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Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

August 2013 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the August 2013 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

By Senator Bill Doyle

On August 16, Vermont will celebrate the Battle of Bennington. Edward Conant, in his History of Vermont , said the battle was "the first of a series that led to the surrender of Burgoyne's army. It was the turning point of the Revolutionary War, as it led to the recognition of the independence of the United States by France and other European countries and to a treaty with France, on account of which she assisted the new nation with money, fleets and armies. The victory of the Americans at Saratoga, NY, has been reckoned among the great battles of the world, but the victory at Bennington was necessary to that of Saratoga." Despite declaring Independence, 1776 was a difficult year for the new nation. Great Britain had never made a greater military effort abroad. Against 32,000 disciplined troops, General Washington could only muster 19,000 Continental and state troops. Under the circumstances, it was not surprising that the British forced the Americans off Long Island and out of New York City and drove Washington across New Jersey into Pennsylvania. 17 looked worse. The British planned a knockout punch designed to isolate New England. General William Howe, who had pinned down Washington's army at Valley Forge, would move north to Albany to meet General "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne coming from Canada, thus trapping the Americans in a giant pincers movement. Fortunately, Howe devised his own plan, took Philadelphia, which was then the capital, and never marched to Albany. Meanwhile, Burgoyne was making great progress along the New York-Vermont border, capturing a se-

DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior

Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

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The Revolution

Bennington”, August 16, 1777.

ries of forts, including Ticonderoga and Mount Independence in Orwell, Vermont, and gaining advantage in Hubbardton. Burgoyne, however, was not prepared for guerilla warfare. Bridges were burned, axmen felled trees along the roads. The British army was forced to build 40 bridges, and at one point, it took the army 24 days to cover 26 miles. As supplies dwindled, the British decided that their best course was to send a diversionary force to capture Bennington, where the Americans had their headquarters and where supplies could be obtained. The actual battle would take place in Hoosick, New York near the Vermont line. By August 15, 1,600 Americans under General John Stark had gathered at Bennington. The force consisted of New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts troops. The Vermont troops were led by Colonel Seth Warner and militia from Bennington and Wilmington. Last to arrive, wet with drenching rain, were volunteers from the Berkshires, led by Reverend Thomas Allen. After giving the attack signal on August 16, Stark was said to have exclaimed: "There are the Redcoats, and they are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow." In his report to his commanding general, Stark stated that the battle was "the hottest I ever saw in my life--it represented one continual clap of thunder." Parson Allen described the American attack of one of "ardor and patience beyond expectation" and referred to the British fire as "peels of thunder and flashes of lightning." The battle lasted until dark of the 16th with the British in full retreat. The Patriots took 750 prisoners, 1,000 muskets and 4 cannons.

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By Kitty Toll

According to a UVM poll, more than 90% of Vermonters support the labeling of foods that are derived from genetically modified organisms – commonly referred to as GMO’s. This labeling would be created for health, religious, and moral reasons, as well as to address a possible negative impact on the environment. On a roll call vote of 99 yes and 42 no votes, the Vermont House voted to move the legislation forward. The Vermont Senate is schedule to take action next year. In June, the Connecticut State Legislature passed legislation that has been signed by their Governor, making Connecticut the first state in the nation requiring that genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) be labeled. Even with the passing of this law in Connecticut, Vermont could possibly be the first state to actually require the labeling. Provisions in the Connecticut law state that the law will not go into effect until at least four other states, including one along Connecticut’s border, have enacted similar laws. Additionally, Connecticut also requires the total population of states in the Northeast region of the U.S., comprised of New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to exceed 20 million before the law would go into effect. The Vermont bill was carefully crafted to address possible litigation. The State faces potential litigation

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The Cabot Chronicle Submission

The Chronicle welcomes letters written with recommended to be no longer than 400 words. returned to the author with suggestions for re-submittal. lished in The Cabot Chronicle represent the opinions opinions of staff. The Cabot Chronicle reserves the right to reject rial for our readers. Letters will not be considered nied by a phone number. We will gladly consider The Cabot Chronicle is not responsible for Cabot Chronicle assume responsibility for claims vices advertised on these pages. If you have editorial questions or would like

ters and other inquiries can also be sent to:

The Massachusetts Legislature, in thanking Stark for his leadership, paid tribute to the troops at Bennington: "The events of that day strongly mark the bravery of the men who, unskilled in war, forced from their entrenchments a chosen number of veteran troops of boasted Britons." A few days after the battle, George Washington, camped near Philadelphia, paid tribute to the Bennington Battle by calling it a signal victory. Burgoyne continued to press on toward Albany but did not have the supplies he needed, and the American forces grew daily. Finally, two months after Bennington, he was surrounded

is distributed the first is provided locally free of charge. ~ Mission Statement ~ is to regularly publish local news that will help readers become

~ Copyright 2011 by The

without express written permission from Cabot of advertising is contingent upon publisher’s loss or expense on claims based upon contents beyond the cost of space occupied by individual

