⚲  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

October 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 October 2013 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

Main Street Road Work

Planned for years and primarily funded by FEMA (80%), long-needed culvert work under Main Street should be complete by early October. Next will be sidewalks, then paving and granite curbing, largely paid for by the State (80%), then paint striping. Even with rain delays and old utilities problems encountered under the roadway, the whole project should be done by winter.

↑ contents

Bear Taken On The Flats

Male bear (162 pounds), taken down by the brook along VT Route 215 South, by Matt Hudson, with a 300-plus-yard shot on September 2, the second day of bear season. Vermont’s bear population is now estimated at slightly more than 6,000 black bears, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The number of bears has increased during the last two decades, and is now higher than the objective of 4,500-6,000 bears listed in Vermont’s Big Game Management Plan for 2010-2020.

↑ contents

TOWN GARAGE SITE SELECTED

The Town of Cabot Select Board is in the process of executing a Purchase and Sales (P&S) Agreement with Grace Cookson to purchase 8 +/- acres of land on the South Walden road for the purpose of building a new town garage on the site. Ms. Cookson has agreed to sell an 8 +/- parcel to land to the Town of Cabot, subject to the following conditions:

1. The sale must be approved by the

Cabot town voters not later than Cabot Town meeting (March 2014); 2. The site must successfully meet all

State of Vermont environmental permit requirements; 3. The property must come with a

“clean” title; 4. The site must include a 20’ easement that will provide direct access to her property to the west of the land being purchased by the Town.

The Select Board will be working with Ms. Cookson to execute the required P&S in the very near future. This is a very positive development as we---the Cabot community---work together to construct a new town garage that is critically needed. Additional details will be provided in the near future as we proceed with the execution of the P&S agreement.

↑ contents

Cabot Town Garage Working Group Third Report to Citizens

By Jack Daniels, Cabot Selectboard Chair

The Cabot Town Garage Working Group (TGWG) has continued to meet on a regular basis throughout the summer. Members of the TGWG have visited seven town garages throughout the state (Cambridge, Newport, Walden, Danville (Calkins garage), Ryegate, Stafford, and Barnet) as the team continues to work to design the garage that will best meet Cabot’s needs at the best price. While the Cambridge town garage follows the State Model (linear with separate doors for each vehicle), and Newport’s town garage (rectangular in shape but significantly larger than what is required for our town) provided useful information, it was our trips to Walden, Danville, Stafford and Barnet that really paid dividends. Four garages (Walden - 100’ x 50’), (Calkins - 100 ‘ x 60’), (Stafford - 100’ x 70’) and (Barnet - 100’ x 80’) really helped the team begin to conceptualize what the Cabot town garage should look like. Each of these four garages had features that we really liked, and the team benefited from studying each of them. The team will now begin to focus on the design that works best for Cabot, and at the forefront of the decision making process will be cost, as we will not forget that cost is a critical factor in the process. Other critical decision points will include (a) building design/size/features; (b)

↑ contents

LEGISLATIVE REPORT.

By Representative Catherine (Kitty) Toll

Education Legislation Update The Legislature worked on many education issues this past session, including work on factors that impact our rising educational costs and the transition from the Department of Education to the Agency of Education. Here is a summary of some key bills:

Flexible Pathways: With the passage of S.130, Vermont expands its “flexible pathways” program, encouraging high school completion while simultaneously allowing students to earn college credit. This dual enrollment offers two state-funded college courses to qualified juniors or seniors available on college or high school campuses. Work based learning, virtual or blended learning, and early college for seniors are some of the new offerings that will be guided by Personal Learning Plans (PLP’s). PLP’s will be fully implemented in 2017 for 7 - 12 students.

Healthy students: New laws put three initiatives in place to improve children’s health and safety in school. First, schools will be required to have a management plan including a clear policy and procedure for those student athletes suspected of suffering a concussion. Second, schools will be required to have epi-pens and staff training to administer an epi-pen. This is intended for those students who suffer an allergic reaction for the first time at school and don't carry a pen with them. Third, to address the growing concern regarding mental health issues in our schools, the Agency of Human Services will complete a study to examine services and programs currently offered in schools. The study will also survey model national programs as well as current and future funding mechanisms.

