a few weeks in advance. Technically, the NAO is a measure of the relative air pressure at the ocean’s surface between Iceland and the Azores. More generally, it’s an indication of where the cold, artic air of mid-winter is piling up – on our side of the North Pole or on the Siberian side. When it’s on our side, the oscillation is said to be negative, which is easy to remember because it’s what our air temperatures are likely to be, too. When the cold air is piled up on our side, it pushes the storm tracks to the south, sometimes well south of us here in New Hampshire and Vermont. Remember a few winters back when Washington, DC, had record snows while we shivered along with barely enough snow to cover the ground? The NAO was strongly negative that winter, so much so that it was “too cold to snow” here in New England. Of course, when the cold air is piled up on the Siberian side, it’s likely to rain or cause an ice storm here, so be careful what you wish for. The early word right now is that we’re headed toward a moderately negative North Atlantic Oscillation this winter, which, in combination with a moderately strong La Niña, should make for a good snow winter. That said, there are still many local details that could push the snow totals a long way in either direction. For example, early snow cover: snow-covered ground tends to chill the air above it, so what happens early in the winter will have an impact on what happens later. An open Christmas might mean that the first snowfall of January is slightly warmer than it would have been if it fell on top of a thick snow pack. Maybe the snow turns to rain at the end, or maybe it ends up as a few inches of mashed potatoes instead of a foot of fluffy stuff. These minor effects can turn inches of snow into feet of snow, or vice versa. But right now, the broad outlook is for snow, and hope springs eternal for fans of winter. Time to get out the shovels, sleds, and snow tires. Chuck Wooster is a farmer and writer living outside White River Junction, Vermont. The illustration for this column was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: wellborn@nhcf.org

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Leonard Spencer

– Second Edition 2011 A comprehensive, accurate history of a building is difficult to pin down, but there are many tales worth telling from the time the Cabot church was located at the town center to its move to the village on the site of the current high school, then to the more important corner location right on the main village road, and the eventual merger of the Congregational Church with the Methodist Church. The process of physically changing the location of the church was arduous. Hand-made nails were so dear it required mortgaging a piece of land to finance the purchase. But even more interesting is the change in the actual structure that has manifested over the years to meet the needs of the congregation or trend of the day. Upgrading to heated meeting space, progress from outdoor “accommodations” to indoor plumbing, and hooking up to electricity are documented. Another “opportunity” for change came when the roof collapsed in 1973. The history of the church is an active one, and tied closely to the life of the community. This work is full of the details of people and plans, materials and practices. It includes descriptions right down to the manufacturer and name of

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By Jan Westervelt

In response to the flooding this spring, the UDAG Committee adopted changes to the UDAG Plan this past year. One was to provide financial relief to businesses that had a loss of income in officially declared disasters. Another was to pay for hazardous waste cleanup in those circumstances. The other change the Committee made was to expand the loan subsidy program to include business loans made by lenders other than the Union Bank. The Committee will be presenting those changes for confirmation at the Town Meeting this March. The Committee is devoting its December and January meetings to the consideration of changes to the UDAG Plan that would increase its ability to support economic and community development. The addition of development grants a couple of years ago enabled the fund to be used to pay for the Front Porch Forum proposed by the Town Planning Committee. This is an Internet chat room for Cabot residents. It provides an additional means for the discussion of ideas, proposals and plans by anyone in the community. Please sign up to participate or just to read the discussion and the weekly news at www.FrontPorchForum.com. A devel-

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Church

Cabot Church

the color of paint selected, descriptions of wallpaper and ceiling materials. Tracking the oil tank location over the years is Cabot’s “Where’s Waldo?” If you care about Cabot history or historic preservation, there’s something in this booklet for you. Copies are available at the Cabot Village Store or the Cabot Public Library.

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January 10 , 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This past October, Christina DeRuzza of Cabot left for a company sponsored two week expedition in the Himalayas from Lukla to the unexplored Lunag Massif. Come relive the experience with Christina up the Everest trail, then west toward the Tibetan border of Nepal. There will be a slide show and video presentation.

