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The Cabot Chronicle

January 2014 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the January 2014 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

Country Commentary,

I have long ago given up on New Year’s Resolutions. I never seemed to follow through with them, and it always gave me an ache of guilt in the pit of my stomach that I hadn’t. I am not saying don’t make any, I am just stating what doesn’t work for me - but what does work for me is making my resolutions into meaningful, achievable goals. Achieving goals are dreams in action. hobby Rick. I have always wanted to be a chicken farmer with my partner, I dreamed and wished, but until it became a plan, a goal, it just never happened. But now, because we planned and worked step by step to have chickens, well, now we have them and I love them. Some of them come into the house to eat the cat’s food. They even know how to go to the refrigerator to ask for milk. In case you ever wondered, chickens love milk. So, put some of your dreams into action, get out there and make a plan, make your dream into a goal and go for it! You’d be surprised how quickly it can manifest. I am a writer, and it certainly didn’t happen overnight, but when I got serious and put it out there that this is what I want to do, opportunities just seem to come up left and

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This Morning

Dark and silent only broken by a soft rumble and the telltale sound of gears expertly manipulated on quiet streets. A rumble interrupted at stop signs whose stern message I observe halfheartedly in tamed and mindless obedience to the letter of the law. Tires on gravely blacktop crunch through sleepy neighborhoods and hot coffee gingerly sipped through a spill proof lid washes my teeth in their morning brown. Headlights on reflective paint and unlit rooms behind shop glass show me only the yellow wavering eyes of my transport as I glide through, an approaching harmless growl quickly passing. Bundles of dwellings with windows softly lit by the unobtrusive lamps of breakfast blur into the fading dark in side view as my wheels roll ever slower with unliving familiarity towards my entry point to the highway. Here I negotiate with barely a thought through hurling distracted death and plunge safely into the relentlessly sputtering stream of early risers. I pilot my sanctuary into disciplined step with the first few to whom my fate is so anonymously intertwined as together we ride the ebb and flow of our communal vein of light to our destinations.

DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior

Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

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OMMENTARY

right. There are writing contests and columns to be written, and I am jointly writing and illustrating a series of books with a very good friend of mine. So, now I would love to have everyone send in their goals for the year, or just one, and how they mean to achieve it - you know, we here at the Chronicle would love to know! Are we nosy? YES that is why journalists do what they do. But, seriously, your dream in action might inspire someone else to begin making goals of their dreams. How very cool would that be, if your words printed in this paper were able to help someone else?! And isn’t that what neighbors are supposed to do? Help me to help others by sharing. You can do it. If you are nervous about how you write, then have no fear; that is what editing is for. So give us a try, make your community proud! They may have no idea what your goals are, and who knows, there may even be someone out there who is willing to help you get your dream in motion. And, meanwhile, have a very happy and prosperous NEW YEAR! In Happiness with clouds of butterflies,

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P OETRY C ORNER

Largely motionless inside my bubble of metal and controlled explosions I watch the rise and swell of the rolling hills passing beneath me, and guide with tempered hand my weaving dance around the maypole of commuters. White fences draw their ghostly crooked lines across my windows as the darkness above speeds westward, chased by long low lines of color which bubble from the vibrating horizon in my rear view. Subtle hues of red slowly begins to saturate the world around me, condensing in tiny pools which pry obscure shapes from the background, forming them into farmhouses and sheds, mailboxes and off-center handpainted signs. More colors draw strength from reds boldness and spread with growing confidence across the land and sky. At last, even as I watch, heralded by the march of a humble but persistent army of color and light the triumphant glowing forehead of the sun breaches the earth and drives the last bits of darkness to cower in shivering formation behind miles of fence posts. By Zachary S. Wakefield from Missouri Zachary S. Wakefield and Cabot’s Laura Lee Saorsa Smith are coauthoring and co-illustrating a series of children's books .

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DO YOU KNOW A CABOT

(Continued From page 1) Town will immediately transition in 2013 to an accrual-based accounting system, whereby revenues and expenditures will be recorded in the year in which they occur. A very positive outcome of this change is that financial reports will reflect what happened in that year, eliminating the routine surpluses and losses that have traditionally occurred because expenses were shown in one year, yet some revenue was shown in the following year because reimbursement was received after December 31 st . That situation will go away with the transition to an accrual -based accounting system, also eliminating fluctuations in the tax rate resulting from the old cash basis accounting system. The Town Treasurer, assisted by the Assistant Town Treasurer and by Jan Westervelt, has been working diligently with the town auditor to make all of this happen. As a result, our financial statements for 2013 should meet GASB guidelines. Now, that’s something to get excited about!