School Lunch Program: Previously, Vermont children who received reduced lunch paid 40 cents. Many children who were eligible for reduced lunch did not participate in the program because their families were unable to pay the required amount. H.60 expands the eligibility for the free lunch program to these families. The estimated cost to expand this program is $322,250. This amount has been appropriated in the 2014 budget. Greater gains in student academic performance, attendance, and behavior occur when children are not hungry. Vermont is the first state to pass such a law.

On the docket for next year - Preschool: The House passed a comprehensive prekindergarten education bill that expands access to high-quality education, clarifies oversight, and strengthens quality standards for pre-school education throughout the state. This investment in high-quality early educational instruction provides a foundation for learning. Unfortunately, not all children have access to foundational supports in these crucial developmental years. Presently, 38% of eligible 3 or 4 year-olds in Vermont are enrolled in a high-quality program. The House passed a bill that would expand schoolfunded quality preschool education to Vermont families that seek to enroll their children. The session ended before the Senate could fully vet these issues and we expect to see continued action next year.

Please be in touch with me if you have questions or concerns. To see the actions of the legislature this session visit www.leg.state.vt.us or contact me for information. I can be reached at:

↑ contents

Coming in Spring 2014

By Karen Mueller-Harder send email to karen@praxis works.org to express interest, or if you have questions. We'd also be interested in hearing from anyone who'd like to help behind the scenes in any way. We plan to have auditions in December, and start rehearsals in the new year--check the December issue of this paper, or watch Front Porch Forum for information closer to that time, or send an email to the address above to be added to our electronic mailing list. We are an inclusive community-oriented theater group, welcoming to people of all ages and levels of experience, from Cabot and beyond.

↑ contents

The Mouse That Roared!

For our spring production, Cabot Community Theater has chosen "The Mouse That Roared," by Leonard Wibberley. This satirical comedy about the tiny nation of Grand Fenwick declaring war on the United States (and winning!) is full of interesting twists on the subject of war and peace, and has many medium and small roles, so we'd love to have lots of people join us for the show! (For a more detailed description of the plot, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The Mouse That Roared.) At this point, we are looking for a director for the show--please

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 2 onward.

↑ contents

COUNTRY COMMENTARY

NEW COLUMN COMING CABOT COUNTRY COMMENTARY

Greetings,

My name is Laura Lee Smith and I am a member of the Cabot community, and have been so for over ten years. This is my introduction to you as a member of the community and my vision of this column. As a part of our lovely community I thought, HEY, wouldn’t it be nice if we could find a way to get to know one another and draw the community closer? It is a sad thing when neighbors do not know their neighbors. In this way, we can learn about each other in a safe forum and also learn about the great things that the people of Cabot are up to. As for myself, well, I have just begun this column and I am also working with a friend in Missouri, illustrating and writing with the intent on creating a series of children’s books. We are up to the query letter stage in finding an agent. But there are so many interesting things that people are doing in the community and for the community and I would like to hear from you! If you have some long forgotten lore of our area to share or a skill that seems to have fallen from favor but still has use for those of us off grid, why, that would be great to hear about, too. I can’t promise to print all your letters, ideas, or all my anticipated interviews, but I can promise that we will learn more about one another in a positive up -lifting way. This column can also be a place to ask the community about bartering opportunities or for someone to share their best ever apple pie recipe or any favorite family recipe. I am anticipating this column being diverse, educational, fun and a great way to learn about each other. We all have something we are doing and we all potentially have something to share. The Cabot Chronicle and this columnist want to hear from you! Please feel free to share your stories and ideas. Perhaps you would like to share where you see Cabot five years from now, or maybe you have some good advice to share about how to talk to your dog! The staff at The Chronicle and I really would like this column to be diverse and fun (heavy on the fun, of course) so join us, it would be great to get to know you!

In Happiness, Laura Lee Smith

↑ contents

OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Harry August Thompson Harry Thompson, 98, longtime resident of Cabot, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, in the presence of family at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, VT. Harry was born in Ekalaka, Montana, on August 24, 1915, the son of Frank Thompson and Margaret Rose McCarty. Harry is predeceased by his siblings, Frank "Crow," Herbert "Bert," Edwin "Dude," and Elizabeth "Lib." Harry is survived by his children Hunter, Rose, Lucas and Matthew, his grandchildren August, Ryan, Ethan, Abigail, Seth and Brooke, as well as longtime friends and caring companions Stephen Gregg and Cathleen Besch. Harry was a tried-and-true Vermonter, collecting cows, houses, antiques, "junk" and friends, near and far in Vermont and beyond. He was renowned for his kindness and ability to find anything a person might need among his treasures, from a kitchen sink to a gold locket, and sometimes even a little baby Chihuahua to warm a lonely heart. Harry's door was always open for a cup of instant coffee, homemade jam and, if you were lucky, a piece of fresh pie with lots of sugar and a perfect crust. A memorial celebration potluck was held on Saturday, September 28, at Cabot Town Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Vermont Food Bank in memory of Harry Thompson Helen Edith Cerasoli Wald Helen Wald, 91, of Cabot, raised in Barre, died peacefully at home on August 26, 2013. She was predeceased by her mother, Eva Kurz of Cabot, and her beloved husband, Dr. Arthur Wald, of New York, N.Y.

