⚲  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

March 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 March 2012 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

Cabot Chronicle Starts Its Fifth Year

By Cia Considine March marks the beginning of The Cabot Chronicle’s fifth year. The Chronicle was first established in 1920. The current Chronicle was reestablished in March of 2008.

The Cabot Chronicle was the result of two movements.

• The Cabot Coalition had produced an intermittent newsletter over the years leading up to 2007, as part of its prevention strategy. These newsletters served to inform the community of prevention efforts in town, but also to encourage community building.

• In 2007, the Cabot School Board hosted several neighborhood meetings in people’s homes to encourage informal input from the community on school issues. From those meetings, there was a strong voicing about the lack of a reliable and consistent communication platform, not only for the school, but within the town. It was from these two movements that The Cabot Chronicle was reestablished. With some funding, the Cabot Coalition assumed the publisher role. Thus, the newspaper’s original intent included community prevention information, a mission to promote community and ultimately it became the communication platform for Cabot that was so desperately needed. After four years, the monthly newspaper has evolved into an important resource and valuable tool for Cabot and adjacent communities. In an era where the sustainability of hardcopy newspapers is threatened by alternate internet news sources, The Cabot Chronicle continues to build in its capacity of service and content. Our readers have mentioned that they appreciate having the printed copy. Cabot students of all ages anticipate its printing to read about news and information that is incredibly pertinent to their lives. It’s not irony that these internet saavy youth prefer reading local news. For those in town who do rely on internet news, The Chronicle has a website that is constantly being improved and enhanced, thanks to the generous volunteer effort of Fred Brown. In fact, The Chronicle is operated 80% on volunteer effort. It takes over 300 hours of work to pull the Chronicle together each month. Our budget for one year is approximately $18,000. Our costs include professional layout, printing at the New & Citizen, bulk mailing and a very modest coordinator stipend. With the Cabot Coalition funding expired, our sustainability is largely dependent on the generosity of the townspeople at Town Meeting. We will again ask for a $6,000 appropriation to cover the printing and mailing costs in producing the newspaper. We have worked diligently to cover the remaining costs by building up our advertising base. Any leads for supportive advertising are greatly appreciated. To our great amazement, the threat of having to stop publication has been somewhat alleviated, due to the fantastic advertising effort of our new Advertising Sales Manager, Alyssa Bernadino. Ideally, we need to contract about $1,000 in advertising sales each month. We are very hopeful that our advertising sales will continue to increase. This is vital to our longevity. The other important means of support for The Chronicle is the annual Maple Fest. This March 17 will be our fourth Maple Fest fundraiser, and it is shaping up to be our biggest! (See Ad for event details, page 3). A way to support the newspaper is to volunteer at the event or help by baking a maple dessert item, donating something for the silent auction or some locally-made maple syrup. You may prefer to just bring your family and friends to town for the Pancake Breakfast or the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner offered by the Cabot Church. Just come! There is so much to see and do. (Interested in volunteering? Contact Jeannie Johnson [email protected] or call the Chronicle 563-3338.) The Chronicle would like to show our appreciation to the community for your support.. Starting in March, we will have Saturday morning office hours. March 3 and March 10. We invite everyone to stop by for free coffee and doughnuts. Maybe bring in those auction donations…? The hours, which will be posted outside the Chronicle Office of the Willey Building, are Mondays and Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursdays 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and now Saturday mornings 9:00 a.m. to noon.

↑ contents

The Ice Is In At Joe’s Pond

By Chronicle Staff Cold weather and little snow has made the ice fishing very good this year. About a dozen ice shanties have been congregated along the south end of Joe’s Pond, near the boat launch, where there is a good access. The view of the makeshift shelters is an interesting contrast to the nicely-kept camps at the shore’s edge. If you want to see for yourself, you will have to get over there to the Cabot coast quickly, while the ice is in. Soon we will be guessing the ice out date! Last year was April 27.

Despite the good sturdy ice and the continued cold temperatures, state law requires that fishing shanties be removed from the ice no later than Sunday, March 25, this year (always on or before the last Sunday in March). The same law requires the name and address of the owner to be on the ice shanty. There can be a fine of up to $1,000 for not removing your shanty before the ice becomes unsafe and loses its ability to support the structure. The shanties must also be removed from the boat access areas by that date.

↑ contents

Cabot Cameos

Chris Schumacher said:

“A day to celebrate St.Patrick, a missionary sent to Ireland.”

Aren Keene said:

“A day to go out and drink green beer!” Maple Fest: Classifieds:

↑ contents

THE FLYING FARMER Incubator, Senators and Local Food

A good turnout at the VFVC By Will Ameden

Recently, I attended the grand opening of the Vermont Food Venture Center (VFVC). The VFVC is a "kitchen incubator" and food processing facility, operated by the Center for an Agricultural Economy and located in an industrial park in Hardwick, VT. There were around 400 people in attendance....loads of farmers, food enthusiasts, and politicians, who came to support and see the idea of community-based agriculture, or at least to sample some really good food from vendors who are currently using the facility. This is pretty neat stuff. Folks who are interested in renting kitchen space from VFVC, usually a food start-up business, can do so along with professional production assistance provided by on site staff. The building itself is big (15,000square foot), somewhat boxy and industrial looking, but hides a trendy and innovative concept: "Let's bring together local resources in order to support, faproduct. These kitchens (rented by the hour or day) include a bakery, a wetpack room for jarring and canning, and a dry-pack room for packaging items that are not cooked. Also available is the space for a meat processing facility, as well as a flash freeze unit and warehouse space. They also have two large areas that can be used for long-term rental. One is currently being rented by Jasper Hill Farm, an artisan cheese company. "Hardwick has become a national model for food production", is what Sen. Patrick Leahy said at the grand opening. That may indeed be true. For me it was great to see local friends and farmers together and excited about incubating..."hatching" new ideas to support area farms and farming operations.

↑ contents

Why Local First?

This article is reprinted, with permission, from the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility website, www.vbsr.org. We asked to republish it because we believe it supports the work of the Cabot Planning Committee and relates to the work being done by Cabot Worx volunteer development group. We hope it inspires thought and debate.

The Business Case for Buying Local We chose "Local First" as our name because it sums up our goal: we want people to think local first when they have something to buy

– whether it be food, goods or services. If a local business is not available or does not meet your needs, then of course you should seek out a chain store or internet company that can satisfy you. We are not preaching “local only.” If we can divert a large chunk of the money we send out of state to locally owned businesses, the benefits would be considerable – financially and otherwise. The economic, social and aesthetic vitality of our communities is greatly enhanced by a strong independent business sector. Because local business people eat, sleep, play, shop, pay taxes, and send their kids to school in the towns they live in, they have a powerful vested interest in keeping their towns vibrant. The common benefits of a strong independent business sector are a healthier economy, a more engaged citizenry and more choice for consumers. Locally owned businesses are the roots that feed the tree of a prosperous and healthy community - Feed the Roots! Local owners, typically having invested much of their life savings in their business, have an obvious and natural interest in the long-term health of their community. These businesses are essential to charitable endeavors, with employees frequently serving on local boards and supporting a variety of causes within the community including school funding, town governance, social services, and contributions to local non-profit organizations. Vermont is blessed with many non -profit organizations and they receive their greatest support from locally-owned businesses. Chain businesses, by their very nature, are controlled from central headquarters which could be anywhere in the world. They are making decisions based on factors which might not have anything to do with what is right for one particular location, business or community. If the exchange rate changes and they have to cut costs, then the Vermont store might have to close down at a moment’s notice. Hundreds of chain stores pick up and leave every year - leaving vacant buildings, eroded economies and less choice for local consumers. What is especially troublesome is when the chain store has put a local store out of business and then leaves. Jobs are lost and the consumer is stuck having to drive a long way. Small businesses account for the largest share of net new jobs generated each year, and locally based businesses provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in a community. For all their economic power, the number of jobs provided by global corporations relative to the world's workforce is small. There are so many interesting people in Vermont and some of them express themselves in the businesses they run – and we benefit. As local businesses go out of business, consumers have fewer and fewer choices when shopping for goods and services, dining and sleeping. There are many communities across America where this has happened already, where they have little choice and are at the whim of far away corporate decision making. Small manufacturers look to local retailers to introduce and give their new products a chance. Local retailers are free to accept and take a chance with the goods of these manufacturers. This results in the creation of more jobs for local producers. Even though a single local shop might have a limited selection of goods, in a healthy community, a multiplicity of local, independent retailers creates great diversity and selection. What type of future do we want for our state? Local, independent businesses are the heart of Vermont towns. They contribute to its unique character; they provide diversity, options, personalized attention, and bring life to our many historic buildings. Among other things, we can get a haircut, buy a book, choose paint, make copies, get fresh produce, buy a good bottle of wine and fresh seafood to grill, find a great vintage dress, have a fresh croissant, rent skis or a snowboard, select a diamond ring, sell or buy a house, get a fishing license, cater a luncheon, have a meal, or fill a prescription. Each time we spend a dollar, we would do well to weigh the full value of our choice, not only for our own benefit, but also for what it means to the health and vitality of our community in the years to come. Buying Local has less impact on local ecosystems compared to larger retailers located in strip malls or stand-alone buildings. To accommodate large retail development, roads and parking lots must be built which results in a greater reliance on cars and an increase in auto emissions. As big box stores and chain retailers consume more and more undeveloped land, polluted runoff from their parking lots is placing an ever-greater burden on the nation's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. One way to preserve a community's land and natural resources is to channel retail activity back into downtowns and neighborhood shops. Multistory buildings reduce the footprint of buildings. Higher densities and greater access for pedestrians and public transit mean significantly less land devoted to roads and parking lots.