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The Cabot Chronicle Submission Guidelines

The Chronicle welcomes letters written with an economy of words. The maximum length is recommended to be no longer than 400 words. Letters may be edited for clarity and length or returned to the author with suggestions for re-submittal. All letters and commentary published in The Cabot Chronicle represent the opinions of the authors and not necessarily the opinions of staff. The Cabot Chronicle reserves the right to reject letters that may contain unsuitable material for our readers. Letters will not be considered for publication unless signed and accompanied by a phone number. We will gladly consider articles and photographs for publication. The Cabot Chronicle is not responsible for errors in submitted material. Nor does The Cabot Chronicle assume responsibility for claims arising in connection with products or services advertised on these pages. If you have editorial questions or would like advertising information, call

Letters and other inquiries can also be

is distributed the first day of the month is provided locally free of charge. ~ Mission Statement ~ is to regularly publish local news for the residents of the Cabot Area. that will help readers become better involved in their Community.

~ Copyright 2013 by The Cabot Chronicle

without express written permission from Cabot Chronicle. Publisher is not responsible of advertising is contingent upon publisher’s approval and agreement by loss or expense on claims based upon contents of advertising. Publisher does not assume beyond the cost of space occupied by individual item in which the error appeared.

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Catherine (Kitty) Toll

The 2014 Legislative session promises to be challenging. Property taxes, education funding, a $70 million budget gap, funding the new state hospital and health care are some issues at the top of the list. Additionally, the State Treasurer is urging the Legislature to address the funding of retired teachers health care costs, which have created an additional $26 million pressure to the state budget in 2015. This pressure will continue to grow, and if not addressed, is predicted by the State Treasurer to be $77 million by 2040. In 2001, the retiree health care state expense was approximately $4 million. The state has been paying the recommended contribution to fund benefits every year, but has not been able to keep up with the rapidly growing retiree health care costs over the past decade. These benefits are paid at the state level and are not reflected in local school budgets. Our challenge is to contain these costs and identify a funding source to meet this obligation, which includes a thorough review of all state budgets. Early in November, the Commissioner of Taxes projected that statewide education spending will increase 3.8%. Based on these estimates, the Commissioner recommended that education tax rates increase by five cents. However, in mid-December, an error was found in the calculation and the revised increase could be as high as seven cents per $100 of assessed property value. The actual spending will be determined in March, when school budgets are passed at town meetings, and will move these projections either upwards or downwards, based on results at the local level. Salaries, special education costs and health insurance premiums are the major drivers to this increase. In fiscal year 2012, the Legislature created the Supplemental Property Tax Relief Fund. The $11.8 million in the fund can be used to reduce the base education tax rate by one cent. It is important to remember this is onetime money, and would have to be re-

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By Michelle Delaney

Setting a New Year's Resolution can be a daunting task, surrounded by all kinds of feelings. It can also be a great way to begin anew. Some people resolve never to resolve. Some people create a resolution every year, only to give it up within a week. A few people make a resolution and stick to it. What is it that makes some successful and others fail? First of all, you need to have a strong motivator and it needs to come from within. Your motivation can not be that you will quit smoking because your partner would like you to quit smoking. It needs to be for something that you desire. Maybe you will quit smoking because you want to be able to ride bikes next summer with your child. Maybe you will quit smoking because you need more money available for something else that is important to you. Resolve to lose 50 pounds in one month, you are likely setting yourself up for failure, and your goal needs to have action steps. What is it that you are going to do to lose 50 pounds? Are you going to begin working out? How many days a week? When? Where? With whom? Be very specific on the changes you will make in order to reach your goal. Maybe, instead of drinking cola, you will begin drinking seltzer. Do not design a resolution that overwhelms you just thinking of it. Pick one specific thing that you would like to change and stick to it until it becomes your new habit. Third, you need to design an environ-

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EPORT

placed by other funds in the following year. Following a poor start to the Vermont Health Connect website, by midDecember the functionality was much improved, and over 15,000 Vermont individuals had utilized the site to sign up for insurance policies. Another 30,000 Vermonters who work for small businesses were enrolled by going directly to the exchange’s two providers, MVP and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of VT. Another 3,500 Vermonters who work for small businesses that enrolled through VT Health Connect will have their 2013 plans extended until the premium processing functions are operational. Approximately 800 Vermonters who work for small businesses that will no longer provide coverage needed to seek coverage through the exchange. The new Vermont State Hospital, to be named Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital, is scheduled to open in July 2014, with the first eight beds on-line. Total capacity of 25 beds is scheduled to be operational by August 15, 2014. This is a level-1 hospital serving involuntary patients needing acute psychiatric care. The total cost of the construction is projected to be $28 million, and the hospital will have an annual total operating budget of approximately $19 million. Along with my fellow members of the House Appropriations Committee, we will examine every state budget to ensure we are getting the best use of our limited resources. Many questions will be asked, including what are the best investments we can make with our tax dollars, and are Vermonters better off due to these investments. I look forward to hearing your questions and concerns. The 2014 legislative session will begin on January 7. To follow actions of the legislature or to check the status of a bill, visit www.leg.state.vt. us or contact me for information. Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year! kittytoll@live.com ktoll@leg.state.vt.us