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EPORT

from the biotech industry on 3 legal issues: federal pre-emption; first amendment rights; and the dormant commerce clause. According to expert testimony, the bill, as written, is legally defensible and has a reasonable possibility of prevailing in court. Should the bill pass the Senate and be signed by the Governor next year, it would go into effect 18 months later under the condition that two other states have passed similar legislation. Sixty-four countries already have such labeling requirements in place. Please continue to be in touch with me if you have questions or concerns. To see the actions of the legislature this session or to check the status of a bill, visit www.leg.state.vt.us or contact me for information. I can be reached at: kittytoll@live.com ktoll@leg.state.vt.us

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Guidelines

an economy of words. The maximum length is Letters may be edited for clarity and length or All letters and commentary pubof the authors and not necessarily the

letters that may contain unsuitable matefor publication unless signed and accompaarticles and photographs for publication. errors in submitted material. Nor does The arising in connection with products or ser-

advertising information, call our office at 563-

by a much larger force and surrendered with 5,700 men at Saratoga. Burgoyne developed a high appreciation of the fighting qualities of Vermonters: He described Vermont as "a country unpeopled and almost unknown, now abounds in the most active and most rebellious race of the continent, and hangs like a gathering storm upon my left." The Battle of Bennington on August 16, 17 was important in the quest of our nation's independence. That is the reason we celebrate the event as a state holiday.

day of the month

for the residents of the Cabot Area. better involved in their Community.

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By Don Grabowski

The Health Center has been recognized as a Level Two Patient Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. To earn a Level Two designation, Health Center staff proved that they excel at providing their community with access to the highest quality care and that their patients are provided support to be as healthy as they can be. The Health Center staff believe it is important to continually implement changes that enhance the health of their patients and community. The concept of a patient-centered medical home focuses on teamwork, quality care, chronic disease management and prevention. Instead of focusing on a patient’s treatment only when they are sick or injured, the medical

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Letter to the Editor:

Hello, my name is Jennifer Persons and I am a long time resident of Cabot, as most of you may know me. I volunteer for a dog rescue group called Potter's Angels Rescue; we have saved hundreds of dogs and even a few other animals. Potter's was even able to help out a couple local families from right here in Cabot to re-home their dogs. Due to the huge level of dogs coming through the system, we have had to halt all fundraising events and have decided to just shout out to our communities and ask for your donations in helping us build our sanctuary. Please take a minute to read the following, and if you can, help support our cause. Thank You, Jennifer

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Dogs

Potter's Angels Rescue was formed over four years ago in 2009, and in that short amount of time has become a widespread organization responsible for saving hundreds of lives. As we continue to grow we are finding the need for a sanctuary is becoming more of a necessity and less of a luxury. With vet and boarding costs rising and accounting for over 80% of our expenses we need our own spot now more than ever. We are one of the only organizations in Vermont that believes in rehabilitating dogs with behavioral issues as opposed to euthanizing them and although we have had great success with our committed foster base, it can also be very limiting in the numbers of dogs we can work with at any given time. Due to our willingness to work with dogs of all backgrounds, we have become a last chance to live for many dogs in our local area that have been turned away by

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Recognition

home seeks to deliver on-going preventative and holistic care. The medical home model involves the patient in their medical decision-making. The Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center offering comprehensive primary health care services, including medical care, counseling, psychiatry, behavioral, neurology, pharmacy, lab testing, dental care, social work, health coaching and physical therapy. Most health insurances are accepted and a sliding fee discount is offered to eligible patients. To meet the needs of the Central Vermont community, The Health Center has recently added additional medical primary care providers Elisha McLam, MD, and Rebecca Savidge, PAC, additional dentists Joshua Bratt, DMD, and Kasia Dionne, DMD, and a dental surgeon, Richard Cordero, MD, DMD. The Health Center is located at 15 Towne Avenue in Plainfield; to be-

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OMMENTARY

other shelters/rescue groups and we have been inundated with the "harder to place" dogs. Unfortunately, our foster base can only handle so many at a time. Our sanctuary would not be your typical shelter environment. Instead it will be a place of calm structured guidance and tranquility for our dogs to promote inner healing and complete recovery. Our sanctuary would also serve as a source of education through public seminars and human training sessions (dog optional :-) allowing us to promote awareness and responsible pet care throughout our community. As founder of an organization that is run 100% through volunteer time, I cannot stress enough the need for a central location to make it easier to gather more people that can support and assist us with our cause. It also makes it difficult for us to create fundraising events, as time is not something we have to spare, given our full time paying jobs and our full time labor of love on the side! We are far too busy working to pay the bills and saving lives in our spare time to organize any sort of fantastic fundraiser. In an effort to combat our rising vet expenses and raise money for our shelter we are turning to online fundraisers. Support the underdogs by promoting and/or donating to our cause! Follow the link below for details and freely contact me with any questions. https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/ help-build-our-shelter/74711. This message was sent using ShareThis (http:// www.sharethis.com) With sincerity,

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THE GOVERNOR

FriendThe sun has been shining after a few tough, wet weeks for many in Vermont. Summer is here, heat and all! And summer in Vermont is a wonderful thing. Whether you choose touring covered bridges in Bennington, playing disc golf at the Killington resort, hiking the Long Trail in central Vermont, mountain biking at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center, shopping in our downtown, sailing on Lake Champlain, or one of our state's many other summer options, Vermont is ready for you! Fairs and field days are being held around the state. Ski areas offer yearround activities for the entire family - golf, zip lines, biking and more. And festivals around the state celebrate everything from Vermont crafts and heritage to fine foods and fantastic music. We had a wet start to the summer and plenty of heat too. But we know the best of summer is yet to come. So get out and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer! Sincerely,

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The

Better than any computer game, these all black nine-month-old brothers are in constant motion. Bo and Breslin are friendly and affectionate. They will keep you entertained for hours. No more staring into a computer screen at endless animated games. These two are real characters full of unpredictable and delightful fun. They presently reside at Kingdom Animal Shelter at 1664 Memorial Drive in

Bo and Breslin at KAS during adoption hours, Monday through Thursday, 46:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3:00 p.m.