↑ contents

The Meaning of St. Patrick’s Day

By Cia Considine The American view of St. Patrick’s Day is parades, green beer, corned-beef and cabbage, maybe an irish jig or a few bars of the song, “O Danny Boy”, but none of these traditions allude to the real meaning of St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick was born in Scotland around 373 A.D. during a time when Roman domination over outlying lands was losing its grip. It is believed that St. Patrick’s family was of Roman decent. His birth name was Maewyn Succat. When a young boy, St. Patrick was taken captive by an Irish chieftain named Niall and brought back to Ireland where he suffered a harsh existence enslaved and forced to be a shepherd. St. Patrick finally escaped back to Britain, and pursued the priesthood. He was then named Patrick, father of the people. After several years and many dreams with beckoning voices that called him back to Ireland, Patrick returned to Ireland. With his strong faith he traveled all over Ireland, planting many Christian churches and baptizing thousands of Irishmen. St. Patrick died on March 17th., 460 A.D.

Years after his death, he was canonized for his work of freeing the lost souls of Ireland. St. Patrick is the center of many Irish songs and legends. One being based on the Saints way that he used tri -leafed shamrocks, plentiful throughout Ireland, as a tool to explain the trinity. To this day the Irish wear shamrocks in little bunches on their hats and lapels, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Modern day week-long celebrations in Ireland now include a strong sense of national pride, fantastic fireworks and St. Patrick Day parades, which were first seen in the United States. In Ireland Christians celebrate the feast of St. Patrick on the Day, eating traditional Irish foods. Here in he United States and indeed all over the world, the efforts to memorialize St. Patrick and his works are seen in church services and widely in festive parties, meals of corned-beef and cabbage and decors in everything green from shamrocks to beer.

Administrative Advisor: Jeannie Johnson

↑ contents

OUR OTHER TOWNS

…a column about celebrating a sense of other places Sports is ready, willing and able with inventory for rental and sales of winter and summer outdoor equipment. www.eastburkesports.com, Route 114, East Burke, (802) 626-3215. 7:00 p.m.: Sink your teeth into stuffed pork chops ($18.75) or grilled seitan with noodles ($16.25). Willy’s Restaurant has something for every-vore. And they have wood oven pizzas and calzones, too. www.willysrestaur ant.net, 570 Route 114, East Burke, (802) 626-9900. 9:00 p.m.: Pull up the covers two doors down from dinner at The Village Inn of East Burke. The owners of this sixroom B&B want you to think of it as “Your home away from home—without the chores.” $95/night for a double room (plus VT rooms tax) (includes breakfast). http://www.villageinnofeast burke.com, (802) 626-3161.

Saturday

8:00 a.m.: Wheeeeeeeee! Get out there and ski Burke Mountain, where there are fewer skiers per acre than any other mountain resort in the area. (Disclaimer: I still don’t downhill ski, so I won’t pretend to recommend any trails.) For the latest deals: http://www.skiburke.com/ , (888) BUR-KEVT. 12:30 p.m.: And now, for rural Vermont’s equivalent to a shopping mall: the Northeast Kingdom Country Store –it’s two levels, including food, wine and locally made (or found) things. Place your order on the ground floor for a Greek Salad or Old Smokey Sandwich (hot meatballs, marinara sauce, provolone and caramelized onion), then browse the upper level with its rooms full of antiques including an old fashioned hand held video camera, cow bells, a flat whisk, felted slippers, ball caps, wooden bowls and greeting cards. 466 By Julia Shipley Ok Sweetie, grab your toothbrush and a change of clothes. Kids, powerdown the dang I-thing for a moment and listen: we’re about to do something very special together (don’t roll your eyes at me). We are going on a surprise vacation. Yes! So get in the car ‘cause we’re headed to ….Burke! We (the travel section of the Cabot Chronicle) have assembled a sample itinerary for your magic stay-cation; drop Rover off at Tree Dog Kennel on your way out of town and get ready to experience the wonders of a whole new world just 30 miles northeast (or driving time forty minutes) from downtown Cabot.

36 hours in Burke Did you know the Burke Mountain Company is partnering with Sterling College to turn land originally slated for a golf course into productive farmland for raising local food? Did you know that every spring Burke hosts a “pond skimming event” in which costumed participants ride any kind of snow vehicle (board, ski, door…) down a steep hill and across a small pond, praying they have enough momentum to coast across before they (gulp) founder and collapse into the 40-degree water? And did you know that there is an East Burke Yacht Club?! Anyone who can explain to me what the heck is happening here gets the pie of their choice, homemade, delivered to their house, by me.

Friday

4:00 p.m.: Gear check - broken binding? Need another pole? Want to toss those ole straight skis for a pair of Atomic Access down-hills? East Burke Route 114, East Burke, (802) 626-4611. 1:30 p.m: Maybe you’re looking for a housewarming gift, some gourmet chocolate, a throw pillow or two? Covered Bridge Primitives (shares the same building as Willy’s Restaurant) has some “whimsical” things to consider. 570 Route 114, East Burke (802) 626-5043. 2:00 p.m: Time for some level adventure: cross-country ski along the 60 kilometers of groomed Kingdom Trails. A day pass is $7 for ages 8-15; $15 for adults; under 8 and over 70: free. The Nordic Center is located at the end of Dashney Road, which is 1.3 miles up the Mountain Road from Route 114. (First left after the Burke Mountain entrance). On Saturday, February 4, they are hosting a Moonlight Ski from 6-8 pm ($5 per person includes hot chocolate) (see web site for details) http://www.kingdom trails.com/ 802-626-6005 7:00 p.m.: Aim back up to Burke Mountain for dinner at the Tamarack Grill, where, in addition to hearty fare and a decent children’s menu, there’s

C also a comedy night and regularly schedu ledlivemusic . h t p : / / www.skiburke.com/the-mountain/around-the-mountain/eats/, (802) 626- 7390. 9:00 p.m.: Night cap? There’s the Out Back Pub, built in a renovated garage, which is really out back behind the General Store. 482 Route 114, East Burkem (802) 626-1188.

Sunday

10:00 a.m.: Savor a yummy brunch at the River Garden Café. Three things distinguish this restaurant: 1. They have an extensive collection of salt and pepper shakers from around the world—matching Santas, pilgrims, taxis, puppies, bunnies, geese, nuns (black habit, white habit) 2. One of the waitresses has a photographic memory and can recite elaborate, mouthwatering descriptions of at least eight different deserts made daily. 3. The deserts! Like the Brownie Sundae with home made ice cream, home made brownie, homemade chocolate sauce. Reservations recommended. 427 Route 114, East Burke, http://www.rivergarden cafe.com/,( 802)626- 3514.

The beginning of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 3.

↑ contents

Snowmobiling the NEK: To the Burkes and Beyond

By Marina Cole If you are one of the diehard Vermonters who has kept his snowmobile despite the increasingly short riding seasons, then do not miss the latest storm and your chance to take one of the best rides this winter. Cabot’s Main Street provides a perfect jumping off point to a day of snowmobiling through some of the most scenic areas of the Northeast Kingdom. The gas pump at Harry’s Hardware is just off the trail, and the Cabot Village Store is conveniently located to start the day with pockets full of snacks. Depending on trail conditions and personal preference, you may head north through Greensboro Bend or through North Danville, but if you are NEK bound, you will likely find yourself in Wheelock, Sheffield, and Sutton. The windswept fields of Sutton offer some of the best viewing of all of the wind turbines recently installed in Sheffield. By day, the three blades of each turbine are distinct in the distance, and at night red lights blink to mark the top of each tower. If you have only seen the wind farm from Interstate 91, VAST trail 51 through Sutton offers another great opportunity for sightseeing. Just minutes from Sutton, West Burke is the place to stop mid-way to your destination north. Mike’s Gas has great parking and easy access to the pumps. Mike’s deli has grab and go hot foods, but those in the know get their sandwiches just up the road at Kerrigan’s. Kerrigan’s Market makes such tasty, loaded grinders that this deli is almost a destination of its own. If you are traveling with your family, West Burke also has a small playground on the green in town. It is a good place for the kids to stretch their knees while mom and dad finish their lunch. Pick your journey north from West Burke. Is it Lake Willoughby or Island Pond today? You can get there from here. VAST trail 114 north will take you to Island Pond, or jump off at intersection EX 20 onto trails 58 and 5 for a slow loop around Willoughby and back home south on your choice of trails.

↑ contents

Linda Walbridge Crosses Into Retirement

By Cia Considine After many years as Cabot’s Official School Crossing Guard, Linda Walbridge has passed her duties on and will now have more time to devote to her nieces, nephew and family. I can remember when there wasn’t a crossing guard at the school. As a mother, I marveled at how savvy the Village kids were at using the sidewalks and looking both ways before crossing. My kids, however, like many other Cabot ‘hillians’, were not road wise. It was a constant concern for me when my kids were ‘about’ in the Village. That is, until Linda began crossing. She was the ultimate traffic calming enhancement for Main Street. She was always at her post, morning and afternoon, dressed for any weather and ever sporting her orange crossing guard vest. (She was also a good weather source, especially before weather.com.) When Linda stood so authoritatively on the road with her hand-held stop sign, I would half-sing out in a question the words from Diana Ross’ “Stop In The Name of Love.” Linda, a lover of song, would echo back the tune and hold her sign out, just like one of the Supremes. Like teachers and staff at Cabot School, Linda came to know each student by name, and over the years, she was known by many families. She was also the ‘goto’ person to find out which direction she last saw your kid traveling. (That was handy before cell phones, for sure.) What I most appreciated about Linda’s presence was that she was always quick to give cheerful greetings, encouraging words and even a few warnings when they were due to our kids. Her love of children was apparent. She has served our community well and we will miss seeing her at the school crossing.

↑ contents

Cookie Making Workshop

The Cabot Library hosted a Cookie Making Workshop with Beth Hoffman, owner of Sweet B’s Bakery. She bakes at her home in Cabot and specializes in cookie decorating. Eight participants attended the workshop. Pictured above from the left are Jonah and Ethan Socks.