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that is the Question

ment of success. If you are giving up smoking, it is going to be difficult if you hang out with smokers. If you are giving up soda, then you better make sure it is not in your house. If you are going to begin working out, it is easier to stick to it if you have someone who is going to stick to it with you. If you want to eat more fruits and vegetables, then you need to have them available as snacks. If you are traveling, bring healthy snacks with you, then you won't be tempted to stop at Dunkin Donuts. Fourth, it is always helpful to have an accountability partner. Someone should know your goal and that someone should be encouraging and supportive, but also willing to ask you the tough questions. How many times did you work out last week? How many sodas did you drink? We are creatures of habit. This can be a positive or a negative, depending on whether you understand this, and if you are willing to use it to your benefit. We do not really "break" habits; we change or substitute them. If, every time you have a work meeting, there is a bowl of candy in the middle of the table that everyone shares, you are likely to have some, too. If you do not want to do that anymore, you need to have a plan. Maybe you chew gum instead, or maybe you bring a healthy snack or some herbal tea instead. If you do not have an alternative, you are likely to do as you always have done. On the bright side of being a creature of habit, if you can consciously stick to your newly desired habit for 30 days-it will become automatic.

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THE LAST UPDATE:

The Town of Cabot may qualify for a Community Development Block Grant/ Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant because the existing town garage site was affected during the May 2011 flood, which was a FEMA qualifying event. The grant announcement reads, “The project moves critical municipal infrastructure out of the floodplain or fluvial erosion hazard area,” which is exactly what relocating the town garage to the South Walden road would accomplish. The CDBG/DR grant requires a 10% match, and the project must be completed within two years of the award date. Should the Town of Cabot qualify for this grant, funds would become available to purchase the land for the new garage site, construct the garage facility, and, at the existing site, demolish the old garage, restore the river bank to its original configuration and install a storm water filtration system, which would mitigate future flooding. Before the Town can apply for a CDBG/DR grant, we must first complete an Environmental Review (ER), which is what Karen Deasy and I have been working on for several weeks. The ER process is lengthy and complicated, but almost done, thanks to the incredible efforts of Karen, our Zoning Administrator and Town Planner. Our goal remains to submit the ER not later than November 30, and sooner if possible; we will keep you posted. The Town Garage Working Group (WG) has been making use of Karen Deasy’s credentials as an architect on this project. The WG has developed a plan for the site, determining locations for the main garage with attached storage unit, salt shed, sand pile and septic system. The garage design---modeled after Stafford’s town garage---is pretty well set, allowing Karen to take the drawings to the next level, which includes drain design and location, office and storage location, and placement of work benches and the like. All town vehicles will be able to fit into the garage at the same time--including all

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Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is continuing to work on the new land use (zoning) and subdivision regulations with our consultant, Brandy Saxton, of PlaceSense, and nearing completion of our first solid draft of all sections. In January, we will focus on flood hazard regulations, drinking water source protection, definitions, subdivision regulations, and definitions. Commission will need The Planning to do a thorough review and edit of this first draft and our consultant will be filling in some of the gaps before we have a complete draft for public review. Progress is steady and we are on still on schedule for spring public hearings. Draft documents and our progress can be followed on the PlaceSense web site at: http:// www.placesense.com/ On February 6, 7 pm, we will be holding a public meeting to share the draft subdivision regulations that are being developed and take questions and comments. Subdivision regulations will be new to Cabot’s zoning regulations and the Planning Commission feels that this is an important aspect to maintaining the character of Cabot into the future. The Town has completed and submitted its application to the Agency of Commerce and Community Develop-

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#5)

trucks with snow plows (a first)--that will make winter weather operations both more efficient and safe. In fact, safety for town personnel will be significantly improved once garage operations have been relocated to the new site, as well as out of the flood plain. On the permitting front, a PERK test was administered on November 8, and the results indicate that the tested area is suitable for either a “performance based” mound system, or “a mound with a curtain drain.” The engineer who conducted the test recommends a gravity flow Presby mound system with a curtain drain, which in his words “would be a relatively small mound: with the subsurface drainage uphill from the mound (estimated system cost: $9,000 - $13,000).” The second environmental requirement is a Wetlands Delineation report. Shannon Morrison, the District Wetlands Ecologist for the VT Department of Environmental Conservation, who inspected the proposed site, said that while it appears there is plenty of room on the site to construct a town garage facility, the project will require a permit to build a road across the swale near the road frontage, which is a class II wetland. Ms. Morrison recommended that the town hire a consultant to delineate the wetland required for the permit, and that process started Friday, November 15. The delineation report should be completed by November 30. The good news from the permitting arena is that the town will be able to construct a garage on this site, if purchased. Lastly, the survey of the site, performed by Lisa Ginnet, has been completed and the eight acres have been measured and pinned. Where does this leave us? I believe in excellent shape, as we work to have site drawings, building design drawings, and solid cost estimates completed before the end of this year, allowing time in January and February to conduct public hearings and to apply for the CDBG-DR grant. We will continue to finalize an Environmental Review, as well as make every effort to keep you posted on this exciting and long overdue project. In the interim, we’ll just keep working.