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Vermont Festival of the Arts

August 1 – Labor Day The towns of the Mad River Valley play host to one of the most diverse festivals in New England. With more than 100 quality arts-related events and activities, the Vermont Festival of the Arts is designed to entertain the soul, enlighten the mind, and energize the spirit. Because this is multidimensional, multi-media, multi-age series of events, there is truly something for everyone.www.vermontart fest.com

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Burke Mountain Bike 'n Brew

August 3, East Burke The 5th Annual Burke Mountain Bike & Brew brings music, Vermont brews, and mountain biking to the mountain! Bike all day on the Kingdom Trails and Burke Bike Park, then join the brew event afterward. Freestyle Demo shows, bike contests, gear demos, mountain board demos and lessons and group rides.www.skiburke.com 6th Annual Jay Summer Fest August 10, Jay Tag sale, silent auction, horseshoe tournament, Cow Plop 50/50 raffle. "The Great Land Trust Rush" – Bike, run, hike, race at Jay Community Recreational Centre. Parade, over 40 vendors, music tent, best brownie contest sponsored by King Arthur Flour, American Red Cross Blood Drive, square dance demo, Wooden Horse Arts Guild "Art on the Fence" show, kids games & activities, ice cream social and so much more. w. jayvt.com

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Leighton C. Pratt

Leighton C. Pratt, 90, died June 11, 2013, at The Morrison in Whitefield, NH. He was born in Hartford, CT, on April 23, 1923, the son of Calvin and Jessie (White) Pratt. He graduated from Montpelier, VT, High School. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. He received his B.S. from the University of Vermont in 1951 and M.S. from the University of Rhode Island in 1953. He worked for the Vermont Department of Agriculture, 1953-1962, then taught school in Cabot and Newport, VT. In 1969, he became the Coos County Agricultural Extension Agent. Following his retirement, he served in the N.H. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2005. He is survived by his wife Sally (Burgess) Pratt, sons Randall of Portsmouth, NH, Bruce and his wife Ashley, and grandson Alex, and granddaughter Tori, of Bedford, NH. A celebration of his life was held on June 28 at the Lancaster Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Morrison Staff Education Fund, 6 Terrace St., Whitefield, NH, 03598.

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Anne Vara

Anne Folger Pinkham Vara died at Norwood Hospital on July 3, 2013, of complications from a stroke. She was 84. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of Everett C. and Sara M. Pinkham, and lived in Squantum and Foxboro, MA, before moving to Needham in 1937. A graduate of Needham High School and the Chandler School in Boston, she married Richard H. “Dick” Vara, also of Needham, in 1951. The couple moved to Dover in 1956 and built the house where they would live until Dick’s death in 2005. In 2007, she moved to an apartment at New Pond Village in Walpole, where she lived the last years of her life. She is survived by her youngest brother, David M. Pinkham of Stowe, Vermont. Also surviving are her five children: Suzanne Vara of Portland, Oregon; Jon Vara of Cabot, Vermont; Douglas Vara of Kingfield, Maine; Gregory Vara of Millis, and Stephen Vara of Blue Hill, Maine, as well as grandchildren Elizabeth, Cedric, Brittany, Rosalind, Ethan, and Jackson. After their children were grown, she and Dick traveled often and widely, including a memorable summer-long bicycle crossing of the Great Plains from Matamoros, Mexico, to Winnipeg, Canada. An avid watercolorist and quilter, she also took a keen interest in current events, and was active for many years in the League of Women Voters. Until weeks before her death, she read the newspaper from cover to cover seven days a week. A longtime member of The Dover Church, she also took part in school programs through the Dover Council on Aging. A memorial service was held at the Dover Church, 17 Springdale Avenue, Dover, on Thursday July 11. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dover Library, 56 Dedham Street, Dover, MA 02030, and Dover Council on Aging, Town Hall,

send a note of condolence, please visit www.eatonfun eralhomes.com.