↑ contents

OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Laura “Peg” Abbott Laura "Peg" Pierce Abbott died Friday morning, January 20, 2012, at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield, Vermont. She had been a resident of the Tilden House in Barre. Born Laura Jean Pierce in 1917 in Huntington, Vermont, she was the youngest child of Herbert and Martha (Hatch) Pierce. Baptized in the brook behind the Shady Rill Baptist Church in Middlesex, she was active in area churches all her life, a member of Grace Methodist Church in Plainfield, Cabot United and Hedding United Methodist in Barre. Peg graduated from Plainfield High School and Lyndon Normal School. Her professional life as librarian began in Cabot, but she is remembered most as the librarian at the Vermont Historical Society, where she was respected and loved by her many colleagues over the years. Peg lost her husband, Mark Abbott, in 1973. Peg is survived by her children: Martha Sanborn of Barre, her husband, Earle, their children and grandchildren; and Hilton Abbott of Longmeadow, MA, his wife, Linda, and their children and grandchildren. Peg's grandchildren are Scott Darling in Wells River, VT, Todd Darling in Barre, VT, Mary-Alice Abbott of Longmeadow, MA, Mark Abbott in Cape Elizabeth, ME, and Joanna Abbott- Graves in Dorchester, MA. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hedding Methodist Church, 40 Washington Street, Barre, VT; or Mayo Healthcare, 71 Richardson Street, Northfield, VT 05663.

John Murley Huntington

John Murley Huntington, 86, of Cabot, died Sunday, January 29, 2012, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born September 4, 1925, in Cabot, the son of the late Elmer and Ruth (Putney) Huntington. He then attended Marshfield public schools. On September 4, 1958, he married Mildred Anna Eastman in Cabot. He was a dairy farmer for many years and also worked for the Town of Marshfield on the road crew for 10 years. He retired in the late 1980s. He enjoyed tinkering. Survivors include his wife, Mildred, of Cabot; two daughters, Rosina Huntington of Cabot and Annie Huntington of Websterville; two stepchildren, Paul Bailey of Manchester, N.H., and Gloria Proulx of Salem, NH; and two grandsons. He was predeceased by siblings Etta Hale and Frank, Maurice and Ben Huntington. A memorial service and visiting hours were held Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm St., Hardwick. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Cabot Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 32, Cabot, VT 05647.

Arthur Rosaire Olney

Arthur Rosaire Olney, 88, of Hardwick, formerly of South Walden, died Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at the Manor Nursing Home in Morrisville. He was born September 5, 1923, in Southbridge, MA, the son of the late Emery and Rose (Piche) Olney. He then attended the Houston Hill School in Walden. He worked for his family on the Olney Family Dairy Farm in South Walden and later owned and operated the family farm. He retired in 1988. Survivors include his wife, Adrienne, of Hardwick; a son: Albert Olney, of South Burlington; a grandson; two sisters: Blanche Messier of Stannard, and Cecile Olney of St. Johnsbury; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by three sisters: Doris Harvey, Irene Wright and Pauline LaCroix. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to St. Norbert's Church, P.O. Box 496, Hardwick, VT 05843 or the Hardwick Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 838, Hardwick, VT 05843.

↑ contents

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

To the Editor:

I’d like to respond to another reader who questioned the scientific validity of the health concerns about cell phones, WiFi, and other wireless devices. I agree with the reader that WiFi and cell phones emit radio frequency (RF) non-ionizing radiation, which by definition cannot damage DNA by directly breaking the bonds within cells. However, what many aren’t aware of is that, over the last several decades, dozens of studies have found RF damages DNA and other genetic material through other indirect mechanisms, such as free radical formation inside cells. Many of these studies were from cell phones or general RF, but within the last year a study was published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility that found WiFi laptops also damaged DNA

– within only four hours. (Avendaño et al 2011) The evidence that RF is harmful is much more conclusive than most realize. For instance, all long-term case control cell phone studies (>10 years) have found an increased risk of brain tumors (Hallberg et al 2011). More scientific research is needed, but organizations are beginning to take a protective stance with radiofrequency

To the Editor:

When we moved here 12 years ago, I never would have guessed how many times I’d look out my kitchen window to see if Linda was there. No matter how cold, or rainy, or snowy, she invariably would be, waiting to cross the kids safely back and forth. Linda Walbridge was the Cabot crossing guard for almost 20 years, beginning in September of 1993. You could often see her arriving and leaving with a stroller carrying her nieces and nephew, until you saw her crossing that niece or nephew to their first day of preschool. Crossing safely with Linda holdradiation. In fact, the International Association of Fire Fighters passed a resolution opposing the placement of cell towers and antennas on fire stations. Within the resolution it states: “WHEREAS, many firefighters who are living with cell towers on or adjacent to their stations are paying a substantial price in terms of physical and mental health. As first responders and protectors of the general public, it is crucial that firefighters are functioning at optimal cognitive and physical capacity at all times.” WiFi emits a very similar type of radiation to cell towers, and the precautionary approach that the IAFF has taken is exactly what many scientists and medical professionals recommend for schools in order to protect the teachers and students. Lastly, while there has been confusion about electro-sensitivity, or EHS, there are published, peer-reviewed scientific double-blind studies that have demonstrated that certain individuals have immediate adverse reactions to wireless radiation (McCarty et al, 2011). For more information, visit www.wifiinschools.com.

Ray Pealer

Calais, VT ing back the traffic has been a rite of passage for so many excited village preschoolers and kindergartners. She always knew the children’s names, who their brothers and sisters were, what weather was coming our way, and whether you were running late (we were always running late). And though we still get to see her picking up her family at school, and on Halloween if we’re brave enough, I want her to know how much she’s meant to so many parents and kids, and how grateful we are for the time she gave to Cabot School.

Sharon O’Connor

↑ contents

A Bright Idea

By Alyssa Bernadino Last month, an eight month-long LED street light conversion project for the Town of Cabot was finished. To reduce energy consumption and save money, Assistant Town Clerk Marina Cole worked with Green Mountain Power and Efficiency Vermont to complete the street light conversion project. When Efficiency Vermont offered a program to municipalities that included technical advice, financial assistance and design guidance, Cole contacted Green Mountain Power to discuss the possibility of a conversion to LED street lights in Cabot. Green Mountain Power (GMP) was leasing 32 street lamps to the town and agreed to the conversion and the costs of replacing all streetlights that had reached their anticipated life expectancy. The remaining lamps would also be replaced through another program offered through Efficiency Vermont. Cole worked with Paul Markowitz of Efficiency Vermont to complete a mandatory assessment of the town lighting to fulfill program requirements. Each street lamp was verified whether it was on town property and whether it was leased through GMP. Lamp locations were assessed and two street light lamps were deemed unnecessary and removed. Further results of this assessment were as follows: Thirty of the existing fixtures were 100-watt mercury vapor bulbs and the remaining were 100-watt sodium vapor bulbs. The cost to run those lights in town was about $380 per month, or $4,560 per year. Cole estimates the April electric bill will show a 50% savings compared to previous bills. This will prove a significance saving for the town.

Too bright? Too dark? Have you noticed the lighting change? Let us know what you think. We want to know.

↑ contents

Legislative News

By Kitty Toll

February was a busy month in the House Appropriations Committee. Testimony on the Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2013 was completed at the end of the month. Three public hearings were held, one through Vermont Interactive Television and two held at the State House, enabling Vermonters across the state the opportunity to voice concerns directly to the committee. The week after Town Meeting, the Appropriations Committee will present a revised budget to the Legislature for consideration. After factoring in a recent revenue down-grade, the proposed gap to close is approximately $61 million. This is a challenging task considering the difficult cuts made in the 2012 budget to address last year’s gap of $176 million. Vermont is one of a handful of states that does not have a constitutional requirement to pass a balanced budget. However, Vermont has a strong history of passing a balanced budget and making a mid-year adjustment through the Budget Adjustment Act to keep our finances in balance, and will do so again this year. Flooding from Tropical Storm Irene closed the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury last year. This caused severe disruption to the State’s ability to provide services to Vermonters who need acute inpatient care for mental illness. The House passed H.630 - Reforming Vermont’s Mental Health System. The purpose of the bill is to strengthen Vermont’s existing mental health care system by offering a continuum of community and peer services, as well as a range of acute inpatient beds throughout the state. The bill provides replacement for the services provided at the Vermont State Hospital at acute inpatient hospitals throughout the state by contracting for renovation and operation of a 14-bed unit within the Brattleboro Retreat and a six-bed unit within Rutland Regional Medical Center, by temporarily contracting for seven to twelve inpatient beds at Fletcher Allen Health Care, by providing acute inpatient services at another temporary location if a viable setting is identified by the commissioner and licensed by the Department of health, and by building a 25-bed hospital in central Vermont. As of this writing, the Senate is taking additional testimony on H.630 and is weighing out the advantages and disadvantages of a new 25 bed facility vs. a 16 bed facility.

H.753 - The House Education Committee voted 11-0 to expand Act 153 (H.66). The bill provides financial incentives for school districts and supervisory unions who consolidate governance structures or provide services jointly. The bill provides more options for schools, school districts and supervisory unions that choose to merge and share educational resources in order to improve learning opportunities for students. Currently, three supervisory unions in the southern part of the state have received permission from the State Board of Education to merge into two, saving over $700,000. The districts within the three supervisory unions are setting dates for final approval. In addition, more than 12 studies are underway for consideration of mergers. There is increasing support throughout the state for this approach. Although no districts have voted to merge into a unified union district or regional education district (RED), there has been an increase in shared services and resources amongst districts, and many merger studies are underway. On a vote of 138-4 the state reapportionment bill passed the house with broad support. The House Government Operations Committee focused its work on districts significantly affected by population shifts. To accommodate changes in population, boundary changes were made to several districts, a seat was added to Burlington and Rutland County was reduced by one seat. Fortunately, the northeastern districts of the state did not lose a seat. Caledonia-Washington 1, comprised of Cabot, Danville and Peacham, remains intact. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve you in the Legislature and I look forward to continuing this service. For complete information concerning districts and population visit the following site: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/Reapportionment. As tax deadlines approach, some Vermonters may want to consider using the expertise of the Vermont Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offering free tax assistance for those earning less than $50,000/year. Also, Vermonters may qualify for a federal and state tax credit. To find more information about Earned Income Tax Credit to those earning less than $49,078/year or a site close to you for tax assistance, visit www.VermontTreasurer.gov or call 802-828-2407. In addition, one can call 211 and speak with a live person every time who can problem solve and/or refer callers to government programs, community-based organizations, support groups, and many other local and state resources. Committee discussions and House and Senate deliberations are always open to the public. I look forward to hearing from you and encourage all to visit the Legislature this session. To get more information on the Vermont Legislature and the bills which have been proposed and passed, visit the legislative website: www.leg.state.vt.us . Please contact me at: State House: 828-2228 Home: Email:

684-3671 [email protected]

↑ contents

From page 5

In 1968, the first Light-Emitting Diode (LED) was invented. It then took nearly four decades to develop into what is commonly used by consumers. These days, LED lighting can be found in nearly everything from flashlights to street lamps. There are multiple benefits of LED lighting that may be appealing to consumers. LEDs consume, on average, 40 to 60 percent less energy than other bulbs. This is, in part, because LED bulbs produce little to no heat, whereas other light bulbs generate heat. Since LEDs do not get warm or hot to the touch, they are also safer. LED lights emit an equal amount of light as other bulbs using a fraction of the wattage. This reduces the cost of the utility immensely. The unique design of the LED bulb projects the light so that it appears brighter and clearer than that of other bulbs. Most traditional light bulbs are round and contain an element in the center. As electricity passes through the element, light is produced and cast 360 degrees around the bulb. Lampshades, reflectors and other techniques are often used to manipulate and direct the light. An LED bulb is composed of multiple LEDs in rows. Inside each individual LED is a semiconductor diode that emits light when voltage is applied to it. The minute size of each individual diode makes it possible to direct the light independently. The compact design of the bulb condenses the light and directs it specifically where it is needed. When used in outdoor lighting, this virtually eliminates light pollution into the night sky and keeps lighted areas brighter. The compact design also makes an LED bulb more durable than other bulbs. Light-Emitting Diodes also surpass other types of lighting in life expectancy. Most light bulbs have a life span of about 24,000 hours and cease to work when the internal element burns out. The average LED will last up to 100,000 hours, four times longer than others. The diodes in an LED slowly fade out, appearing dimmer, and is considered to have reached life expectancy when it has reached 30 percent lumen depreciation. This attributes to the near zero cost of maintaining LEDs.

↑ contents

Vandals Strike Twice In One Week

By: Alyssa Bernadino During the night of Sunday, February 12, the Cabot Garage fell victim to vandals. Several windows were broken on the building, but the business was not burglarized. Owner Mike Cookson said there was no alarm system in place at the time but security cameras are going up immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Green at the Middlesex State Police barracks at (802) 229-9191. A few days later, on February 16, the owners of Harry’s Hardware discovered some damage to the exterior of their building. A large front window was cracked and the surrounding siding showed evidence of rocks being thrown at the building.

↑ contents

UDAG COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE VOTERS

Challenged by three separate devastating flood incidents in town, these are actions the UDAG Committee took during the year to respond to critical needs: The UDAG Committee worked with the Select Board and Town Clerk to respond to the immediate needs of flood-ravaged village businesses and voted to support their ability to continue to serve the people of Cabot in the amount of one $15,000 grant each for Harry’s Hardware and the Cabot Village Store, and one $4,000 grant for the Cabot Garage. Eligible entities were defined as unique town or commercial resources significant in the economic viability of our commercial village center; distinct and necessary economic entities that are unique town or commercial resources. This does not include residential properties, personal or commercial. The committee will continue to work with the Select Board and businesses if additional needs can be addressed with UDAG funds so that these businesses may continue to offer service. The Committee also voted that, in an emergency situation, the UDAG committee will make direct expenditures or reimburse expenditures for the correction of hazmat conditions and removal of hazmat materials to protect the public in a natural disaster. The committee chair was directed to cut a check for hazmat removal. In addition, the committee has removed the limitation on the UDAG subsidized interest rate loan program being offered through only the UDAG committee’s financial partner by opening up the program to other qualified lenders, in order to maximize availability of this resource to the business owners of Cabot. The committee wishes to express its gratitude to Cathleen Maine, as her term in office comes to a close, for her effort as head of the UDAG Scholarship Subcommittee and the work she has been doing on behalf of Cabot.

UDAG PLAN REVISION

Below is the revised UDAG Plan. We hope you will read it carefully and contact UDAG Committee members if you have any questions or suggestions. Additional copies of this proposal as well as the previous plan are available at the Town Office or from the UDAG Committee chair, Jan Westervelt, [email protected]. _________________________________________________________________________

Town of Cabot UDAG Plan As of January 2012 _________________________________________________________________________ If you have any questions regarding this document or the UDAG committee, contact any UDAG Committee member. UDAG Committee meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Select Board meeting room of the Willey Building. All meetings are open to the public.

The purpose of the Cabot UDAG Plan is to provide financial resources, through a fair and consistent process, to local individuals and groups for activities and projects that serve to strengthen the economic, cultural, educational, environmental, and social well-being of the Cabot community.

UDAG Goals 1. Protect and enhance the quality of life and the character of the town by: a. preserving agriculture; b. preserving and reusing historic and

important buildings; c. conserving open and farm land; d.enhancing recreational opportunities; e. providing local amenities and community activities, and f. preserving and protecting the environment and abating pollution.

2. Promote commercial development

that is consistent with the scale and character of the community by: a. assisting existing small business, including agriculture; b. providing incentives for new business development; c. assisting in the promotion of local business; d. creating and protecting local employment opportunities; e. attracting public and private investment, and f. encouraging the use indigenous, renewable raw materials. 3. Promote education by:

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

↑ contents

UDAG COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE VOTERS

(Continued from page 6)

K. Applicants who live outside the Town of Cabot may be eligible for loan subsidies if the businesses for which they seek the loans are located in Cabot; but the partner must consult the Committee before making subsidized loans to out-of-town residents.

3. Grants- A. The sum of money available to pay community grants voted on by Australian ballot at Town Meeting will be the difference between i. 4% of the average balance in the

UDAG Trust and the UDAG Administrative Checking Account at the calendar quarter end for the 6 quarters prior to 10/31. ii. less the expenses to administer

the UDAG Plan in the 12 months prior to the calendar quarter end prior to 10/31. iii. less the money used to subsidize

the interest rate on loans (refer to section 2) for the 12 months prior to the calendar quarter end prior to 10/31. iv. any funds available for granting

not used in any given year can be set aside and added to the grant funds as determined in i – iii (above) in subsequent years, however, any such set aside funds will be excluded from the calculation of the total assets of the UDAG Fund and the UDAG Administrative Checking Account from the quarter end after Town Meeting when calculating 4% of the average balance available for subsequent grants. B. This money can be granted to any Cabot community organization or Cabot governmental agency for capital projects that meet the goals of the UDAG Plan. C. Eligible applicants include community groups, non-profits, civic organizations, fraternal organizations, and similarly organized groups in the Town of Cabot, as well as such other committees, agencies, organizations, or commissions that are created by the Town of Cabot, Village of Cabot or the Cabot School District. Eligible applicants include the Recreation Committee, the Conservation Committee, the Cemetery Commission, the Library Trustees, the Cabot Historical Society, et. al. Individuals are not eligible to apply for these grants, and no assets purchased with these grants may be owned by or distributed to any private party or be installed permanently on private property. D. An application for a Community Grant must be submitted to the UDAG Committee by October 1 of each year. The application must be mailed to Cabot UDAG Committee, P.O. Box 125 Cabot, VT 05647. E. The Committee will review grant proposals to determine whether a proposed grant meets the goals of the UDAG Plan. Applicants will be notified at which upcoming UDAG meeting the application will be reviewed so they may attend that meeting. Generally, applicants will be notified of the Committee decision within two weeks following the UDAG meeting. F. This determination will be made no later than the 3rd Thursday in October each year. G. When such a determination is made for all grants proposed, a warned information meeting on the grants the Committee considers consistent with the UDAG Plan will be hosted by the Committee at its regularly scheduled meeting on the 3rd Thursday of December.

H. The grant proposals determined by the Committee to be consistent with the UDAG Plan will be voted on by Australian ballot on Town Meeting Day. I. The submission of the grant proposal to the voters does not constitute an endorsement of any grant proposal by the Committee. Each voter must decide if a particular grant proposal is a worthwhile use of UDAG funds, and cast their vote accordingly.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 7 onward.

↑ contents

YOU

By Chronicle Staff You didn’t hear it from me but the ground hog did see his shadow last month, which means there is a lot more winter left. I can believe cold and winter, but snow? Some are referring to this season as a “Won’ter”, because it JUST WON’T SNOW! This is particularly inconvenient for the ski areas and the lodgings and businesses that serve snowmobilers, but there is a good side… With the little bit of snow that is allowing some backwoods cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the woods have been incredibly peaceful. Another advantage may be the accessibility for the sugar makers to their trees and sap. The risk of Spring flooding is very low. Welcome news for us in Cabot. And what about the great skating? The risk of having your property vandalized in Cabot Village is apparently high. Two businesses on Main Street were victimized. With the new street lighting, you would think that the risk would be lessened. The new lights which are night sky friendly, still allow for star gazing, even with the brighter dispersion of light. Some Villagers are having trouble adjusting to the new ambience. March will be a month of transitions. We will break through to warm temperatures, flowing sap, mud, or we may get some ‘catch-up’ dumps of snow. Time will tell.

↑ contents

Cabot Community Parent Information Series

FREE bi-weekly parent information sessions to promote a healthy community for children and youth. Tuesday Evening sessions run from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Cabot School Primary Building. FREE Childcare and Sandwiches Provided.

To register for any and/or all sessions, please call Pat at WNESU, 454-9924, Ext. 308. Please leave name, phone number and number of adults and children attending.