Surviving family are daughter Lolly Arena, of Cabot; grandson Garrett Calissi and wife Lori, of Arizona; two greatgranddaughters, Chloe and Amber, of Arizona; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen lived a passionate life. She enjoyed cooking, art design, gardening and was fortunate to be able to travel with her husband to see the Seven Wonders of the World. In her early 20s, Helen moved to New York and became gainfully employed as private secretary to the vice president of CBS. For the following 20 years, Helen was admired and recognized for her creativity, dedication and commitment to excellence. Above all else, Helen loved her family and never lost sight of her promise to provide a better life for them. A celebration of life was held on Saturday afternoon, September 21, 2013, at her home in Cabot.

↑ contents

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Persons - Curschmann Mr. & Mrs. Lucas Persons would like to announce the marriage of their daughter, Jennifer Lynn, to Nathan Albert Curschmann, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Christian Curschmann, III, of Barnet, VT, and Mr. & Mrs. Warren Coolbeth of Cabot,VT. The wedding took place on top of Greaves Ledge in Cabot, VT, on August , 2013.

↑ contents

Kingdom Animal Shelter Elisabeth is Adopted

Elisabeth the cat, featured in the July edition of The Cabot Chronicle, has found a home. Here is what her new family says: "She is having a fabulous time in her new home. She is still “Elisabeth”. I adopted her because Oscar (Bailey, the tuxedo cat) was so lonely. Since Day 1, they have been best friends, eating out of the same bowl, playing soccer and bathing together. They are inseparable! “All of your calendar photos are beautiful--but most beautiful of all is looking at those adorable cats and realizing that they found good homes...and rescued their owners from a dismal life without them!"

↑ contents

Ride The Ridges Event Rocks!

Billie O'Connor and Roman Kokodyniak bike up Houston Hill Rd toward Long Field Farm on their 10K ride during the Cabot Ride the Ridges event on Saturday, September 14th. The event benefited the Cabot Connects Mentoring Program. Thanks to the generosity of many local businesses, riders and volunteers enjoyed pizza from Woodbelly wood-fired pizza, cheese from Cellars at Jasper Hill and Vermont Creamery, Burtt's apples, cookies from NECI, ice cream from Kingdom Creamery and Switchel.

↑ contents

A Weekend at the Shelter

By Helen Morrison I have a special, rather heartwarming story to tell. Sad, but heartwarming. September 14 a young man came into the Kingdom Animal Shelter, very concerned about a stray cat that had shown up at his and his girlfriend’s apartment. He wanted help. He had tried the typical local avenues for that help, but to no avail. The cat, a grey male, was obviously very sick. Ultimately, they took the cat in and put him in their bathroom. But he got worse and worse, bloated, urinating blood, back legs not working. The young man, now becoming somewhat frantic and wanting to do the right thing, reconnected with a volunteer at the Shelter. She contacted the Board and we decided, even though this was not one of our Shelter cats, that we would help. That’s the way these folk at the Shelter are. They care, they help. One of us took the cat to the Littleton Emergency Vet Clinic to get an assessment. Several of us agreed to help pay out of our own pockets, since the Shelter is always working on a shoestring. On the way to the vet, our Board member gave the cat a name, “Smokey”. The vet at Littleton determined that Smokey had a blocked urinary tract, that it was so distended that it was amazing it hadn’t ruptured. He had probably been that way for 48 hours or more, and the kidneys were damaged. Even with very expensive treatment and procedures, the blockage would probably come back, and he may not even survive the procedures. We all decided, after much consultation and a few tears, to put Smokey down. He was held gently and petted lovingly and passed easily and peacefully on, ending his obvious intense suffering. What is so moving for me in this whole story is how caring everyone at the Shelter was, how everyone jumped into action, how relieved the young man was that he got some help with Smokey, and that Smokey got a name before he died. A vet tech at Littleton even offered to take him home and bury him on her farm with her other now-deceased pets. A stray, sick, lonely cat was well-cared for and honored at the end. Probably, Smokey had been abandoned by his owner when he started to urinate everywhere, and rather than take him to a vet (perhaps they couldn’t or perhaps they didn’t want to), they turned him loose. And he ended up suffering intensely with no one caring…at least until the end. Kingdom Animal Shelter is an incredible place. It is all-volunteer, the cats are so well-cared for, clean, played with daily, well-socialized. And everyone does everything they can to see that this all happens, that emergencies are met and dealt with. We live on the edge financially. No one is a professional fund-raiser, for sure. And we need some big events to help us through. But little events come along. The Cabot Public Library is sponsoring a book and art sale at the Apple Pie Festival on October 19 to benefit the Kingdom Animal Shelter. We at KAS are very grateful. If you have items to donate, contact Kathleen Higbee at the Library, or me at 563-2488. We and the cats would so appreciate your help.