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Barns - Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 -

7:30 p.m. Timberframe barns proclaim the legacy of our historic working landscape through their hand-hewn wooden beams and stone foundations. Join filmmaker Caro Thompson for an armchair tour through excerpts from her PBS documentary, "Barns." She'll begin with early English-style barns of the late 1700s through the behemoths of the early 1900s, sharing clues about what to look for to figure out approximately when a structure was built and how it was used as farmers adapted to changing economies. Matt Moody, a timber framer from Cabot, will be on hand with some of the older and more modern tools of the trade to show and discuss. He will also bring some slides to show a frame raising of a barn here in Cabot.

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Universal Class

Universal Class is an educational service providing high quality online courses for patrons interested in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. Over 500 online Continuing Education courses are available for free. These classes are provided by Recorded Books, Vermont Department of Libraries, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For info on how to register, either stop by the library, call us at 5632721 or email at cabotlibrary@yahoo.com

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Megan Walker, Helen Sawyer and

Rachel Brandt . And thanks to Amanda Legare for donating two copies of Cabot, Vermont : A Collection of Memories From the Century Past. Special thanks to Alicia Feltus for all the yoga classes this past year – we look forward to the new year with you!

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Reminders:

ο HOURS • Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. **Story Hour 10:30-11:30 a.m.** • Wednesday 2:00 a.m.-6:00p.m. • Thursday 11:00 a.m.-6:00p.m. • Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. • Closed Sunday, Monday & Friday

ο Echo Pass - Allows up to 2 adults and 3 youths, $4 each admission price, entrance into the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington.

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Luther King, Jr.

Several years ago, I was on a return flight to Vermont from Atlanta, GA, where I attended a conference. I read a fascinating article about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the Delta Flight Magazine. The last year of his life was a tumultuous one because this humble, courageous man decided to take a stand against the Viet Nam War. The price he paid was the loss of key support for his civil rights movement and being abandoned by important allies in the movement. But, Dr. King made the connection of an unjust war abroad and economic injustice at home. He his brothers and sisters. He believed that when we meet people that are different from us and we share stories and build relationships, we are not inclined to wage war on one another. We don’t go to war against our friends. So, he wanted to return for an extensive tour to launch this strategy of building human connections. Dr. King once said, “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve…. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” This is why the Martin Luther King Holiday is a day on instead of a day off. A day to reach out in your community to serve and live Dr. King’s dream of building human conHal Colston organized the Poor People’s nections. A day to make a Campaign, and, enroute to Washington, DC, to launch this massive demonstration, he went to Memphis, TN, to support the striking sanitation workers who were overwhelmingly black and poor. Dr. King was murdered on April 4, 1968, and never made it to Washington. Dr. King had planned an extensive tour of the Middle East during the summer of 1968. He discovered from an earlier trip to Israel and Palestine the power of travel. His trip connected him with wonderful human beings that he saw as difference and Vermont a very special place. If you are looking for an opportunity to serve on MLK Day and wish to venture to another part of Vermont and meet new people, contact SerVermont. I

hal.colston@state.vt.us. SerVermont is the organization formerly called VT Commission on National and Community Service. Their website address is http:// vtcncs.vermont.gov/.

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By Elisabeth Bolt

We at Twin Valley Senior Center would like to say “Thank you” to each of you that has responded to our Appeal Letter. You’re caring and thoughtfulness is truly appreciated and rest assured that every penny will go 100% to the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels program. The donations will help us purchase the best food we can get to serve the healthy, nutritional meals we take pride in serving. It will help us toward mileage reimbursement for our volunteer drivers, food containers and sealer for our MOW’s packaging and to help toward our rent increase. There is not enough space for the listing of donors in the space allotted here but every donor will be listed in our January Newsletter. There is no deadline on our appeal request so if you haven’t donated yet please feel free to do so at any time. From Twin Valley Senior Center we want to wish each and every one a very Healthy, Safe and Happy New Year. As we approach these winter months keep in mind an elderly neighbor, friend or loved one and make sure they have the necessary things and care to keep them safe and warm. With the New Year approaching we would like to invite the young and older population to join us at the center any Monday-Wednesday or Friday we are there. We have such a loving and friendly group of elderly, volunteers and dedicated staff and would love you to stop by for exercise, lunch, card or game playing and of course just friendly conversations . There is a lot of history, laughter, and just plain fun with our amazing group of people.