↑ contents

Joe’s Pond Ice Out Contest

By Jane Brown The most fun around for lots of folks this time of year is the Joe’s Pond Association’s Ice-Out Contest. There is no magic formula for picking the date the weighted pallet sinks and the bright red flag goes down and stops the clock. It’s anybody’s guess, influenced only by the weather, and this year the unusual weather has left lots of folks wondering if we’ll have a repeat of 2010 when the clock stopped on April 5, shattering the long-standing earliest date of April 16. The latest the clock has stopped is May 6. We’ve had reports of 18 inches of ice, which is less than some years, but about normal for others. The Joe’s Pond Ice-Out Contest began in 1988, literally in the shirt pocket of then association president Jules Chatot. The first winner was Ed Bird, who won $433.00. These days a winning ticket is more likely to be worth about $5,000.00 In case you don’t know how the game works, as soon as the ice fishing shanties are off the ice so snowmobile and truck traffic stops, we put out a wooden pallet weighted with cement blocks. There’s a red flag on the apparatus and it’s all tethered by a rope to Homer Fitts’s deck. When the pallet moves or sinks, it disconnects an electric clock, and we have the official end of the contest. It’s not rocket science, but it has worked for a quarter of a century. Tickets are on sale in St. Johnsbury at Natural Provisions, Caplan’s and St. Jay Hardware; in St. Johnsbury Center at the Tower and Thurston Auto; in Danville at Marty’s 1st Stop and Diamond Hill Store; Hastings Store and Joe’s Pond Country Store in West Danville, the Walden General Store; in Cabot at Harry’s Hardware and Cabot Village Store; the Marshfield General Store; Dente’s Market, Barre Subway, Yankee Clipper Barber Shop, Barre Optical and Hope Cemetery office in Barre; Walker Volkswagen, Guy’s Barber Shop or Don Walker in Montpelier; Natural Provisions in Williston; or contact the contest’s co-chairs, Diane Rossi or Jane Brown in Cabot. You can print tickets on-line at the Joe’s Pond Association website, www.joespondvermont.com. The website also has up-to-date information on this year’s contest as well as lots of historical information, including all previous winning dates and times. Proceeds from ticket sales are split, after expenses, between the winner(s) and the Joe’s Pond Association. The Association’s share goes towards the huge free fireworks display at Joe’s Pond on July 3 this year (rain date is July 5). The display is set off from the old railroad bed at the north end of the pond, so find a hillside vantage point or watch from your boat – everyone has a great time. Tickets are still only $1.00 and will be available until close of business on April 1, at whatever outlet you visit – unless the clock stops before the official close of the contest, in which case the contest is over at that exact time, and any tickets received after that will be invalid. If you are mailing your tickets, they must be postmarked no later than April 1, or whenever the clock stops, whichever comes first.

↑ contents

100% Vermont Maple Syrup is Good for Your Health!

The Rodale Press, publishers of Eat This, Not That! and Prevention Magazine, recently acknowledged real maple syrup for its nutritional value and made the following claim:

“ All types of sweeteners should be used in moderation, but turn to real maple syrup if you want a naturally sweet treat. It's lower in calories and packed with more minerals than honey, and may even ward off cancer and heart disease. In 2011, a pharmacist from the University of Rhode Island discovered 54 previously unknown compounds in maple syrup from Canada, many of which were anti-inflammatory (which protects your heart) and exhibited cancer-fighting antioxidant properties. Ironically, two of the antioxidants they found were later discovered to fight enzymes that lead to type 2 diabetes. When you're buying it, just make sure the label reads 100 percent maple syrup—not high-fructose corn syrup and ‘natural maple flavoring.”

↑ contents

Cabot Post Office Hosts Unique Customer Training

By Cia Considine Each year, the Kindergarten and Preschool learn about traditional mail and how the Postal Service works. Claudette McAllister, Cabot’s Postmaster Relief, Officer In Charge (PMR OIC), and the Preschool and Kindergarten teachers have established this meaningful Cabot tradition that students remember fondly. With just days before Valentine’s Day, McAllister hosted both the Kindergarteners and Preschoolers to the Post Office for a behind the scenes tour of ‘the works’, as well as a hands-on, individualized customer training in the purchasing and proper stamping of first class mail. Mrs. Gulka, Cabot’s Preschool teacher, and Carolyn Deasy, the Kindergarten teacher, had been priming their students for this visit. They all had written Valentines to their families and now were ready to post their first personal letters. Each student (with help of a stepping stool) greeted McAllister, eye to eye, over the counter, and asked to purchase one 44-cent stamp. McAllister would then watch as each child placed his or her stamp carefully in the upper right corner. Most students remembered their instructions perfectly, others tried to lick the pre-pasted stickers. Still others had to be steered to the upper Claudette McAllister, explains about stamp cancellation on first class mail.

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

↑ contents

What’s New For The Garden?

By Amanda Legare Every year the All-American Selections competition (AAS) chooses the “best new, never-before-sold plant varieties.” Four entries with “superior garden performance” are given the AAS Award. The competition has introduced a total of 637 plants since 1933. Some of the past AAS winning plants, like ‘Bright Lights’ swiss chard or ‘Sensation’ cosmos, have gone on to become classics. Others, like ‘Harkness’ tomato and ‘Melody’ marigold, have disappeared from the horticultural marketplace. The two winning flowering plants for 2012 are salvia ‘Summer Jewel Pink’ and an ornamental pepper, ‘Black Olive.’ Normally, I grow every new AAS selection, but I’m stepping back this year. ‘Summer Jewel Pink’ is the sister of ‘Summer Jewel Red,’ which won the AAS award last year, and I did grow that plant last summer. Perhaps it was the wet season, but its performance was underwhelming. ’Black Olive’ is a decorative pepper with dark purple fruit growing along the plant’s stems. It is edible, but if I’m going to grow a showy pepper, I choose ‘Super Chile’. It is very pretty and a great producer of inch long bright red hot peppers. Super Chile was an AAS winner in 1988 and it produces three times as many peppers as regular chile peppers. The two vegetable winners are ‘Cayennetta’ peppers and ‘Faerie’ watermelon. ‘Cayennetta’ pepper is a “mildly spicy pepper that is easy to grow.” This variety produces red chili peppers about 3 to 4 inches long on a compact, well branched upright plant. It is 69 days to maturity and I may be tempted to try it as a container plant. ‘Faerie’ watermelon has a yellow rind with thin stripes. It yields “sweet pinkred flesh with a high sugar content and the vigorous vines spread only to 11 feet .” You can grow melons in our area, but for me they use up too much garden space for their relatively small yield. A new concept that is turning up more and more in retail seed catalogues is the “fuseable” seed. This is when more than one seed is combined in a pellet form. Different colored coleus or petunias are often combined, and sometimes two different species are combined, like bacopa and petunias. The idea is to take the guesswork out of nice color or plant combinations. I’ll pass for now. I’d rather create my own combinations and I also worry about one of the seeds in the pellets not germinating. It will be interesting to see how successful this new trend becomes. Johnnies Selected Seeds is offering “Flower Sprout,” a cross of brussel sprouts and kale. The plant grows like a brussel sprout, and develops decorative, edible rosettes. This is something that will be fun to try. The National Garden Bureau has named 2012 as “The Year of the Geranium.” Burpees will be offering a yellow geranium. There are so many great long lasting yellow flowers out there already, this introduction does not appeal to me. Last year I started growing ‘Graffiti Red’ geranium, which is an exotic and unusual appearing geranium that’s been around for a while, but is hard to find. They produce loads of wild looking double, star-shaped flowers. I call it my “punk” geranium. A nice development in the world of geraniums is interspecific breeding. Zonal and ivy geraniums are both grown from cuttings. The zonals are tough, upright and vigorous. The ivies are pretty for hanging baskets and window boxes, but are susceptible to oedema (water ruptures the cells of the leaves) and are generally not good in full sun. So the industry has crossed the two (interspecific) and come up with excellent new semi-cascading geraniums, notably the ‘Caliente’ and ‘Calliope’ series. One new plant that I will reluctantly try is 'Plentifall' pansies. They are fragrant and are bred for hanging baskets with a trailing habit of up to 24 inches. I’m sure they are lovely, but I can’t help worrying about dead heading, once the first bloom has finished. Gardening is a joy for me and experimenting with new plants is part of the fun. If readers have any gardening questions for our area, they can e-mail me at [email protected] or call 426-3783. I will answer them in next month’s Chronicle.

↑ contents

Drawing The Line Between Oak and Beech

By Chuck Wooster “What do you think, Chuck, oak or beech?” This was my forester asking, and my immediate response was not to say anything because I was gasping for air after pursuing him up a rocky hillside. Also, I suspected it was a question with no easy answer. We were cruising our woodlot this past fall in preparation for drawing up a new forest management plan.“Cruising” is a forester’s term for doing an inventory of what you’ve got, and I was along for the ride, trying to help out where I could without getting in the way. “Oak or beech,” I repeated, stalling for time, “umm, what about if we just let nature take its course here. Would that be beech?” I asked, noting a gorgeous, 24-inch specimen just uphill from where we stood. Mimicking nature is all the fashion in forestry circles these days. The idea is to figure out how to remove useable wood from the forest in a way that mimics how trees die anyway, be it from wind or ice or fire or hurricanes. If you do this successfully, the theory goes, you should end up with the general mix of plants and animals that are native and best suited to your particular area. Quiet from the forester. Then he asked, “how do these beech trees look to you?” I had to admit, not counting the gem of a tree right next to me, the beech trees we had seen so far looked pretty scraggly, with dying limbs, thinned crowns, and pock-marked bark. They appeared to have terrible cases of black acne. Beech is fighting a desperate rearguard action against a Nectria fungus that has been on the march across the Northeast since it arrived here in the 1960s. Beech is by no means out, but it’s definitely down, and it may take centuries before the beech and the Nectria reach some sort of détente, allowing beech to regain its former glory. This is terrible news for wildlife, especially deer, bear, and turkeys, since beech trees produce some of the most nutritious nuts in the forest. It also complicates matters for landowners and foresters, who aren’t sure how much to count on beech over the near term. As it happens, our woodlot straddles an east-west ridge. On the hot, dry, south -facing half of the property, we have lots of oak. On the cooler, wetter, north-facing half, we have beech and hemlock. The property is smack on the fabled beech/oak line, the botanical division between northern and southern New England. North of the line, which runs across central New Hampshire, separating the southern White Mountains from the Merrimack lowlands, and then across southeastern Vermont into the Berkshires of Massachusetts, beech is a keystone species of the northern hardwood forest. South of the line, which zigs north to pick up the southern Connecticut River Valley, red oak is the signature tree of the oak/hickory forest. On our woodlot, we could theoretically have it both ways. “Why don’t we go for beech on the north slopes and oak on the south?” I suggested, getting back to the mimicking nature idea. “That would be a good bet,” he said, “if we knew about the future.” Pollen records and historical documents show that the location of the beech/oak line has held steady for many centuries, despite such climate shifts as the end of the little ice age in the early 1800s. Our climate today is nearly 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it was then, and the beech line hasn’t shifted. But current climate projections suggest that our climate is going to warm at least that much again, potentially upending the historical beech/oak relationship. Should we take this into account? From a management perspective, you favor beech and oak in very different ways. If you want new beech trees to sprout, you harvest mature trees either individually or in small groups. Young beech trees are most competitive in the filtered light of a closed forest canopy. Young oak trees, on the other hand, are most competitive in full sunlight, so to ensure their future, you typically harvest mature trees in larger groups, perhaps up to a quarter acre in size. Beech, in other words, thrives in the wake of natural disturbances like small blowdowns and old tree mortality. Oak thrives in the wake of ice storms and hurricanes. We sat down to eat some sandwiches and ponder the view, both of the forest in front of us and of the forest ahead in the future. On that afternoon, I was holding out hope for beech. But with a bust of a snow winter so far, I find myself thinking more and more about oak. Chuck Wooster is a farmer and writer in White River Junction, Vermont. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: [email protected]