↑ contents

ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

By Roland (Slim) Payne

It is time to change seasons. Fall is upon us. This is a good time to reflect on trees. They lift us up in the spring, shade us in summer to help keep us cool, give us oxygen to breathe, give birds and animals habitat to live in and for food. We are nearing the end of the cycle. Fall comes with a scene that is almost unbelievable, with its picture perfect colors spread over the hills and vales. Thank you, Mother Nature. And to think that all of this comes without us doing anything. So, take care of your plants and trees so this can keep on happening.

↑ contents

Planning Commission Update Zoning Regulation Work

By Gary Gulka The Planning Commission held a public meeting on September 19 to inform the public of progress on revisions to Cabot’s land use and zoning regulations. Our consultant, Brandy Saxton of PlaceSense, presented ideas being considered for modifying the zoning districts in town to encourage the type of growth and development desired in the future. About ten members of the public joined in the discussion with Planning Commission members. Brandy Saxton is under contract with the town to complete a draft of zoning and subdivision regulations by May 2014. The Planning Commission has had ten meetings thus far and many more to follow. The Planning Commission received a Municipal Planning Grant from the state that covers nearly three-fourths of project costs. Highlights of the presentation were as follows: Existing zoning districts and their boundaries would be changed with an expanded number of districts The existing Medium Developed District and Undeveloped Village District (encompassing Cabot Village and Lower Cabot) would be reconfigured into new districts identified as Village Center, Village Neighborhood, Lower Village, and a Commercial/Industrial District in the vicinity of Cabot Creamery operations The Village Center, Village Neighborhood and Lower Village Districts would generally allow for smaller lot sizes, reduced road frontage, and reduced setbacks from the road to allow for denser development that better reflects existing development patterns. The current Shoreland District (an 800 foot radius around ponds) would be divided into a Developed Shoreland District and Shoreland District, allowing denser development where it already exists on areas of Joe’s Pond, and encouraging less dense development on other shorelands in town (increasing lot size from one to two acres.) The existing Low Density Residential and Agricultural District, which encompasses most of the town, would become the Rural District. Although minimum lot size would remain at two acres, the allowable density in any subdivision of a particular land parcel would be one dwelling per every eight acres. The decreased density would still allow for significant growth but would discourage suburban development patterns and promote retention of open space. A new Conservation District would encompass publicly owned state and town lands such as the lands around the reser- Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains are currently accepting registrations for the 2013-2014 Girl Scout year, which begins on October 1. If your daughter is interested, please register online at http://www.girlscoutsgwm.org/Girls/join.html and call Cecilia Gulka at 563-2284 for specific troop meeting information. Annual membership is $30.00. $15.00 goes to the national organization and covers things like insurance. $15.00 goes to the GS of the Green & White Mountains, to help defray the cost of program events and camps for girls in VT & NH. We hope to be able to subsidize half the cost of the annual registration for Cabot girls, using the proceeds from the cookie sale. Scholarships are available through GSGWM to anyone who cannot afford the remainder of the registration fee.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 5 onward.

↑ contents

Cabot an Agricultural Hub? Let Us Know: Cabot Agricultural Network Survey Mailed Out

By Sjon Welters For those in our town involved in the business of agriculture, the Cabot Agricultural Network survey must have reached you by now. It is our first goal: to find out what is happening in Cabot in regard to agricultural activities and what kind of needs exist. It almost goes without saying, but agriculture is an essential part of life in Cabot, it makes up the working landscape, it's a big part of our culture. Many townspeople made their voices heard and want to make sure it thrives in all its aspects.