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Edward E. “Ed” Wheeler

Edward E. "Ed" Wheeler, 87, of Danville, died peacefully Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 24, 1926, in Marshfield, the son of Fred and Florence (Sprague) Wheeler. He graduated from Cabot High School in 1944 and then entered the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS LaGrange. On December22, 1953, he married Ida Jones. They resided in Danville, where they raised their family. Ed worked for the state of Vermont as foreman of the Montpelier Traffic Shop, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Washburn Lodge 92 F&AM of Danville, where he was a past master and a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ed had a deep love for his family. One of his favorite places was in his garden, where he said he felt closest to God. Hunting, fishing, playing cribbage, feeding and watching wild birds, and researching his family's genealogy brought him much pleasure. Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Ida Wheeler of Danville; two daughters, Martha Wheeler of St. Johnsbury, and Janice Ouellette and husband, Dan, of Danville; two grandchildren, Jeremy Ouellette and wife Anja and Amanda Tanner and husband Nick; and a great-grandson, Kolja Ouellette. Ed was also looking forward to the arrival of two additional great-grandchildren this fall. Ed is also survived by his brother and sister, Donald Wheeler and Sandra Wheeler, both of Maine; his inlaws, Joan Donaldson of New Hampshire, Patricia and Eli Kovalik of New Hampshire, Pearl and Herman Pelletier of New Hampshire, Hazel Jones of Nevada; sisters-in-law Janette Wheeler and Joyce Wheeler of Vermont; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and numerous brothers and sisters. Graveside funeral services were held Monday, July 8, in the Danville Green Cemetery with military honors. Donations made in his memory may be directed to either Washburn Lodge

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By Peter Dannenberg

The Cabot Historical Society's motto is "Together We Can." This July, volunteers pitched in to combat a mildew outbreak on our antique clothing exhibits. Some years ago, the family of Bertha Pike Wheeler donated the gown from her 1900 wedding. This summer, her grandson donated an adjustable dressmaker's dummy to use as a mannequin and better display his grandmother's gown. When Bonnie Dannenberg, C.H.S. President, removed the gown from its glassfronted cabinet to place it on the mannequin, she was stunned to discover mildew. Inspecting other fabric displays revealed the cabinets' protective glass doors trapped sultry air and allowed mildew growth during this summer's heat wave. Restoration experts at the Vermont Historical Society told her that several Vermont historical societies had mildew eruptions this summer. Rain, humidity and a heat wave triggered outbreaks. sionals Historical fective found Cabot's

doors when ing tion.

stifling Cabot's (and

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To

subsided for now, your electricity bills for the month may be a little hard to take. Throughout the past few weeks, the Independent Service Operator of New England (ISO-NE) has requested voluntary conservation as electricity use soared to record levels across our region. Here are a few ways to stay cool during future heat waves—and keep more money in your pocket.

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To do today:

• Open windows at night and shut them during the daytime to keep cool air inside and warm air outside. Same goes for running fans and air-conditioners—run them at nighttime to bring cool air inside (in the case of your fan) and so they don’t have to work as hard. • Delay heat-producing tasks, such as dishwashing, baking, or doing laundry until the cooler evening or early morning hours.

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Fights Back

From Vermont's state profesand on-line research, Cabot Society's officers learned eftechniques to battle mold and special products needed to save collection. C.H.S. purchased silica gel, soft brushes, gloves, special acid-free tissue paper and acid-free storage boxes to protect fragile fabrics. antique Members' dues and fundraising paid the cost. It took several work parties to clean all the displays and cabinets. With the help of volunteer C.H.S. members, the clothing was brushed and aired in the sun. After painstaking cleaning, fabrics not on active display were wrapped in protective and put tissue in acidfree cartons for storage needed. on the cabinets are now until Glass left ajar the Main Street museum buildis closed, to allow better air circula-

Thanks to all who braved oppressive weather and pitched in to save collection. Together we can did)!

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From The Heat!

do this week: • Make sure your ceiling fans are operating in “cooling mode.” See the infographic to learn more. I n the summer, use the ceiling fan in the counterclockwise direction. While standing directly under the ceiling fan you should feel a cool breeze. The airflow produced creates a wind-chill effect, making you "feel" cooler. In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. Remember to adjust your thermostat when using your ceiling fan — additional energy and dollar savings could be realized with this simple step! • If you’re using AC or looking to buy a window unit, make sure it’s right-sized for your space and sealed tight within the window. Models that are too big, cost more to operate and aren’t as effective at removing humidity. do this summer: • The best way to improve comfort now and for years to come is through whole-home energy efficiency improvements. Proper airsealing and insulation can help resolve moisture problems, keep cool air inside, and improve air quality. A home energy audit can identify problem areas and effective ways to improve comfort. For more information and special offers, go to www.effi ciencyvermont.com.

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Cabot School Principal

One subtle but powerful lesson we’ve learned from the evolution of information technology is that every product and every practice is always improving. Remember Apple IIGS ? I think the machine at my fingertips right now has an operating system named 10.0 but I am probably out-of-date on that and my phone? I am already a version behind. At Cabot School, we have casually adopted this geometric nomenclature to mark the evolving progress of some of our academic programs. This spring, we embarked on June Term 2.0, bolstered by the learning and positive response from our initial June Term 1.0 in spring, 2012. The best part was probably the community-led addition of an Artist-inResidence , Circus Smirkus, for grades