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By Cia Considine

Mary Beth Churchill of the Council on Aging, Neighbor to Neighbor Americore, piloted a new cooking class for the residents of the Cabot Commons. The class called, ‘Cooking for One’, was held for six weeks at the Common Room kitchen. Mary Beth discussed nutritious options that can be made from simple ingredients and even left-overs. She supplied healthy eating newsletters, that offered recipe ideas and tips for seniors, who have to be mindful of diet restrictions. The classes were popular with up to eight participants. planned, cooked and A meal was then shared with the group. The Cooking for One class will be offered again through other Senior clubs in the area. For more information call Central Vermont Council

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By Lucy Remington

Last year, TLC proudly put on a production of "Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock". Rehearsing together, designing the costumes, and building the set was so much fun, we are anxious to do it again. If you would like to be part of a theater experience, come and join us in January as we begin a new session. We have had many wonderful guests Our next foot clinic will be January 9, at TLC Cabot but we want to especially

pointment. The charge is $15.00 and it is complete foot care. time and materials. Peggy has brought in so many fun and cool craft projects for the kids. We always have a blast when Peggy comes. Thank you As we look forward to a new year, we reflect on all of the incredible things we have done. We are confident that our kids, in the richness of their experience here, have each found things that resonate with them and we wonder where it will take them. We are so grateful to be part of their discovery. For more info or to sign up, call TLC Cabot After

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The State of Vermont May Owe You Money

TVSC wants to thank Cheryl Bell for setting up and handling our Silent Auction table at the Twinfield Craft Fair on December 3, 2011. As always we are looking for volunteers at the center. We would like also to invite any one from Woodbury and Calais to consider joining our Board of Directors. If you can give a couple of hours a month and would like to oversee the Director and TVSC please call

secretary on the board so if you like to take notes at our meetings please make contact with us. If you would like to volunteer at the center no matter how much time you can give please call and speak with Rita. Remember “You can make a Difference”.

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on Ad Sales

Alyssa Bernadino has taken on Cabot Chronicle ad sales, beginning with the January issue. She is the sister of Marina Cole, previous ad sales manager, who was hired away to help run the town clerk’s office. Alyssa graduated Hazen Union School and attended Lyndon State College. She is a young mother of a two-and-ahalf year old daughter, Gabrielle. She will be available at the Willey Building several days a week and can be

us welcome Alyssa and call her with your marketing needs. Remember, advertising with the Chronicle is your best bang for the buck and helps keep the Cabot Chronicle publishing.

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By Assistant Town Clerk, Marina Cole

Every year, the Vermont State Treasurer’s Office collects unclaimed property from holders such as businesses, banks, and agencies. The Unclaimed Property Division then attempts to locate the rightful owners and return the property to them. According to the Treasurer’s Office, unclaimed property could include items such as an uncashed paycheck or a forgotten bank account. Each year, holders who cannot locate the owners of property are required to turn such unclaimed property over to the state. To find out if you have unclaimed property to collect, visit the Office of the State Treasurer’s website at www.vermonttreasurer.gov/unclaimed-property. To learn the dollar amount of the property, you may call the Unclaimed Prop-

Claim forms are available on the Treasurer’s website with instructions for making a claim. Those without internet access can view a hardcopy of unclaimed property belonging to Cabot residents and pick up claim forms at the Town Clerk’s office.

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Where In Cabot Is This?

This beautyfully sculpted holiday wreath (a green ring with a red bow on the back of the neck) was ‘clipped with care’ from the head of Tammy Christman, by her salonist, Lisa White. You can see it up close at the Cabot Village Store, where Tammy works. Tammy is thrilled to have such a festive hairdo and claims that she will give Lisa total license to do whatever she wants for future stylings. When asked if Tammy thought that some clientele might avoid a hair cut from Lisa, she laughed and said that her colorful treatments have been nothing but great advertising for Lisa’s business.