So, please help us help you by filling out the survey and sending it in. Additional copies are available at Harry's Hardware and the Cabot General Store. Look also at the Town of Cabot website for a digital version for you to download. Want to be part of the committee? Come to our meeting: every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. downstairs in the Willey building. Email [email protected] to get your name on the email list for meeting notices and communication.

↑ contents

2013-2014 VAST TMA Prices Set (Trail Maintenance Assessment)

Pricing Schedule Early Bird TMAs (available until December 15th):

Early Bird Resident & Non-Resident Landowner: $80 Early Bird Non-Resident: $110 Early Bird Family Resident & Non- Resident Landowner: $64 Early Bird Family Non-Resident: $87 Regular TMAs (available after December 16th): Regular Season Resident: $105 Regular Season Non-Resident: $145 Special Category TMAs (available any time): Volunteer: $25 3-Day Pass: $50 Commercial: $290 Antique: $115 (one time purchase) Classic TMAs are no longer available. TMAs should be available for purchase by mid-October through your local VAST club. The pricing above does not include club and county dues of $15. In Cabot, TMAs will be available at Harry’s Hardware on Main Street and from Wendy Barnett. For information call 802-563-9907.

Go to www.vtvast.org for information on snowmobile registration, riding passes (TMA’s), insurance, safety course requirement, safety equipment and Vermont laws.

↑ contents

2013 Apple Tasting Extravaganza October 5 & 6

Apples can taste like honey, bananas, even cherries, while some varieties have hints of anise or berries. There are apples that smell like roses and pineapples. The diversity among apple varieties is astounding. There are apples that are long and narrow. Apples with red flesh or purple skin. Apples from the 1600s and a few have been around even longer. In the year 1900, markets across the country boasted over 14,000 different kinds of apples for sale. While there are still 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the U.S., apple selection for most shoppers is limited to a small selection of varieties that resist bruising in transit, keep well and look pretty. (A total of 15 popular apple varieties account for about 90 percent of the total U.S. commercial apple production.) But “foodies” and apple fans of all ages will be pleased with the nearly 100 apple varieties that will be available to taste at the annual Apple Tasting Extravaganza. The 2013 Apple Tasting Extravaganza will be hosted by Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard on Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Discover new favorite apples, sample some fresh pressed cider, visit educational displays and tour the farm which includes a 1,000+ tree orchard, berry plantation, greenhouses for experimental growing and an arboretum of more than 400 apple tree cultivars to preserve the genetic diversity of apples. And after you’ve chosen your new favorite apple, you can visit the nursery to take home a tree for fall planting or order trees for spring planting. “This annual event is a truly unique opportunity to explore the essence of the apple,” said Todd Parlo, owner and orchardist at Walden Heights. “Supermarkets today provide only a limited sample of the thousands of apple varieties once available to 19thcentury fruit lovers. Introducing people to the pleasures of these beautiful old heirloom apples is a real delight.” Part of the Walden Heights mission is to preserve apple tree varieties for generations of future apple tree growers. Apple trees can grow for more than 100 years, but the old varieties planted in the early 1900s are coming to the end of their time. If these trees are identified and branches from the old trees grafted onto new tree stock, these varieties can continue. People who have (or know of) an old apple tree are invited to bring a few apples to the tasting to share with other guests, and may be selected as a variety for grafting in 2014. Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard is a certified organic, biodynamic farm that grows a wide variety of apples, both popular and relatively unknown heirloom varieties. The farm’s specialty is growing apple trees, apples and other fruits. More information about the farm and directions can be found at waldenheightsnursery.com. Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard 120 VT Route 215, Walden, VT 05873 802-563-3012

↑ contents

OCTOBER 19, 2013 CALL FOR APPLE PIES!

Cabot Apple Pie Festival, the premiere fundraiser for the Cabot Historical Society, is around the corner. Mark your calendar for October 19. Please also mark your calendar to bake a couple of pies that week to donate. The heart of Apple Pie Festival is the delicious, homemade pies crafted by some of the best cooks in the state. It’s just as good for breakfast as it is dessert! The Historical Society can’t do it without you, and would be very grateful for pies dropped off Friday evening, October 18, between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. or Saturday morning, October 19, before 10:00 a.m. Also, consider entering the Apple Pie Contest. Pies must be entered by 10:30 a.m., so come early to be sure yours gets in the contest. There is a fee to enter: $5 for adults, $2.50 for youths, OR you can donate a second pie to sell. (All pies in the contest are sold or auctioned after judging.) There are cash prizes, ribbons and more.