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By Janet Van Fleet

More information and photos at http:// I'd like to invite you to come see my janetvanfleet.blogspot.com/2013/07/discexhibit, DISC COURSE, at the Vermont course-exhibit-at-vermontSupreme Court during July and August, supreme.html 2013. The Supreme Court exhibit space, at 111 State Street, is open Monday Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. K-8. The CS performance showcased student development in public presentation, a critical focus of the Common Core and our project-based learning curriculum. In addition, children practiced delightful and inspiring forms of fine and gross motor skills that set their eyes twinkling and our faces smiling ear to ear. In addition, teachers designed new of and inspiring end-of-term activities, passions such as the 4/5 expedition to Siskin Enworld. vironmental and the grade 7 geological it study of New Hampshire’s captivating June Flume Gorge. The toughest part of June Term 2.0 was that our Innovation Grant funds were tapped out and last minute fund- C raising efforts were needed. As always, teachers and parents rallied to the cause, budgets were trimmed and everything came off as hoped. It was a huge rush and left us bedraggled, so we won’t let that happen again. Wisely, there is now a June Term fund to seed school-wide June Term activities. High School students chose up to

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Term 2.0

to participate in 350.org/Vermont’s from Vermont creatives to address

“Hands on the Land” was also a well attended exploration of career opportunities throughout Vermont. Students met with employers and visited developing Vermont businesses to inspire career choices. “Ghosts” delved into early Vermonters who just can’t seem to stay in the grave. Students met ghost trackers from Burlington to Cabot and learned about the unsettling political and social conditions of the time that keep these spirits coming back. Student artists engaged in a combined study of flight and kitemaking, marred only by elements of climate change that grounded most test flights. “350.org ” produced and broadcast a radio script describing how climate change is unraveling planet. and turning the

“Writers” spent a delirious week absorbed in their craft with kindred spirits and other authors, expressed their voices in “Bookmaking”, producing artistic bindings and content to express personal vision. June Term is a natural culmination a year of learning that taps students’ and curiosity about their And every year we’ll be making better. For fuller descriptions of each Term Project, go to cabotarts.org

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Your place or on the Common

(your tables, canopy, chairs) Advertising & your location on map for $10 paid by AUGUST 6, $20 after AUGUST 6 $10 contribution used for cooperative event advertising: Ad in World Garage Sale section August 7, Ad in Hardwick Gazette August 7, and other free advertising outlets. To secure a space on the Common or get your location on the lawn sale map, send $10 with reservation form below

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

Information to provide on map: Name _ Address _ Sale Location (check one): □ Common □ Your Address Phone (will not be posted) _ Print Email address: _ □ $10 enclosed □ $20 enclosed (after 8/6/2013) Drop form and check in black mailbox in vestibule outside CCA office in Willey Building, at Town Clerk’s office or Cabot Public Library, or mail to arrive by August 6 to: Townwide Lawn Sale, P. O. Box 245, Cabot, VT 05647

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And Celebrations!

Local musicians return for entertainment. The children's parade immediately followed. The yearly “Strongman Challenge”. Who holds the current record? See page 1. Other entertainment and celebration soon followed. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Floats galore!!! Till Next Year! PTSO and the Cabot Chronicle. Bouncy Houses, Food, Games and more! Thank you.

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Sign up now to Sell Local

Sign up first as a member (above), Go to “My Market” tab and contact administrator, Provide information requested by administrator for your setup, Once set up, enter merchandise on Cabot Community Farmstand, Receive order(s) via email before delivery time, Drop prepaid merchandise at dropoff location at time indicated

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We are looking for Silent Auction donations.

Consider redirecting any useful items not sold at the August 10 townwide lawn sale. We appreciate your donations of small antique items, hand-made items, gift baskets, oddities and collectibles. All proceeds go to benefit the Cabot Historical Society. For more information or to have someone pick up your item,

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THE CABOT CHRONICLE IN NEW ZEALAND

Dear Cabot Chronicle and her late husband, Bob, had a prop-

erty on Last Road and spent much Here is a photo of my wife, Laurel time in the area many years ago. Anne, Stowell, with the April 2013 issue of Laurel and I will be visiting the area in

the Cabot Chronicle in front of the ofmid-July and we are really looking fice of the Wanganui Chronicle in forward to it. Whanganui, New Zealand. Laurel is a

reporter at the Wanganui Chronicle. Kind regards

Laurel's mother, Anne Stowell, who Richard Thompson

lives in Kerikeri, NZ, is a long distance Whanganui, New Zealand

subscriber to the Cabot Chronicle. She

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Special Sugarmakers

Activities: Survey to identify common interests, needs and opportunities to beneficially work together; survey will be mailed to agriculturists, foresters, producers, animal husbandry/production (dairy, pig, horse, chicken, ducks, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, emus, etc.) and professional animal support services (blacksmith, sheep shearers, hoof trimmers, ferrier, veterinarians, welding, slaughter, butcher, livestock trucking, compost), educators and other related services. When you receive yours, please reply by mid-August. If you are involved in one of these businesses but did not receive a survey, please call 563-

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The

following officers were elected on June 20: President – Bruce Westcott. Vice-President – Todd Jones Treasurer –Jan Westervelt Secretary – Jeanne Johnson The group is collecting proposals for use of $27,500 voted at Town Meeting for community development. Some ideas under consideration include Arts group community events, such as concerts and dances

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By Roland (Slim) Payne

The new trees are doing well, all but one. That one may grow, but if it doesn’t, I’ll take it out and put in another one. The maple tree on the common next to the church Christmas tree will probably have to come down next year, it has a lot of dead wood in the crown and could be a hazard.