↑ contents

POETRY CORNER

I WISH By Bill Cobb I wish life had its seasons that I could know what and when to sow that I might plant and label life row by row with some surety of what would grow. Stages there are of course; dependent child, discovering inquisitor, tumultuous teens, adulthood, dreams and schemes of greatness which, breaking off like chunks of calving glaciers, slide mostly submerged into our Middle Ages. And wisdom, sweet wisdom, when is your season? Your shoot, branch, flower and fruit? One hoped you’d come mixed with life not long shadowed, debris strewn memories. If only life had its seasons. If one knew when to seed what to feed, water and weed. Indeed! What to pull out, root and all making room for faith, hope and peace to grow. How many springs rich with life? How many harvests with moons so gold? How many autumn farewells chased by the stiffness of the cold? How many April snows and swelterings, too? Until I know that; tis for me the seasons they do flow Not around but through me head to toe for these my seedling years, here in God’s great greenhouse Earth.

↑ contents

Yellow House Tavern: Gone but not forgotten

The Yellow House Tavern and settlements along the Connecticut River. The Beardsleys saw a need for proper accommodations for travelers, so they took down the building they had started near the Walden town line and moved it to land on the northwest side of the road on the Plain, not far from where the cemetery is now. They sent word for friends and neighbors to come help erect the house, promising a good supply of whiskey to fuel the effort. Whole families came from Peacham, Danville and Cabot to help with the raising. Men declared they would “drink the Beardsleys dry.” According to old timers, the “raising” lasted two days and two barrels of rum were consumed, “. . . the first barto say that in the hey-day of freighting some sixty or more heavy teams used to pass over the high Plain every day. And besides there were the coaches and the horseback travelers. A day’s haul for a heavy team was about twenty-five miles. The taverns used to stand some six or eight miles apart along the freight roads. So, a tavern like the Yellow House would probably entertain each night some fifteen or twenty teamsters and their helpers, besides other travelers; and probably sixty or eighty horses and oxen would stand in the stables.”

I like to imagine what it must have been like with that much traffic over the road. They would leave Joe’s Pond on drink from the little brook that ran out of the swamp. The road was a straight, gradual climb with convenient natural plateaus along the way for resting the animals if they were loaded heavily. Eventually, each plateau had a house on one side, and usually the barn was across the road; trees were cut, stumps pulled, and fields were planted as farmers established homesteads. Many years later, this road became the lane over which we Bolton kids brought the cows every day. We imagined the wagons and buggies rolling along the road, and knew each cellar hole we passed – the Dickinson’s, Asa Mack’s, the Roy’s and Gray’s. Sometimes we stopped briefly to explore the rubble, but we knew our herd of fifty or more Holsteins would disperse into the woods if left unattended and besides, we’d been warned the old cellar holes held hidden dangers; but we couldn’t resist the possibility of finding a treasure among the bits of broken glass and rusted metal. Now, the fields on the Plain that once grew crops of hay, oats and corn to support families with eight or ten children are fallow or half-hayed; the pastures where cows, sheep and horses grazed are choked with bushes and fast-growing evergreens. The old military road is lost in the forest, and modern logging operations have blurred the boundaries of the alternate road. The stone walls and fences that once bordered the road and marked pastures, fields and the boundaries of those old homesteads are mostly gone. One by one, the buildings that were part of the Yellow House tavern were taken down, so by 1855, all that was left were some stones from its foundations, a few pieces of iron strapping and old hinges, and a key to one of the doors. The Plain is still a favorite spot for visitors. They come for the view and perhaps to spend a quiet moment imagining what it was like there years ago. They may walk in the field opposite the cemetery, down the hill past the Foster Covered Bridge to the small marker that reads, “Smugglers’ House,” or take pictures of the restored one-room school house that sits across the road from where the first school in town was located. The road is commonly known as the Bayley-Hazen Road now. There are new houses along the northernmost section in Cabot. People are drawn to the high ground, flat fields and gorgeous views, just as those first settlers were. But on this once busy Plain there are no more working farms, no barns with cattle or oxen, and the nearest tavern is in Montpelier.

Author Jane Brown is a volunteer archivist for the Cabot Historical Society. Her full article first appeared in the Danville North Star, January 2012. Although The Chronicle version above is abridged, the full story of The Yellow House with photos and map can be found on The Chronicle website at For more history on the Yellow House, visit the Cabot Historical Society’s website at www.cabothistory.com Above is a map of Walden. Below that is a photo of hinges and keys from Yellow House Tavern

rel of first proof rum, and a second barrel, slightly reduced.” The building, made of fine hard wood, was set on a foundation 40 feet square and went up two stories. The house was described by John M. Fisher (Vermont Historical Magazine, published in the mid to late 1800s) as “nicely finished with an ell that had a large meeting room, and there was a long shed that connected to roughly constructed log barns where horses, cattle and other animals were housed.” It must have been painted yellow, for it was known as the “Yellow House” tavern, and was the first framed house in town. Professor Archie Stone (1878-1946), an historian who grew up in Cabot and became Superintendent of Schools in Essex County, wrote, “ . . . people used the “new” Hazen’s Road, go up what is now Chatot Road, and round the bend heading northward past where Kate and Jules Chatot’s house is now. They would continue easily on level ground past the remains of a small quarry where big granite slabs were cut out of the hillside for foundations and posts. There were stone walls on either side of the road as it climbed, and giant maple trees as far as one could see into the woods. At the top of the first hill there was a swampy area that was probably stabilized by cedar logs laid crosswise for wagons to rumble across. There was another short stretch of corduroy road through a small swampy area after the next rise. There, on the right, just off the road, was a cold spring. Travelers would probably stop to fill their canteens and let the animals

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 11 onward.

↑ contents

From page 11

I grew up knowing about the “Old Hazen Road,” and the “Yellow House” tavern – or the “Smugglers’ House,” as it was also called – because Grandfather Bolton made sure everyone in the family knew where the old military road ran through our farm on Cabot Plain. He’d walk with us to the top of the hill in our night pasture to point out shelf-like indentations along the hillside and marks left on ledges by iron-wheeled wagons during the Revolutionary War days. My uncle, Bob Bolton, had marked the old road from our pasture through the woods to Joe’s Pond with big swipes of red paint on trees, and years later, when I was asked to lead a group along that section of the old military road, I was able to follow them. A few years after that, I tried to find those marks again, but the landscape had changed; trees had been cut or had fallen down, and I had a hard time locating the route. The Town of Cabot was granted in 1780 and chartered in 1781, and in spite of the possibility of a British raid, settlers began to arrive along the military road. The first, Benjamin Webster, came from Salisbury, New Hampshire, in early 1783 to build his cabin, and moved his family here that March. His hired man, Nathaniel West, was killed when a tree fell on him as he was helping Webster clear his land. West was the first to die in Cabot, and there’s a fieldstone marker near where the Hazen Road crosses Route 215. Dr. Parley Scott, Cabot’s first doctor, was Webster’s neighbor. Across the road from Benjamin Webster, Nathaniel Webster cleared land for his home. Lieutenant Jonathan Heath came with his family and settled opposite where the cemetery is now, and Lieutenant Thomas Lyford arrived at about the same time with his family and built a cabin nearby Heath, on the south side of the road at the intersection of what is now Dubray Road. By 1787, six more families had arrived: Lyman Hitchcock, David Blanchard, Jeremiah McDaniels, John Lyford, James Bruce, and Thomas Batchelder all brought their families from New Hampshire. Vermont joined the Union in 1791. As county lines were negotiated, Cabot was first in Cumberland County, then briefly Orange County until it became part of the newly organized Caledonia County. Dr. Gershom Beardsley and Horace Beardsley had come to Cabot in about 1790, and had watched the political development of the area closely. When the new county was formed, they thought Cabot would become the shire town, so they cleared two acres of their land near the town line between Walden and Cabot and began building the first frame house in town, anticipating Cabot would become the county seat. The Beardsleys’ hopes were dashed when Danville, not Cabot, became the shire town of the new county, and they stopped work on their house. Meantime, Major Lyman Hitchcock, Captain Jesse Levenworth and Asa Douglas presented eight acres of land “for public use” at the geographic center of the town where there was a growing settlement. This location was about two miles south of the Plain on what is now Danville Hill Road. They proposed to move the town’s business there, saying it was “away from the harsh weather of the Plain.” The people on the Plain vigorously protested the move, pointing out there were established businesses and farms on the Plain, and Hazen’s Road was a busy thoroughfare. However, land was cleared at the Center for a common, a school was built, and by vote in 1796 the town’s business was moved to the Center. The folks on the Plain threatened to secede. Business at the Plain continued to thrive along Hazen’s Road, the only direct route between Northern Vermont

↑ contents

Girl Scouts’ 100th Birthday Party St. Johnsbury

By Cecilia Gulka This year marks the 100th birthday of Girl Scouting in the United States. On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low gathered the first Girl Scout troop of 18 girls in Savanna, Georgia. Daisy wanted her Girl Scouts to go camping. enjoy nature and play sports, things many girls and women were not supposed to do back then. By 1920, there were nearly 70,000 Girl Scouts nationwide, including the territory of Hawaii. Today, more that 50 million women in the U.S. are Girl Scout Alumnae. More information about the history of Girl Scouting can be found on the G.S.U.S.A website: www.girlscouts.org. In celebration of 100 years, the Girl Scouts of the Maple Leaf Girl Scout Community (which includes Cabot) invite all past and current Girl Scouts to a 100th birthday party at the North Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury on Sunday, March 11, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Bring photos, memorabilia and especially your stories. Current girl scouts will be on hand to serve cake and finger foods, including Girl Scout cookies, and to present their displays about Girl Scouting past and present.