↑ contents

All Proceeds Benefit Cabot United Church Beautiful “Morning Star” quilt handmade in Cabot

The United Church of Cabot is raffling a quilt - lovingly pieced by Christa Scholz and quilted by Laurie Coolbeth. First tickets sold at Maple Fest and sales will continue until the quilt is raffled off during Apple Pie Festival, October 19. The quilt is 'Morning Star' pattern in a white background with bright blue and modern green. The printed border contains all the colors. It is backed with a mottled beige plus the names of the quilters and date. It is a queen size (96”x109”) and needs to be seen to be appreciated. It has been on display at various times over the past few months. For more information, or tickets, you can call Christa Scholz.(563-2409). Need not be present to win.

↑ contents

FROM THE CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Thanks again to all who participated in our summer reading program –“Dig into Reading.” Sixty youth (and their families) participated and read a total of 1,793 books! Twenty three youth joined the Thousand Page Club – and collectively read a total of 46,343 pages this summer – wow! Our top reader was Rebecca Blaisdell, who read 9,742 pages!!

Programs

Lincoln and Vermont – Howard Coffin – Tuesday, October 1 – 2:00 p.m. Beginning with Lincoln’s preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, and continuing through to the consecration of the National Soldiers Cemetery at Gettysburg, historian Howard Coffin traces how Lincoln’s leadership of the Federal war effort and his political canniness shaped the relationship between the president and Vermont, a state Lincoln admired though never visited.

Cabot Old Time Contra and Square

Dance – Saturday, October 12 – 7:30 p.m. Dances will be held on the second Saturday of the month from September through May, sponsored by the Cabot Library. The dances are taught and are easily learned by young and old. There is a small suggested donation to help cover the cost of the caller. For more info, please call David Carpenter at 802- 563-3225 or email samlyman@ sover.net.

Benefit for the Kingdom Animal Shelter at the Apple Pie Festival – Saturday, October 19 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Cabot Public Library is helping to sponsor a Book and Art Sale to benefit the Kingdom Animal Shelter, which facilitates the placement of stray and unwanted animals and pets in desirable homes and never euthanizes the animals in their care. Please look for their table at the Apple Pie Festival.

Forum on New Health Care System

– Tuesday, October 29 – 6:30 p.m. Vermont Health Connect will offer a new way to choose a health insurance plan for individuals and small businesses in Vermont. Ellen Gurshun, our local area health navigator, will present this forum and will be available afterwards for questions.

See you at the Library!

Kathleen Hoyne and Anne Walker

↑ contents

Diva Dash A Blast!

Brigitte Codling ran the 5K Diva Dash and obstacle course on September 7, 2013, with her cousins, to enjoy a healthy, fun activity together to motivate all to get in better shape! They trained independently and together; running, strength training, and hiking! Their next challenge, as the Chronicle goes to print, is the 5K Zombie Run and obstacle course on September 28, at the Champlain Valley Expo. Brigitte’s two older daughters will be joining in this race, and they’ll be running against the clock, as well as from flesh-eating, virus-spreading zombies. Should be an exhilarating start to autumn! Both the Diva Dash and the Zombie Run benefit charities and non-profits that support local organizations and international programs such as Smile Train; so, by entering a race, they are helping others. They hope to do many more runs in the future!

↑ contents

Forum on New Health Care System at the Cabot Public Library

The Cabot Library is presenting a forum on the new Vermont Health insurance program called Vermont Health Connect on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:30 pm. Our local area health navigator, Ellen Gershun, will be presenting the forum and will be available after for questions. Vermont Health Connect will offer a new way to choose a health insurance plan for individuals and small businesses in Vermont. Vermont Health Connect is a marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses in Vermont can compare public and private health plans and select one that fits their needs and budget. Every plan offered through Vermont Health Connect will offer basic services including checkups, emergency care, mental health services and prescriptions. Details can be found at vermonthealthconnect.gov. Vermont Health Connect will simplify the health insurance world for many Vermonters by serving as the one place to access public programs and financial assistance, such as federal tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies. Individuals, families and small businesses in Vermont will get their health coverage through Vermont Health Connect. This includes: Vermonters who do not have health insurance, Vermonters who currently purchase insurance for themselves, Vermonters who have Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur or Catamount or Vermont Health Access Program (VHAP), Vermonters who are offered “unaffordable” coverage by their employers, and small businesses in Vermont that provide coverage for their employees. This is a chance for anyone with questions about health coverage to have them answered. The forum is free. Come with your questions. Information about the program is found at http://healthconnect.vermont.gov/ . For more information, call the Cabot Library at 563-2721.