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Update

ment for Village Center Designation. The application will be considered at a meeting in Montpelier on January 7. We are optimistic that we will be successful in the designation process that will make us eligible for tax credits on commercial buildings that are renovated for use and provide us with some bonus points when applying for state municipal grants. Thanks go to Karen Deasy, Planner and Zoning Administrator and Bruce Westcott on the Main Street Study Group for preparing the application. The Planning Commission regularly meets the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6 pm. However, there can be slight variations in the meeting schedule, so it is always good to check.

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Cabot Planning Commission Chair

The planning commission has released drafts of articles 1, 2, and 4 of the revised land use regulations and an initial draft zoning district map. Work is under way on article 3. You can view presentations, read drafts and meeting notes, view the map, and comment on the working draft at www.placesense.com/cabot.

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By Bruce Westcott, CCA Chair

(CCA) is a not-for profit corporation that we've had in our community for over ten years, but since this summer a growing group of volunteers have moved to build a new agenda to support Cabot residents, businesses, and taxpayers. The CCA By-laws call on us to work in partnership with Cabot's citizens, businesses and service organizations to support social, educational and charitable activities for our mutual benefit, and we thank The Cabot

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CLOSING SELLER(S)

1/4/2013 GAGNE Chronicle for helping to word. Just a year ago, the Vermont on Rural Development (VCRD) ered a "Report and Action highlighted three priority evolved from community meetings discussion. The three initiatives were: • Develop a Cabot Agricultural • Improve Community Communications • Develop a Community Arts CCA would like to

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2013 Cabot

RICHARD & CARMEN 1/22/2013 1/25/2013 1/25/2013 2/6/2013 2/22/2013 2/26/2013 3/1/2013 3/11/2013 3/5/2013 3/13/2013 3/26/2013 3/26/2013 3/28/2013 4/10/2013 4/10/2013 4/12/2013 4/19/2013 4/24/2013 5/14/2013 5/15/2013 6/10/2013 6/10/2013 6/14/2013 6/20/2013 6/28/2013 7/9/2013 7/10/2013 7/24/2013 7/26/2013 7/26/2013 8/7/2013 8/20/2013 8/20/2013 8/26/2013 9/3/2013 9/13/2013 9/20/2013 9/23/2013

10/1/2013 10/4/2013 10/10/2013 10/22/2013 10/24/2013 10/25/2013 11/1/2013 11/6/2013 11/10/2013 11/12/2013 BOTHFELD ROBERT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST BOUDREAU ROBERT ESTATE DUBOIS MARIE PEARL SHERI ET AL LITTLE HERBERT THOMPSON HARRY MORSE CECIL & BARBARA HILL WARREN & LAURA DRISCOLL II FRANCIS MELNICK & GARDNER SALLY & DUFFY KIMBERLY & CHRISTOKUNCZ PHER HOUGHTON GILBERT & RANDALL GEORGE & GWENDOHALLSMITH LYN GEORGE & GWENDOHALLSMITH LYN CITIMORTGAGE, INC PHOENIX DANIEL & JULIE FLANAGAN THOMAS & MARTHA RIENDEAU RICHARD & JENNIFER GRAHAM SHARON A. FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOC. PATOINE ELSIE PATOINE ELSIE MORGAN NORMAN & BARBARA DESSO JAMES & DEBRA SEARLES RANDY HOGAN JOHN DAUTEUIL & BEATTIE JOHN & THOMAS BAKER JACK D & BETTY A CLARKE & FURLONI DOLORES & JOE WARD STEPHEN & COLLEEN PAQUIN IJ & ERIN FOUNTAINE SHAWN ROBERTS GARY & SUNEE VAN HEES REVOCABLE TRUST HALLSMITH GWENDOLYN CHURCHILL VINCENT & JENICE GOCHEY LARRY & CHERRY L OPRYSKO KATERYNA ESTATE

RICKER WILLIAM & SANDRA ROCK NORMAN & JOAN LAWRENCE & PAURODGER LYNE PLATT JONATHAN & CARRIE TOWNE JOHN L HOUSTON JAMES D. & JOANNA L. E. H. POOLED INVESTMENTS LP PAIRE SHIRLEY A. HAMEL ROGER B. & HEIDI L. HARRIS BENJAMIN M. & IVY L. Chronicle readers news about how CCA is developing, and what we're doing to support these three initiatives. One of CCA's specific purposes is to "work to preserve and enhance the working spread the Council delivPlan" which projects that and highlighted Network Center share with landscape the natural beauty of our environment," so it was natural for us to want to support the work of Cabot folks interested in community agriculture. CCA is working to provide an organizational home to the volunteers focused on community agriculture: expanding markets, building connections and boosting prosperity of our local farm economy. During 2013, the Cabot Agricultural Network committee (CAN) has established itself as a working committee and nailed down its charge: "For Cabot to have a strong connected com-

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BUYER(S)