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FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION

We are a volunteer organization Fall soccer registration deadline for and we need your help to make these children grades PK-6 is August 15, programs for your children possible. 2013, and practices begin August 26, Please get involved by coaching a 2013. A late fee will apply if you do team or coordinating rides to games, not register your child before the cutetc. off date. Forms are available at the Scholarships are available, so don’t town hall or the library. If you would let the cost deter your child from playlike a form emailed to you, contact ing. like it got most of it. The seeds are

viable for eight to ten years, so

some will most likely come up. It

may have to be sprayed next year

and again in a couple of years – we

will see what happens.

The push right now is on the

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). If and

when it gets here, it will kill all na-

tive ash trees. If you see purple

triangle boxes hanging from road-

side trees, they are EAB traps, and

someone checks them about once a

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Meeting October 9

38 to have one mailed. If you know of someone in the greater Cabot area left off the list, please let us know. Assistance in marketing town and services may be available from Vermont Council on Rural Development new division for digital support. Also, Brookfield’s Floating Bridge Co-op is willing to come to Cabot to talk about how they market their community. Cabot Sugarmakers “Pow Wow” scheduled Wednesday, October 9, 7:00 p.m., in Willey Building, to explore benefits of marketing Cabot maple products as a group or “brand” to a guaranteed market. Mark your calendar.

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Association

Agriculture group reviving 4H Staff support to community organizations

Working with digital commerce initiative Other proposals to UDAG committee for projects to improve quality of life in Cabot Next meeting: Wednesday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. at Willey Building. Please come and bring your two cents’ worth.

to…...

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THE T REE W ARDEN

week. If one bug is found, things go into panic mode. I won’t go into it here, but Cabot is getting a committee together to draw up a plan of attack ahead of time, so we will be ready when it happens. One thing we will have to do is get a count of ash in the right of way so if they need to be removed, they have to go someplace to be chipped or burned or sawn into lumber and slabs burned there. There is a lot of ash in Cabot, we will have a large yard or yards to accommodate large trucks and equipment plus all the wood. We are just starting, so it will take awhile. count will be done drop, so we can see The roadside after the leaves the trees. Right now, we are surrounded – the EAB is in Quebec, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. guess who is next. So,

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By Rita Copeland

As a member of Hunger Mountain Council of Washington County, I am sharing this important information with you about the Summer Meal Site Outreach for Children during the summer months. These sites are open where all children are welcome to show up for a meal. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors. Contact information is also listed if you have any questions regarding the program.

Cabot School, 25 Common Road, Monday through Thursday, 6/17 – 8/8 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 Lunch: 11:00-12:30

Jaquith Library, School Street, Marshfield, Wednesdays, 6/26 – 7/31 Lunch: 12:00-12:30

Twinfield TLC, 106 Nasmith Brook Road, Marshfield, Monday through Thursday, 6/17 – 8/8 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 Lunch: 11:00-12:30

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*Civilian Conservation

The following information is excerpted from The Making of a Forester, An Autobiographical History by Perry H. Merrill. "In March of 1933, President Roosevelt proposed as a measure of unemployment relief to put unemployed youths aged eighteen to twenty-five to work in our forests. Congress quickly passed the Emergency Conservation Works Act (ECW), thus creating the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)." "This nationwide program was originally designed to enroll about 250,000 youth who must be physically fit, unmarried and unemployed, have dependents and be willing to send an allotment home to their families. Vermont was originally allotted an enrollment of 750 youths, which would require five camps. The CCC enrollees were given $30.00 per month, of which they sent $25.00 monthly to their parents." "By July 20, 1933, Vermont's CCC ranks had swelled to ten companies housed at Camp Wilson ready to start work at once on the East Barre Dam construction project. The dam was completed almost entirely with hand labor, and involved the clearing of brush and trees, and construction of a 600 foot trench for the concrete tunnel under the dam. This hand work required the use of over six hundred wheelbarrows, picks, shovels, sledges and drills." "The completed dam had a 400 foot width with sides sloping up to an 85 foot crest located 60 feet above the crest of the original stream. It measured 1,500 feet in length with a spillway 100 feet wide, and required 308,000 feet of earth, 84,000 cubic yards of rock fill, 200 cubic yards of concrete, and 1,300 tons of steel. This serves as an example of the accomplishments that took place in Vermont and other states from this program." "At the end of six years, the number of young men with CCC experience had

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ENIOR C ENTER

Carlyle Pearce and the staff at the church for allowing us to use the facility for preparing the dinners. A big thank you in advance for all community members that purchase the dinners. Your participation helps us raise funds to continue serving our senior population. Twin Valley Seniors is reaching out to ask for volunteers to help us with our fundraising events. It takes many hands to prepare meals and we really are in need of additional volunteers. You do not need special talents; just giving your time and willingness to perform such things as: prepare, package, cleanup, etc. All ages are welcome. If you are willing to spare 1-2 hours of your time once a month, you will be doing a great service as well as helping to support the Center and its services to the six towns we serve. So please consider joining our team by

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Corps (C)

reached 2,500,000. The number of Vermont men given employment under this program was 11,243, and the number of men who worked in Vermont (regardless of origin) was 40,868. Approximately two thousand youths from Massachusetts, three hundred from Rhode Island and a few hundred from New York worked in Vermont camps."