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Home Heating

Residential fires are more prevalent during the winter months. In Vermont, heating equipment is the leading cause of residential building fires. colder temperatures, many With people spend more time indoors and resort to using fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and alternative hating methods, such as cooking stoves, to keep warm. To ensure a fire safe winter season, it is important to follow a few basic safety rules.

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HEAT OR FIRE

• Do not place combustible objects closer than three feet from heating equipment • Avoid placing objects directly in front of electric or fuel burning heating equipment, such as base board heaters, radiators or general heating vents • Keep a metal fireplace screen up in front of the fireplace when a fire is going • Be careful in placement of a wood- or coal-burning stove in relation to walls or household objects • Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ask container at least ten feet away from the home and any other nearby buildings. • Have heating equipment inspected annually • Have furnaces and the chimney inspected prior to start of the heating season • Place space heaters at a minimum of three feet from objects • Turn space haters off when leaving the premises or going to bed

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SAFE USE OF HEATING EQUIPMENT

• Electric Space Heaters – When using portable heaters, do not place them where it is possible for small children or pets to fall against them or to receive a contact burn. Avoid the use of extension cords with electric heaters. Always turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed. • Fuel Burning Space Heaters – When taking a heater out of storage, install batteries and inspect the shut off mechanism and wick for proper operation. Fill the tank with fresh fuel. Let the heater cool down before refueling. Adding fuel to a hot heater can start a dangerous fire. • Wood Burning Appliances and Fireplaces – Do not burn trash in the wood stove or fireplace. Burn

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By Libby Hale

only well-seasoned hardwoods. Be sure the fire you build fits your fire- Happy New Year!! place or wall. Keep combustible Basketball season in Cabot is going! materials well away from the fire- We have girls’ and boys’ teams at the 3place, stove and chimney. Keep the 4 and 5-6 levels. All four teams are doarea around them clean. Always ing well and keeping busy learning the use a fireplace screen to prevent game. The primary group will start on sparks from leaving the fireplace or Saturday the 7 th of January at 8:00 a.m. open wood stove and starting a fire. to begin their eight-week program unNever leave a fire unattended. der the direction of Brian Hale with Chimneys – Creosote accumulation help from some varsity players (we is the leading cause of chimney fires. hope). Many thanks to all the volunteer A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is coaches, Brian Hale, Beth Herrick, Ian in disrepair can inhibit proper vent- Burfoot-Rochford, Brett Bellavance and ing of smoke up the flue and can also David Hale. Thanks also to the voluncause a chimney fire. Nearly all teer officials, clock keepers and bookresidential fires originating in the keepers. chimney are preventable. An annual chimney inspection by a qualiThe skating rink, after an uncertain homing situation, has found itself on the Town Common. This took a coordinated effort of labor and supplies from many community members and will require continued maintenance to insure great skating all season. Thanks to all those who helped with setting up the rink and who signed up to help maintain it. Now, let’s just hope for freezing temperatures and little snow. If you would like to help with maintenance, please contact Susie Socks at 563 -2073, cabotfarm@gmail.com. We have beautiful new trail signs and if anyone wants to help me put them up and maintain trails, please call

gmail.com.

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Install Photoelectric Smoke De-

tectors – Place smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. For the best protection, install smoke alarms in each bedroom and interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. Test your smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries twice a year.

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Fire Sprinkler Protection

Keep wood stoves and fireplaces free of excess ash buildup. Excessive ash buildup prevents good circulation of air needed for combustion. When removing ashes, use a metal container with a tight-fitting cover. Always place ashes in an outside location away from structures. Ashes that seem cool may contain a smoldering charcoal that can start a fire. For information and resources on this and other fire safety subjects, visit www.vtfiresafety.org, w w w . n f p a . o r g , a n d www.usfa.dhs.gov.

soldiers

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Volunteer with us at

Sudoku Golf, is a math challenge done on correctly completed Sudoku puzzles. The object is to start at the upper leftmost square and ending at the lower rightmost square. Add the squares as you go. The challenge is to find the path with the lowest score as in golf. You may only move left, right , down and diagonally down. And you may only have a single “hole-in-one” (pass by the number 1, once). Once possible path is shown below, but you can do better. ( Example Score = 75)

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← From the Cabot Chronicle