Girl Scout cookies have just arrived. If you didn’t get the chance to order any or would like more, don’t worry. Cookies will once again be on sale at both the Annual Cabot School meeting on Monday, March 5 and at the Annual Cabot- Town meeting on March 6. Call Cecilia Gulka at 563-2284 for more information about cookies or the G.S. 100th birthday party.

↑ contents

Do You Know Your Legal Rights?

Wendy Love, Executive Director, VCW

The Vermont Commission on Women, an independent state agency working to reduce discrimination and encourage opportunities for women, has just completed an update of the handbook, The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont. Written in plain language, the booklet covers issues affecting all Vermonters, such as marriage and divorce, adoption, wills and probate, women’s health, employment and education, housing and public accommodations, violence, public assistance and government benefits, insurance, as well as others. New features include information on human trafficking, health insurance, same sex marriage, and immigration. Since 1977, The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont has been a “go to” source of information for Vermont women, their families, and the professionals that serve them. The handbook allows users to link directly to the Vermont Commission on Women’s comprehensive resource directory and to federal and state statute websites. The result is reader-friendly content with easy-access reference links. The handbook is available on the Commission’s website at www.women. vermont.gov. For those who don’t have computer access please call the Commission at 800-881-1561.

Launched in 1964 by a call to action from President Kennedy, VCW is charged with reducing discrimination and encouraging opportunities for women. Volunteer commissioners and representatives from organizations concerned with women’s issues guide the commission’s public education, coalition building, and advocacy efforts. VCW offers many services to the public, including a toll-free information and referral service at 1-800-881-1561. For more information, visit www.women.vermont.gov.

***

↑ contents

Cabot Recreation Department

By Libby Hale Basketball finished up with a tournament for grades 3-4 as well as 5-6 boys and girls teams the weekend of February 25 and 26. It was nice to have a finale and have everyone finishing up together. All teams had a good season and learned about being a team and working together as well as improving their ball handling skills and learning the game of basketball. Many thanks to those who stepped up this season: Brian Hale ran the primary grades basketball program for eight Saturdays, Beth Herrick and Ian (Mr. B) taught the 3-4 girls and boys (respectively), and Brett Bellavance and David Hale took on the 5-6 boys and girls (respectively). Rebecca Nally and Olivia Bellavance kept book and Kelly Gochey officiated the games with occasional guest appearances from Mike Cookson, Brett Bellavance, David Hale and Zach Ducharme. Many thanks to all those who helped keep this season going! Susie Socks has done a fantastic job with the skating rink on the common with her team of helpers. I don’t think there has been one time I have been by that rink and there hasn’t been at least several people skating, and all the time it has been in great condition. Thanks to Susie for all her dedication and hard work, as well as thanks to all the others who have helped maintain the ice, it truly has been a treat for the community to have such a nice rink all winter. There will be some trail maintenance work days coming up, please keep your eyes open if you want to help. I will send a flyer out through the web administrator, as well as Front Porch Forum. NOW, looking forward to spring Little League, there will be one more chance to sign up on Friday the 9th, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday the 10th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the gym. If the teams fill up and your child has not registered s/he will not be able to join later (when s/he sees friends out there playing). Little League is open to boys and girls age 4 through 12. Please sign your child up on time and talk it up so your friends and neighbors who might not see the notices will also know about it. We are also looking for folks to volunteer their time as coaches, officials, field maintenance personnel, concessions help, crowd and dugout control, bookkeepers, pitch counters and general assistants. Please contact Libby at 563- 3226, [email protected] or Rebecca at 563-3503, [email protected] with questions or to help.

↑ contents

TWIN VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

By Rita Copeland, Executive Director

March is Meals on Wheels month. TVSC’s Meals on Wheels program is going strong with the help of our dedicated volunteers and staff. TVSC belongs to Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), and I would like to share with you part of an article written by MOWAA president & CEO Enid Borden. “As CEO of the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), I stand up for our vision to end senior hunger by 2020. It is an immense challenge. Our network represents 5,000 Meals On Wheels programs across the nation that serve more than 1 million meals daily to elders in need. Some programs serve meals at locations like senior centers, some programs deliver meals directly to the homes of older adults whose mobility is limited. It’s hard to imagine that an older individual in our community, possibly in our neighborhood, is going hungry. But it’s happening. Nearly 6 million older Americans face the threat of hunger, and the numbers are only getting worse. In recent years, hunger rates have more than doubled for low income elders, and there will be more older adults to provide for considering our troubled economy and the fact that elders are the fastest-growing cohort in the U.S. population. Going hungry is horrible, and it is particularly appalling that people are experiencing hunger when there is enough food produced in this country to feed everyone. Hunger is detrimental to one’s health, especially as we age. Elders at risk of hunger are likely to have the same limitations in activities of daily living as an individual who is 14 years older. So, if you’re 64 but going hungry, you are more likely to reflect the physical age of 78. Plus, the cost of one year’s worth of nutritious, home-delivered meals roughly equals the cost of one day in the hospital.” The above is part of an article appearing in the January/February, 2012, issue of Aging Today, the American Society on Aging’s bimonthly newspaper covering issues in aging research, practice and policy nationwide. At TVSC, we are doing our part to end hunger in the disabled and senior populations in the six towns we serve. We provide home cooked, nutritional meals which can be delivered to homes in our coverage area (providing meals for up to seven (7) days at a time). The very same meals are served at the center. Nutritional content is overseen by a registered dietitian. We ask a donation of $4 a meal, however, no one is turned away, regardless of ability to pay.

If you are coming home from a hospital stay, rehab center, nursing home or just live alone and are unable to cook for yourself or spouse, or unable to get to stores for food supplies, then contact us at 802-426-3447. If you are able to get out but have no means of transportation, then contact us for free bus service to and from the senior center for socializing and a hot meal. Buses are accessible for all, as is the senior center. Socializing is a very large part of maintaining health and helps prevent loneliness and depression. We are here to help you, your neighbor or family member. For more information about services call 802-426-3447.

↑ contents

Tai Chi Classes for Seniors

On April 2, 2012 Twin Valley Seniors will begin having free of charge T’ai Chi classes. Classes will be from 1- 2pm on Mondays, with the idea of adding a second weekly class if there is enough interest.

T’ai Chi is an ancient practice to reduce pain and improve your mental and physical well-being. It consists of 19 movements and one pose. (Chi = Qi = life force) HaUR only Scrabble word with Q that doesn’t require a “u”] It is brought to TVSC by Ameri- Corps and the Arthritis Foundation. T’ai Chi will help you reduce stress, increase balance & flexibility, feel relaxed, and improve your overall mind, body and spirit. You must register to participate so call 426-3447 now to sign up or get more information. Class participation will be limited to 18. A medical release will be required as well.

↑ contents

FROM THE CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

We welcome your ideas for programming and book suggestions for 2012.

Programs: Home Brewing Basics – Tuesday, March 20 – 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Home brewer, Charles O’Connor, will discuss the basics you need to know to make your own beer at home. If you have samples of your own home brewed beer, feel free to bring them in to share with the group.

Mapping a Sense of Place – Saturday, March 24, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon What IS a map? Why would anybody make one? How do you decide what to put on the map and what to leave out? Mapping is a way of showing what matters, demonstrating ownership, recording important places with lines, dots and symbols. With your map you can show someone how to get to somewhere or help them recognize a place that’s important. In this workshop, led by Julia Shipley, we’ll get inspiration by examining all kinds of maps. We’ll explore how they reveal information about different places and terrains. Then we’ll try our hand at making memory maps, event maps, and other kinds of maps of the places we know best: our houses, rooms, woods, gardens, trails, neighborhoods, fields, barns, streams.... Materials will be provided.

Susannah Blachly with Two Shoes Off – Saturday, March 31, 7:00 p.m.

Immersed in the joy of northern New England’s rich musical traditions, Vermont’s Two Shoes Off fuses the wellloved sounds of fiddle, guitar and mandolin with percussion and fine vocals, bringing to the stage a blend of old time jamming, Celtic melodies, American song-styles and world-beat rhythms. With original writing as their foundation, Two Shoes Off offers a fresh approach to traditional music that is by turns fun, funky and deeply moving. Two Shoes Off members include Susannah Blachly, George White, Dan Haley & Carter Stowell.

Yoga & Wellness Classes - Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. We’re on for Tuesdays except for March 13. For more information, contact Alicia: 802-563-3220 or [email protected]

Dungeons & Dragons – Fridays 3:00 -5:30 p.m. Join the group, conquer the obstacles, and get out of the dungeon alive! All are welcome.

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, stop by the library, call us at 563-2721 or email at [email protected]

Thank You!

Thanks so much to Beth Hoffman for showing us how to make beautifully decorated cookies! Many heartfelt thanks to Paula Davidson and Karen Alexander for their years of service to our community as Library Trustees. We will miss you and your thoughtful discussions!