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Accomplishments over the life of

the C: • Planted 1,255,000,000 tree seedlings over 1,255,000 acres of land • Fought tree diseases on over 16,722,000 acres • Installed 64,374 miles of telephone lines to assist in forest fire protection • Constructed more than 3,400 fire lookout and observation towers • Constructed 3,982,000 check dams for nation-wide erosion control program • Constructed 41,000 bridges and 44,475 buildings of various types "Forestry work projects in Vermont included thinning, pruning, harvesting for state, municipal and private forests, and disease and fire control projects. Recreation projects encompassed camping areas, picnic areas, bathing areas, ski areas, roads and trails. Recreation developments were also made on some state forests, especially where there was water frontage. These projects included skiing facilities, picnic and camping areas, and bathing beaches." "The majority of recreational development on state forests and parks was accomplished by the CCC during the years 1933 to 1942. A major contribution was in the area of fire prevention. Seven new steel fire towers were built; three new wooden towers and eight new lookout cabins were constructed. Telephone lines were built or extended, and valuable fire roads were constructed. Recreational roads were built. Wildlife habitat was improved, and ski trails were laid out." © Perry H. Merrill 1984

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By Betsey Bolt

As I told him, Earle W. Curtis is my victim this month. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, on April 25, 1929, making him 84 years old. He was married to his wife, Delores, for 52 years. She died in 2000. Their sons Rick and Gray live in Cabot. He has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He and his family moved to Syracuse, NY, just three weeks after he was born. His father was finishing a degree at Syracuse University School of Forestry. Upon completion, he was offered work as a forester in the Civilian Conservation Camps (CCC*) programs in VT & NH. As Earle says: “Five camps later, we landed in Marshfield at the Groton VT

His education began in a one room school in Plymouth, VT. He completed grade one there. Of seven students at the school, each had a different grade and one teacher to do all the different levels. Earle was not fond of English or spelling, but in this modern era, that would not have been a big deal. We have automatic spell check and software will help you with grammar, as well. You don’t even have to type: voice recognition. When he was six years old, his family went to Washington, DC, where he went up in the Washington Monument. It was very windy at the top, and he learned that the Monument construction accommodated for this phenomena, often moving as much as six feet. Unfortunately, his dad, apparently, was a kidder, much like Earle, and gave the poor kid the scare of a lifetime. He picked Earle up and stuck him out the open, four foot long window. Earle reveals that this

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Drawing to be held at

The United Church of Cabot is raffling Scholz and quilted by Laurie Coolbeth. First tickets sold at Maple Fest and sales off during Apple Pie Festival, October 19. The quilt is 'Morning Star' pattern in a modern green. The printed border contains mottled beige plus the names of the (96”x109”) and needs to be seen to be appreciated. ous times over the next few months. For

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Earle W. Curtis

experience resulted in a lifelong fear of heights! While in high school, Earle played sports: baseball, football and basketball, and his teams were very successful. He was three years in Marshfield and one year (sophomore) in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he was one of three hundred students. He was a star in both states, saying of his Vermont experience: weren’t good but we were scrappy as hell!” Ask him about his prowess -- he loves to tell “stories.” Earle relates that when he and Delores married, she was 17 and he was 18. At that time, he needed to receive permission from his father, however, there was no such requirement for women other than being 12 or older! He and Delores loved to dance, going out three nights a week. They farmed for five years in Cabot, and then he began a successful career in sales. He worked for others, such as Prudential and Whole Bread, as well as an independent sales person, retiring at 62. Although we know him to play Rummy and Pinochle, Earle says that he likes them all. When I asked to relate a “clean” story for me to include in this feature article, he responded that “clean and shady were the same” and then, can you believe it, passed up the chance to tell a story to an even wider audience? However there were two real life tales in the materials he submitted to me: when he was a toddler and more recently in a pick-up, but make sure you have plenty of time if you ask him about either! He has lived a great life and is 84 years young. He loves to tease and be teased. He loves people and he loves competition. He says: “Win or lose, I have a good time.”

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Apple Pie Festival

a quilt - lovingly pieced by Christa

will continue until the quilt is raffled

white background with bright blue and all the colors. It is backed with a quilters and date. It is a queen size It will be on display at varimore information, you can call Christa

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Programs

“Dig into Reading” was our theme for the 2013 Summer Reading Program! Thanks to all who participated – if you have completed your reading goals, come in for your new t-shirt and prize! We’ve had 60 kids sign up this year and of those, 22 were in the Thousand Page Club – Wow! Lots of reading this summer. Congratulations to all! We have the required Middle School Summer Reading book, As Long As There Are Mountains , by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock. Please stop in during our regular hours to pick up your copy.

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Sydney Lea – Vermont Poet Laure-

ate – Tuesday, August 27 – 7:00 p.m. Lea has been described as “a man in the woods with his head full of books, and a man in books with his head full of woods.” His affection for story, moreover, an affection derived in no small measure from men and women elders in New England, colors his poetry, just as a relish for the musical properties of the word colors his prose. His lifelong passion for the natural world informs almost his every utterance.

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Community Book Group – On

Break for August – See you in September! We will read “ I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron in September. All are welcome to join in! Copies of this book will be available in the Cabot Library by mid-August.