120 SANDY BEACH ROAD CHURCHILL ROAD 1013 OLD US ROUTE 2 GAGNE RICHARD & BOTHFELD ROBERT ROBERTS 1136 BRICKETTS CROSSING ROAD JOE'S POND BREEZY ACRES PEARL 6640 MACK MOUNTAIN ROAD JACKSON & MAHAN 1348 VT ROUTE 215 SOUTH 3197 DANVILLE HILL ROAD THOMPSON MORSE, SR. 2234 SOUTH WALDEN ROAD HILL 853 JUG BROOK ROAD 201 URBAN ROAD 2615 VT ROUTE 215 303 DANVILLE HILL ROAD 136 HEADWATERS LANE DANVILLE HILL ROAD 2615 VT ROUTE 215 SAWMILL ROAD 1179 WEST SHORE ROAD COITS POND ROAD 5326 US RTE 2 37 MAIN STREET SO. WALDEN ROAD SO. WALDEN ROAD 2606 MAIN STREET 173 CHATOT ROAD DRISCOLL II DALE & POND CITIMORTGAGE, INC. AUDET WELTERS HALLSMITH FEERAL NATIONAL TION BRANDT DUDLEY MULLENS GRAHAM EH POOLED INVESTMENTS FOUNTAINE FOUNTAINE BACON GULBORD 2639 SOUTH WALDEN ROAD PAQUIN 462 HOUGHTON ROAD 1449 WEST SHORE ROAD 4241 VT ROUTE 215 N 1279 WEST SHORE ROAD 2783 VT ROUTE 215 JACQUES & AUDET

JACK & BETTY BAKER MARTHA TALBOT, TRUSTEE AGRI-MARK 2639 SOUTH WALDEN ROAD SEARLES 2 SOUTH WALDEN ROAD 1013 OLD ROUTE 2 857 SOUTH WALDEN ROAD 70 HEADWATERS LANE 1332 CHURCHILL ROAD 3636 VT ROUTE 215 NORTH HOUSTON HILL ROAD

68 SANDY BEACH ROAD 955 WHITTIER HILL ROAD 2320 DUCHARME ROAD FOUNTAINE ROBERTS VITALE VONDRA CHURCHILL SCHOLZ OPRYSKO

RICKER NEWLAND & MYERS CARPENTER 1847 BRICKETTS CROSSING ROAD DANVILLE HILL ROAD 209 GARNEY ROAD 37 MAIN STREET 2405 S. WALDEN ROAD WEST SHORE ROAD 753 DANVILLE HILL ROAD HELFAND TOWNE CHURCHILL WARNER PAIRE ALAN D. MICHIE REVOCABLE COLGAN

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hronicle

a productive, sustainable, healthy and diverse working landscape." The Community Communications initiative identified in the VCRD report is working to improve the "strong connected" part, but CAN is looking at the part that makes our lives work economically and fit into the landscape for generations to come. CAN conducted a community survey, and identified the need for a joint initiative in regard to sales and marketing. CAN also sees a need to find ways to get young people into farming -- the average age of Vermont farmers has increased to 57 years, now. CAN also wants to start a discussion on securing (See CCA, page 11)

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PRICE

CARMEN TRUST TRUST AGREEMENT $0 $0 GARY & SUNEE TREE FARM MARGARET ET AL NICHOLAS & SARAH HARRY & HUNTER JOHN JAMIE & GARY FRANCIS & SUSAN LAURA & CYRUS $72,000 $0 $0 $100,000 $0 $0 $135,000 $0 $139,000 $1,168,016 JOSEPH & MELINDA OLIVER & JANA GWENDOLYN MORTGAGE ASSOCIA-

PETER & ANNA STEPHEN & MARY JOHN JOHN A LP SHAWN SHAWN HARDOL & MARY JUSTIN IJ & ERIN ROSA & DAVID

TRUST

RANDY MARCEL BRIAN & SUZANNE BENJAMIN & ELIZABETH TOMAS WALTER & MARY DIETER LEW JOSEPH WILLIAM, SANDRA, ROBIN, PETER & WILLIAM IV ERIC & ANDREA BARBARA ISRAEL & CATHLEEN STEPHEN P. MARTIN & ANDREA DANIELLE R. SHIRLEY A. & URIAH R. TRUST ANNE E. $40,000 $96,060 $0 $0 $15,000 $103,500 $80,000 $0 $47,250 $35,000 $10,000 $55,000 $35,000 $15,000 $8,000 $375,000 $0 $200,000 $110,000 $0 $0 $36,000 $349,000 $30,000 $180,000 $40,000 $0

$0 $140,000 $149,500 $83,000 $0 $325,500 $73,000 $0 $12,256 $205,000

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Geraldine N. Bickford

Geraldine Noyes Bickford, age 100, of the Lincoln House, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2013, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. Geraldine was born September 30, 1913, in Worcester, MA, the daughter of Albert Wyatt Noyes and Rosa Blanche Pomerleau Noyes. She was educated mostly in Cabot schools and graduated from Cabot High School in 1931, but also spent several years in Hartford, CT, where her father worked for a children's home. On January 13, 1931, Geraldine married Anson Edward Bickford, of East Hardwick, who was the son of Mary (Richards) and Newell Bickford. They made their home in Cabot. She was a homemaker and for ten years worked for the State of Vermont. Anson died January 3, 1976. Geraldine lived most of her life in Cabot, where she was an active part of the community, church and historical society. She was an incredible role model