See you at the Library!

Kathleen Hoyne and Anne Walker

↑ contents

Minutes of the Cabot Selectboard (SB) For January 4, 2012

Submitted by Tara Rogerson, Town Clerk

The Cabot Board of Selectpersons did meet as warned at the Willey Building on January 4, 2012, at 7:00 pm. Attending were: Caleb Pitkin (SB Chair), Fred Ducharme, Ted Domey, Dan Dunham, Allan Perry, Valerie Covell, Steve Hogan, William Walters and Tara Rogerson (Town Clerk & Treasurer). Caleb called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 1. Agenda Item (AI) 1 – Approval of Minutes. AI 1a. Approval of the minutes of December 7 and 11, 2011 was reviewed by the SB. Ted moved to approve the minutes; Dan seconded. No further discussion; motion passed unanimously. 2. AI 2 – Public Comment AI 2a. Bill Walters announced the death of Harry Foster. 3. AI 3 – Administrative Duties AI 3a. The SB met with Valerie Covell who is interested in becoming the Cabot Health Officer; SB discussed same. Allan moved to appoint Valerie as the Cabot Health Officer until Town Meeting 2012; Dan seconded. No further discussion; motion passed unanimously. AI 3b. The SB reviewed and discussed the 2012 Tax Anticipation Note. Ted moved to accept the People’s United Bank TAN for $550,000; Dan seconded. No further discussion; motion passed unanimously. AI 3c. The SB reviewed and discussed proposed 2012 budget. Dan moved to increase the Wastewater Annual User Fee to $1,000/year; Allan seconded. No further discussion; motion passed unanimously. 4. AI 4 – Correspondence. No correspondence. 5. AI 5 – Legal. No legal business. 6. AI 6 – Other Business. No other business. 7. AI 7 – Allan moved to adjourn the meeting; Ted seconded. No discussion, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.

Minutes from the January 18th and January 30th Select Board Meetings can be viewed at The Chronicle website, www.cabot chronicle.org

↑ contents

Town of Cabot – Official Ballot

FOR THE ELECTION OF TOWN OFFICERS Tuesday, March 06, 2012

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, mark a cross HEJ in the square at the right of that person’s name. To vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot, write the person’s name on the “Write In” blank line.

Art. 4 For Selectperson for a term of three years

VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE

(Ted) Edward Domey

Write In ________________ □

↑ contents

Town of Cabot – Official Ballot

UDAG GRANT PROPOSAL Tuesday, March 06, 2012

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: Vote YES or NO for each grant proposal, mark a cross HEJ in the square under your choice.

Art. 21. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot grant to the Cabot School the sum of $600.00 toward the purchase of supplies and equipment for an after-school art program from UDAG Funds available for Town Meeting grants in 2012?

Art. 22 Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot grant to the Cabot Chronicle the sum of $1,200.00 toward the purchase of a portable public address system for use at public events for forty-plus Cabot organizations conducting community activities and fundraising efforts and a Maple Fest banner from UDAG funds available for Town Meeting grants in 2012?

↑ contents

Friends of the Cabot Library News

By The Friends of the Cabot Library

Our wacky winter this year had us a little behind the eight ball in planning our 4th Annual “SOUPFEST” – but we have a date! Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 8 – the day to take a break from the kitchen and go to the Masonic Hall between 4:00-7:00 p.m. for dinner. Our soups are some of the finest out there (we think anyway!) and hope you’ll come out this year to see what all the fuss is about. Besides a great variety of soups, stews, or chilis to enjoy, there will be rolls, muffins, breads, and goodies to round out your meal. Several gluten-free items will be available too, to make this an all-inclusive soup event to support! Forms for pre-paid orders can again be found at the library for those who need to ‘grab & dash’ – but we hope you’ll want to stay and eat, so we can visit with you awhile. We love getting to know all our community neighbors! If you would like to volunteer to serve soup or would like to donate a soup or baked item to our fundraising cause, either notify the library, email [email protected], or call Wendy at 821-4080. We would love any help we can get! Also, we are happy to report a continuing donation of movies to the library’s growing DVD collection from our past year’s fundraising efforts. Our support in this way helps provide FREE entertainment to Cabot families who might otherwise be unable to watch and enjoymovies. We know times are tough and feel this is just one small way to provide ongoing support to our community. In addition, a recent computer purchase, book club gathering, speaking engagement, and after-school program are just some of the many ways we supported the library, made possible by community members like you. Thank you for helping us and the Cabot Library through your book, time, and money donations – you are truly appreciated. And, if you would like to become a regular member to support our 2-3 annual events, please email or call us, or talk to Anne or Kathleen at the library. The library is for ALL ages to enjoy – so get involved in whatever way you can. You will be the better for it!

↑ contents

School District Official Ballot

FOR THE ELECTION OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, mark a cross HEJ in the square at the right of that person’s name. To vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot, write the person’s name on the “Write In” blank line.

Art. 2.

For School Director for a term of two years

VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE

Jacklyn Folsom

Write In ________________ □

Art. 2 For School Director for a term of three years

VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE Write In ________________ □

Art. 2 For School Director for a term of one year

VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE Write In ________________ □

↑ contents

Local Vermont Filmmakers Gaining Recognition The Dragon Wall to be Previewed at Cabot Maple Fest

By Todd Jones When asked, “What got you started in filmmaking?,” Brandon St. Cyr, author of The Dragon Wall, said he did a lot of theater growing up in school and into college, and dabbled in some film in high school. After high school, it was a toss-up whether to go to film school or engineering school. After a short time in engineering, Brandon attended film school to pursue his passion. Over the course of the next 15 years, Brandon slowly worked his way into the field, working on such projects as other short films and the feature film, Crystal River (starring Sean Patrick Flanery and Emily Carpenter). Mark hadn’t started out to be a filmmaker. He had written a short story for and about his four nephews, but, as he was writing it, he considered the possibility of turning it into a short film. However, he didn’t know how to go about making this dream a reality. So, that dream was put on the shelf. However, while at swim lessons for his daughter, Mark met Brandon (who had just moved to Vermont). Both of their daughters were attending the same classes, and the two struck up a friendship. After talking about their interests, Mark mentioned he had a short story that would be fantastic to turn into a film, and within a week, the beginning of The Dragon Wall was born.

The Dragon Wall was originally written for Mark’s nephews in Connecticut, but they decided to film here in Vermont because they wanted to showcase the beautiful landscape and features, as well as the people and settings. Filming in Vermont provided them with inspiration, but finding experienced crew to work with was difficult. There were pockets of independent filmmakers throughout the state, but they were often working on projects of their own. Although Vermont is a growing area for film making, there is little networking available for those who might want to get started. Because there is not a lot of funding for such endeavors, most filmmakers are doing this in their spare time with their own resources. Improving collaboration would further the film industry in Vermont. The director of photography, Christian Clark, indicated that, although shooting in Vermont offered beautiful vistas, shooting under such cover made lighting a challenge. However, due to these challenges and budgetary concerns, hand held cameras were used whenever possible to further define the element of reality and roundedness in particular scenes. The Green Knight, the next film by Mark Freeman and Brandon St. Cyr, is currently in pre-production. It is an adaptation of the tale, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, that many of us know from school. It is a little more mature and more dramatic than their previous films, and is far more elaborate in its scope and complexity. It will be filmed in Vermont and auditions are currently being conducted to fill the remaining roles. The film is more ambitious than previous projects due to its scope and the fact that it is based in the past (hence, increasing the need for costumes, props, sets, etc.). Auditions are currently being held for The Green Knight. Audition dates are March 11 (11AM - 3PM) at River Arts in Morrisville, March 17th (10-11 AM) at The Cabot School Performing Arts Center in Cabot, and March 17th (3 PM - 7 PM) at Quarterstaff Games on Church Street in Burlington. For more detailed information, email Mark directly at [email protected]. When asked if they had any suggestions for future film makers, Mark pointed out that hesitation is one’s worst enemy. Currently, cameras and other equipment (like editing software, special effects, etc.) are very affordable and available nearly everywhere. He encourages aspiring filmmakers to just get out there and do it. Mark pointed out that two years ago, he didn’t think he could even consider actually doing a film, and now they are working on their third.

Actors Callum Adams, Sam Wright, Jacob Cann and Jack Manning on the set of The Dragon Wall. A local film being screened at the Cabot Maple Fest.

By J. Scott Davidson Sudoku Golf, is a math challenge done on correctly completed Sudoku puzzles. The object of the game is to create an 18 “hole” path with the lowest overall score. You start at the upper leftmost square and end at the lower rightmost square. Add the squares as you go and find the path with the lowest total, as in golf. You may only move left, right , down and diagonally down. You may also only have a single “hole-inone” (pass by the number 1, once). One possible path for last months puzzle is shown to the right, but can you do better? �

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 15 onward.

↑ contents

HE RAGON MOVIE SCREENING AT

THE CABOT MAPLE FEST The Dragon Wall , a short film by Mark Freeman and Brandon St. Cyr – is coming to Cabot. And you can audition for their next movie, The Green Knight, while they’re here. Written and filmed in Vermont with Vermont actors, The Dragon Wall was featured at Cannes International Film Festival. A special screening is scheduled for Cabot Maple Fest on Saturday, March 17, 2012. Co-directors Mark Freeman and Brandon St. Cyr will screen the movie at 9:00 a.m. in the Cabot School Performing Arts Center (CSPAC), then offer a question and answer session with the audience. They will then conduct auditions for their next Vermont movie. Young actors with or without much experience are welcomed; those with resume and headshots or photos are invited to provide them to Mark Freeman in advance at mark@thedragon wall. com. Scripts will be available that day at CSPAC or in advance from Mark. For more information about the movie, go to www.thedragon wall.com.

↑ contents

CHILD CARE

Looking for childcare for my 2.5yr old daughter in your Cabot/Walden/Danville home. Thurs. p.m. & Sat. a.m. on regular basis and as needed other days. Parents or Grandparents preferred. References required. (802) 323-4407

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 16 onward.

↑ contents