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Mark your calendar

Please also mark your calendar week to donate. The heart of Apple homemade pies crafted by some It’s just as good for breakfast Society can’t do it without you, pies dropped off Friday evening, 7:00 p.m. or Saturday morning,

Also, consider entering the Apple entered by 10:30 a.m., so come early contest. There is a fee to enter: OR you can donate a second pie are sold or auctioned after judging.) ribbons and more.

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Thank You!

We have many people to thank for making this year’s Summer Reading Program a success – Susie Socks for a fascinating look at owl pellets, Paul Wade for rock carving tools and instruction, Anna Stange for instruments and songs from around the world, Susan Green for collaborating with us and for an array of art projects , Scott St. John and Raquel Bigelow for providing breakfast as part of the summer food program, and to Beth Wade – who is always willing to pitch in with whatever needs doing, but especially for reading to the kids. Thank you, Tim Walker , for the many hours donated toward preparing us for better internet service.

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Reminders:

• Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ** No Story Hour In August** • Wednesday 2:00 a.m.-6:00p.m. • Thursday • Saturday 9:00 a.m.-6:00p.m. 9:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. • Closed Sunday, Monday & Friday • Echo Pass – Allows up to 2 adults and 3 youths, $4 each admission price, entrance into the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington.

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19, 2012

the premiere fundraiser is around the corner. for October 19.

to bake a couple of pies that Pie Festival is the delicious, of the best cooks in the state. as it is dessert! The Historical and would be very grateful for October 18, between 5:00 and October 19, before 10:00 a.m.

Pie Contest. Pies must be to be sure yours gets in the $5 for adults, $2.50 for youths, to sell. (All pies in the contest There are cash prizes,

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By Michael J. Caduto |

In the case of Snake Fungal Disease, if the Jedi Knight from Star Wars, ObiWan Kenobi, summoned the power of nature by uttering, “The spores be with you,” he would be spot on. This infectious organism features minute spores that produce a fungus capable of defeating powerful venomous snakes. Virtually unheard of in the wild prior to 2006, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola has been found on wild snakes in nearly a dozen states, including New Hampshire and Vermont. It is suspected of wiping out half the population of timber rattlesnakes in New Hampshire between 2006 and 2007. Snake fungal disease, or SFD, causes snakes to develop opaque eyes, scabby scales, and misshapen nodules on their heads and bodies. Their skin swells and thickens, develops ulcers, and sheds prematurely. Because SFD occurs on animals in captivity, where it thrives in warm, moist conditions, some scientists suspect that the fungus may have migrated into the wild as temperatures and humidity have increased. Climate change may also make it easier for diseases to spread during the winter, when many snakes hibernate en masse underground. Dr. Jeffrey Lorch of the University of Wisconsin Madison has conducted most of the recent fungus cultures on snake skins for the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center. He says that anecdotal field reports suggest that SFD has been in North America “for quite some time,” and may even be a native species. (Lorch’s previous research was instrumental in identifying the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, which has killed millions of bats throughout the Northeast.) SFD infects all kinds of snakes – from rat snakes to rattlers. “It is likely that most snake species in eastern North America can contract SFD,” says Lorch, “but we really do not know the population-level impacts at this time or how the infection varies between species.” The greatest concern has arisen with snake species that occur in small, isolated populations, for which losses of even a few animals could severely limit the ability of those populations to persist or recover. These vulnerable species include timber rattlesnakes. Endangered in Vermont and New Hampshire, rattlesnakes survive as relict populations that harbor little genetic diversity, so it’s less likely that an individual will emerge that is resistant to SFD. Vermont’s Rutland County is home to two populations that contain the last few hundred individuals. In New Hampshire, rattlesnakes have been reduced to a single population.

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Fungus

The best way to minimize SFD is to report sightings of infected snakes to the appropriate state or federal agency. Take photographs, if you can do it safely. “Citizen reporting,” says Lorch, “can help determine how widespread SFD is, which species are affected, and whether the disease poses a significant risk to snakes across the eastern U.S.” Lorch urges precautions to avoid spreading the disease, such as disinfecting equipment, clothing, and hands after handling captive and wild snakes. “It is a good idea to prevent wild and captive (particularly exotic) snakes from having any sort of contact with one another if one of the animals may be released back into the wild.” But why care if snakes disappear? As predators that slither along the middle links of the food-chain, snakes keep populations of prey in check, including grasshoppers, mice, voles, rats, and other critters that frequently damage and destroy crops and gardens. Snakes provide food for larger animals, such as hawks, owls, coyotes, raccoons and foxes. As part of the natural diversity of life, they help ecosystems to be more resilient. Snakes also have medical uses. Several drugs, including eptifibatide and tirofiban—used to prevent blood clots in patients with symptoms of chest pains and minor heart attacks—are based on snake venom proteins. When administered in time, these drugs help prevent a full-blown infarction. And where would humans be without these iconic animals to challenge us and serve as a force against which we take our measure? Although many people revile them, snakes and other reptiles inspire a sense of excitement, awe, and mystery. As the Goliaths to our David, they keep us strong and make us feel alive. Michael J. Caduto is an author, ecologist, and storyteller who lives in Reading, Vermont. Reprinted from Northern Woodlands magazine by permission .

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← From the Cabot Chronicle