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Harry J. LaPan

Harry J. LaPan, 52, died Monday, December 2, 2013, at his home in Barre. He was born September 4, 1961, in Barre, the son of James and Madelyn (Searles) LaPan. He attended schools in St. Johnsbury and later attended Vermont Technical College, where he received a plumbing license. On November 7, 1981, he married Roxann Ryan. He enjoyed hunting, fish-

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Robert P. Davis

Robert P. "Bob" Davis, 94, died peacefully Friday, December 20, 2013, at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin. He was born April 17, 1919, in Morrisville, the son of Percy and Edith Dodge Davis. He was a 1937 graduate of Peoples Academy and a 1941 graduate of the University of Vermont, with a bachelor's degree in dairy management and a minor in forestry. He was a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving primarily in northern Africa and Italy. He married Barbara Davison on July 13, 1946, at Puffer United Methodist Church in Morrisville. Bob was an integral member of the civic and business community in the area for many years. He was the longtime general manager of the Cabot Farmers Co-op, beginning his career in April 1952, and retiring in December 1984. He served on many boards and committees in the town of Cabot, includ-

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Carolyn R. Houston

Carolyn Rae Houston, 66, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. She was born Jan. 26, 1947, in Hardwick, the daughter of Howard and Doris (Maynard) Houston. She attended Brandon Training School for many years. Recently she made her home with Laura Martin in Cabot, and Charlotte O'Hara in Barre. She enjoyed long car rides, swimming, hot tubs and yard sales. Survivors include three brothers: Harold Houston of Zephyrhills, Fla., James Houston of Walden, and Mi-

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EMORIALS

to many, and a woman of strong beliefs and commitments. She enjoyed gardening, homemaking, knitting and crafts, berry picking, and fishing. She was always active and went elder backpacking in Alaska in her 80s. Geraldine had recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. At her birthday party, she laughed and joked with 60 guests and had a wonderful celebration of her life. Survivors include her children, Charles Edward Bickford of Marshfield, and Esther Ann Brown and her husband, David, of Ledyard, CT; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great -grandchildren who will miss her greatly; and a half sister, Gloria Halpin. Besides her husband and parents, a daughter, Jeannette Mary Lyndes, predeceased her. A memorial service in Cabot will be announced in the spring, with her final resting place in the Durant Cemetery, next to her husband, Anson, and near her daughter Jeannette. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Cabot United Church. The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home in Barre is in charge of arrangements. ing and playing cribbage. He was a member of the Vermont National Guard. Survivors include his wife; his children Edward, Savannah, Jennifer and Damien, all of Barre; three grandchildren; a brother, Alan LaPan, of Berlin; a sister, Nancy LaPan, of Massachusetts, and other family members in Cabot. He was predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Sara LaPan, and a sister, Sally LaPan. There were no calling hours, and a later burial will be held in the Durant Cemetery in Cabot, at the convenience of the family. The Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre, is handling arrangements. ing the Cabot Board of Adjustment, where he served for 33 years, the Cabot School Board, Cabot Development Council and also served as the delinquent tax collector. Bob is survived by his children, Dan Davis and wife Mary Jo of Newark, VT; William Davis and wife Deb of Delray Beach, Fla.; and Laurie Callahan and husband Jack of Montpelier; grandchildren, Tad and Maura Davis; Heather and Alden Guptill; and Beth and Kevin Seniw; and great-grandchildren, Faye, Teddy, Gwen and Lacey. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Davis, on January 30, 2010, and also by two brothers, Ralph and Don Davis. A graveside service with full military honors will be held in the spring in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Morrisville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob's memory to UVM Miller Agricultural Research Farm Fund, c/o UVM Foundation, 411 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401; or the Wounded War-

66675, or go to wounded warriorproject.org.

chael Houston of Websterville; four sisters: Jean Gaboriault of Gilbert, Ariz., Patricia Rouelle of Montpelier, Marjorie Bissell of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Linda Barney of Williamstown; aunts and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents. Private graveside services will be held in July. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cabot Emergency Ambulance Ser-

Northern Vermont Funeral Service, Hardwick, is in charge of arrangements.