↑ contents

Book on Irene has Cabot Connections

Vermonter Peggy McKay Shinn, a freelance writer living in Rutland, responded to Tropical Storm Irene by riding her mountain bike the next day on a trail through the woods to bypass the huge washout of Route 4. Then she made her way to Pittsfield to talk with residents and photograph the destruction. Already, she had a book in mind, which was released in August and is now available in bookstores and online. Its title is Deluge: Tropical Storm Irene, Vermont's Flash Floods, and How One Small State Saved Itself. For this book, Peggy interviewed Vermonters in Pittsfield, Jamaica, South Royalton, Wilmington, and Rutland. These people show the human face of disaster, the losses that can never be fully recovered. She also tells the story of the amazingly quick rebuilding of Route 4 in two places by local contractors, who didn't wait for state government assistance, or even permission, to do the job. The independent spirit of Vermonters, who volunteered their time and machines to help, shows in all the stories in the book. Peggy Shinn is the daughter of Ferguson & Jane McKay, Cabot residents. Jane's family has lived in Cabot since the 1860s, in the same house on Main Street. The McKays have donated a copy of Deluge to the Cabot Library.

↑ contents

TWIN VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

September News Twin Valley Senior Citizen News

Twin Valley is in need of a Dining Room hostess. This is a very rewarding position, sociable, fun and pays well by giving you free lunch! If you have any time to spare, even if once a week, please contact Rita at 426-3447. We are also looking for back up Meals on Wheels Volunteers. This position is putting together packaged meals for delivery. This also pays well with free lunch. Our trained volunteer Tai Chi instructors, Sandra Mennella and Michaela Rowan, invite you to join them every Monday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. for some gentle, relaxing exercise. These classes are free and open to the public. Sandy and Michaela have been certified to teach Tai Chi and do a wonderful job. Bone Builder classes are on-going from 10:45-11:45 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday & Friday in the gym at Old School House Commons. Classes are lead by Kass Phillips, with backup leaders, Joanne Martin, Hildegard Weger and Judy Dix. Classes are also free and open to the public. TVSC would like to offer a complimentary Meals on Wheels lunch to any senior or disabled person who might be interested in receiving Meals on Wheels. If you have a friend, neighbor or family member that could benefit from receiving nutritional meals to help keep them healthy, please contact Rita at 426-3447. We will then arrange delivery of one of our meals to them. October is a busy month: October 4 _ Fall Foliage Ride: Twin Valley Seniors will be taking a trip to Mount Mansfield. There will be a brown bag lunch and a gondola ride to the top of the mountain. Anyone interested in attending please call the Center at 426- 3447. October 9 - Foot clinic at the Center. Call 223-1878 for an appointment. October 9 - Open to the public will be an informative presentation on Medicare Basics at 2:00 p.m. in the gym at the Old School House Common. Rae Bunce with MVP Healthcare will be available to answer any questions you may have about Medicare. October 14 - will be the CVHHH Flu Clinic hosted by TVSC from 9:30 -11:00 a.m. Please bring your Medicare card. Open to other seniors, as well, for a fee. October 21 - SASH (Support and Services at Home) will be present from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Blood Pressure will be taken free of charge.

↑ contents

It’s been a crazy month…...

By Wendy Heilig, former Danville Hill Road resident. Excerpted from her blogs, http://www.gofundme.com/Elf- House and VtElf- House.wordpress.com.