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Veronica R. Marsh

Veronica Rose Marsh, 42, of Walden died unexpectedly, Wednesday December 11, 2013, at her residence in Walden. She was born November 6, 1971, in Newport, the daughter of Jerry and Carol (Marsh) Colbeth . She attended Hardwick public schools and graduated from Hazen Union School in the class of 1990. As a young women, Veronica was very interested in police work. She attended the Vermont Police Academy summer program for students in Pittsford and was mentored by the Hardwick Police Department. On September 5, 1998, she married Paul Ernest Boudreau in Hardwick. He died on July 3, 2001. Veronica was employed by Taco-Bell in the state of Georgia for two years. Following her marriage, she stayed at home to care for her young children. She attended the Greensboro Bend United Methodist Church. She enjoyed

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2013 Vermont Tree

Roland (Slim) Payne, Sr., Cabot Tree Warden, has been selected the 2013 recipient of a Vermont Tree Steward Award for Dedication to Service. The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council, an advisory group to the Urban and Community Forest Program of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, sponsors this annual award, which was presented Wednesday, December 18, 2013, in the Cedar Creek Room of the State House. The purpose of the Dedication and Service Award is to recognize an individual who has provided outstanding dedication and service to make a difference in their community’s urban and community forest. Slim was nominated by Kyle Albee and Roland Payne, Jr. Roland Payne has been acting Tree Warden for the town of Cabot for seven or eight years. He was a member of the 2012 Vermont SOUL tree steward class, and has been active in forestry since his retirement in 1995 . As town Tree Warden for Cabot, Roland has been a driving force behind the planting of new trees in the town green spaces. He is also working on updating the Tree Inventory for the town, mostly by himself. He has raised awareness of Invasive plants and the need to control them. Each month he writes an article for The Cabot Chronicle newspaper on a relevant topic related to trees or invasives. At the age of eighty – there are no signs of Roland slowing down any time soon. The Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Michael Snyder, and the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council (Council) recognized the recipients of this year’s Vermont Tree Stewards Awards. Each year the Council sponsors the awards as a way to recog-

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By Roland (Slim) Payne

Looks like winter is here early this year. It makes you wonder about global warming. It has been cold for some time, now, and I guess that is what a normal winter should be. Hunting is over, and no deer again! That is ok, I didn’t hunt much, had a problem with my knee and couldn’t walk much. I did cut a few Christmas trees, and will cut a few more between now and Christmas. This year, we are going to the Community Dinner on Christmas Day, should be a good time. I was notified that on December 18 I will be recognized at the State House as the 2013 Recipient of a Vermont Tree Steward Award under the category of Dedication to Service. The Vermont Urban and Community Forest Council,

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Steward Award

“Slim” Payne and his wife Cecile at the state house presentation ceremony in Montpelier. Slim shown holding the plaque he received for tree stewardship for dedication to service. nize Vermont’s community tree champions. “These awards help us say thank you for the great work volunteers are doing to promote trees in our communities,” says David Raphael, Chair of the Urban & Community Forestry Council. “These are the people who go out on a limb for trees because they understand the benefits trees provide and they recognize that these benefits are maximized through careful planning and active stewardship.” Awards were given out in the following seven categories: Leader, Community, Volunteer Group, Youth/ Student, Unsung Hero, Practitioner, and Dedication and Service.

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T REE W ARDEN

an advisory group to the Urban and Community Forest Program of the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, sponsors this annual award. I have not heard from Branch Out Burlington about trees for next spring, but it is early, still. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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New Years Day Hike , 1:00 p.m.,

Groton Nature Center Loop. Dogfriendly, one-hour guided hike on easy terrain. Snowshoes recommended. Meet at Groton State Forest Nature Center parking area on Boulder Beach Road, 1.6 miles from Route 232. Call First Day

cember 30th and 31st until 8:00 p.m. for changes or cancellations.

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Saturday, 1/11

Free Winter Trails Day . If you are new to winter sports, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are quick to learn and fun for all ages, perfect for families and groups and a great way to exercise. Visit website to find participating sites: www.snowlink.com/winter trails.aspx.

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Workshop on Water Quality and

Agriculture by the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Marshfield Town Hall, 122 School Street, Marshfield. Free, lunch provided. Vermont experts talk about water quality, nutrient pollution, soil health and the programs available to farmers to meet these goals and ac-

ext.104 or email: laura@winoos kinrcd.org.

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Wednesday, 1/15

Las Marthas, 7:00 p.m. The Annual Debutante Ball in Laredo, TX, is unlike any other! The Society of Martha Washington was founded to usher each year's debutantes (called "Marthas") into proper society. The festival resonates anew in a time of economic uncertainty and political tension over immigration. Free. Catamount Arts Center, 115 East-

Website: www.catamountarts.org/shows/ las-marthas.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Pro-

gram : The Problem of Slavery in Early Vermont. 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Vermont History Museum, 109 State Street, Montpelier. Vermonters have always been proud that their state was the first to outlaw slavery – but is that what really happened? Info: amanda.gustin @state.vt.us, www.vermonthistory.org,

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Dinner,

11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Danville School Cafeteria, 148 Peacham Road. Ride or drive in. Marinara sauce, meatballs, garlic bread and Cesar salad plus dessert!! Eat-in or take out. By snowmobile: The school is off trail #153, follow signs on all Danville trails. Price: $10.00; Children 6 to 12 are $5.00; Under 6 is FREE.