It's been a crazy month, trying to get all the details worked out, but things have been moving along. Lots more free stuff and a few really good finds are helping tremendously. My best finds so far? I have gotten four beautiful new or nearly new windows for only $275! That's an amazing savings, if you've ever looked at the cost of them! I also found a beautiful front door for a one -third of the cost. All this means that everyone's gifts are stretching further than I ever could have imagined. Huge thanks go out to a few dear friends and kind souls in my larger circle who have donated privately to help my dream take greater form and become a true reality. I am nearly there! People have asked me how - and I say I simply have faith that all will work out as it should! I will still have a ways to go to meet my goal for it to go to completion for winter, but the goal for the initial build isn't too far off. Crossing my fingers that funds will stretch to complete it in time! Please get the word out if you're moved to share - the goal is so very close. I truly believe that one step for each of us

- to pay it forward - is the way in which all our lives will change for the better. We must build strong community in our lives for the days ahead by helping each other to live a life full of meaning. It is the only way I see we will survive the madness of these last two decades! Hugs & Blessings! Wendy still helps get The Cabot Chronicle into the mail and supports the Cabot Public Library, even while building her dream “Elf” house in Glover.

↑ contents

Wings that Sing

By Rob Rich Illustration by Adelaide Tyrol

As the summer bird chorus wanes, we might remember that song can arrive in unexpected ways. Drumming heads, clacking bills, and dancing feet create nonvocal sound. Even flight, that foremost avian feat, creates music of its own. Wings can sing – sound is created by the asymmetry, anatomy, and arrangement of individual flight feathers as they vibrate through the air. A number of birds use wing song to communicate, both with their own species and as a way to thwart predators. Dramatic lift offs can match the best vocal alarms. The explosive flight of a ruffed grouse may distract (or frighten) its enemies just long enough to effect an escape. The volatile burst of wings produces a miniature sonic boom as air rushes to fill the vacuum between the powerful wing beats. Similarly, mourning doves warn others as they rise on whistling wings. That sound, which is common among many pigeons and doves, accelerates in tempo among a group of distressed birds to incite a faster dispersal. The wing songs of the breeding season are perhaps the most remarkable. Instead of its single alarm-boom, the courting male ruffed grouse produces a quickening series of whirring thumps to bring mates in and keep other males away. These highly territorial males usually perform on drumming logs ten to twelve inches above ground to best transmit their thunderous sounds. While breeding season peaks in April, you can often catch a repeat drumming performance in October. Most birds that utilize wing songs in breeding performances do so in flight. After a series of preparatory nasal peents from the ground, the courting male American woodcock spirals to the sky in resplendent twittering. His ascending sounds are not vocal. Instead, they depend on flight feathers with short, widely spread margins that vibrate in the air like a string. The woodcock rises 200-300 feet, then tumbles down in liquid warbling to the very same spot, only to begin the vertical wing song again. Although particular behaviors and tones are distinct, similar performances are heard among others in the sandpiper family. The Wilson’s snipe is a renowned example from our region. It exhibits a rising breeding dance much like the woodcock, but its tight, pointed wings create a hoot-like, winnowing howl.

By J. Scott Davidson Sudoku Golf, Masters Loop-Course Challenge 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 and end the loop course in the 2nd row as indicated. Add the squares as you go and find the path with the lowest total, as in golf. You may move to any adjacent square not already in the path, including diagonals. (Only one hole in one is allowed). Solution for last months puzzles are shown below (upside down)

It is clear that the shape of the wing affects the pitch of these kamikaze courtiers. Longer, sharper wing and feather shapes typically create sounds with deeper dramatic force. The booming dives of common nighthawks, whose wings are long and scimitar shaped, are an extreme example on the low end of the audio spectrum. Hummingbirds perform opposing variations on this theme, with tiny, jackknife wings that pierce notes with the highest violins. Chris Clark, an ornithologist at Yale University who specializes in the biomechanics of hummingbird tails, suggests the intricate music of bird wings began as incidental sounds in flight, like the tread of walking feet. But over time, males with the most dramatic, freefalling songs were most successful passing on their genes. Charles Darwin also discussed the evolutionary purpose of wing song in The Descent of Man: “In the case of modified feathers by drumming, whistling, or roaring noises produced, we know that some birds during their courtship flutter, shake, or rattle their unmodified feathers together…” Today we can use super slow motion videos and Doppler vibrometers to see the mechanics of wing song. But there is still much to learn about their origins and their functions, which can be as miraculous as flight itself.

Rob Rich is a writer and naturalist living in Burlington, Vermont. The illustration for this column was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: [email protected].

1 Date (2013) Russian Meteorite 2/19/13 (2 in row 4) (1-9 = A-J, Words: 17-year CICAPA (3 in row 5) Cole slaw vegetable CABAGE (3 in row 5)

7

↑ contents