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Drawing on 16mm Movie Film

Workshop, 10:00 a.m.-noon, FREE, Memorial Building, Top Floor, Hardwick. We will draw, paint, and etch on 16mm movie film to make a station ID for Hardwick Community Television. All materials provided. We will project the film at the end of the workshop, then broadcast on Channel 16. Open to adults and older kids. Contact Leif

come by! Trio Cavatina, 3:00 p.m. Chamber music's treasures. General Admission: $18. Senior (65 & older): $16. Student & Special Rate: $6. Tickets available at the door (cash or check) or online. South Congregational Church, 1052 Main St.,

site: www.nekclassicalseries.org

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Coffee Growing in Panama , 7:00

p.m. Free, Craftsbury Public Library. Isaac and Melissa Jacobs spent 2 years in the Peach Corps working with Panamanian farmers. After leaving, they started Canopy Coffee to maintain relationships with the coffee farmers. They will share their experiences and the coffee. For more information, contact

brary@gmail.com.

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HOOKED ON GROWTH by the

Growthbusters, 7:00 p.m., Free, Jeudevine Memorial Library, 93 N. Main St, Hardwick. In this film one man, Dave Gardner, takes on City Hall, politicians, the Pope, Wall Street and modern society as he questions our most fundamental beliefs about prosperity. This 54 minute film will be followed by light refreshments and discussion. For information call the Jeudevine Library

Bingo! Every Friday, Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield, 1:00 p.m. Come join us for friendly fierce competition and laughter. Sponsored by Twin Valley Seniors.

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Cabot Planning Commission , regu-

larly meets the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Willey Building. Cabot Selectboard meets first and third Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Willey Bu9ilding. Cabot School Board meets first and third Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in School Library.

ally meets fourth Wednesday 7:00 p.m. in Willey Building. VCRD Committees: Communication usually meets second Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. in Cabot Library Agriculture third Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Willey Building; Arts third Thursday . 7:00 p.m., Willey Building, as needed.

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Free Compost Collection : Central

Vermont Solid Waste Management District is accepting food-scrap drop offs at two locations every Tuesday and Saturday through April. Tuesdays at All Metals Recycling from 9:00 a.m.- noon, and at Highfields Center for Composting (outside the building between CAE and Brochu's garage) 1-4:00 p.m.; Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 200 p.m. outside

information, or www.cvswmd.org. First Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. Classic Film Night with Rick Winston and Tom Blachly, Jaquith Public Library.

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for Community

The Cabot Select Board wishes to take this opportunity to recognize---in no particular order--- and to thank the dozens and dozens of Cabot citizens of all ages for volunteering their time and talents to the Cabot community in 2013. Without the active service and support of so many Cabot residents, Cabot would not be the welcoming and wonderful community that it is today. So, here goes, with our most sincere apologies to anyone that we may have inadvertently left off this list.

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Department:

Ably led by Fire Chief Skip Bothfeld, Fire Fighters Andy Luce, Dean Deasy, Chip Taylor, John Christman Sr., Will Ameden, Ken Christman, John Hammer, Steve Hogan, Jeff Durgin, James Lubas, Nathon Smith, Jay Deasy, Daniel Peterson and Elizabeth Bean, who contribute so much in so many ways. How can we ever begin to adequately thank those of you who volunteer countless hours to make our community a safer place to live and work? Irrespective of the time of day or night, the weather outside, or how they may feel, these neighbors of ours always respond when the call goes out.

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Cabot Ambulance:

Sheila Brown, Andy Luce, Ken Christman, Sarah Matthew, Johnathan Matthew, Jenn Miner, Dave Covell, Hazel May, Glenn Goodrich, Ruth Goodrich, Charles Miner, Josh Gouge, Rachel Gouge, Beth Wade, Jan Westervelt, Dan Peterson, Tyler Placey, John Miner and Nathan Smith have contributed significantly to Cabot through their willingness to serve 24/7, 365 days a year. They are an incredible group of selfless, highly trained and dedicated volunteers who deserve our thanks and our support.

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Planning Commission:

No group of volunteers has spent more time in the Willey building this year than the Planning Commission. In addition to performing their regular duties, PC members have been writing new zoning regulations that will be presented to the community in 2014. Led by Chair Gary Gulka, and assisted by new Zoning Administrator Karen Deasy, Chuck Marion, Frank Kampf, Greg Burtt, and Lars Torres volunteered an incredible number of hours of service in 2013.

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Auditors:

Recently deceased town auditor Sue Freeburn performed magnificently and effortlessly in pulling together the town report. She always accomplished this time-consuming task with a smile and never missed a deadline. She will be truly missed. Special thanks must also go to Cathleen Maine who assisted Sue in this work.

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Wheels for Homebound & Disabled

approved meals-Home cooked, orders needed to receive meals

rything that is required of him as Tree Warden and more, to include outstanding stewardship of the Town Forest. Some people love to hug trees; Slim loves to plant and care for them. Also, thanks to Roland Payne, Jr., who is very ably assisting Mr. Payne, Sr. in his work. And, oh yes, Slim recently received a prestigious Tree Warden of the Year Award.

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Senior Center:

Judy Pransky, Roz Daniels, Sue Carpenter, Cia Considine, Connie Hourihan, Marge Trautz and Genia Schumacher for serving as directors to this Center. The Senior Center provides the perfect place to support activities of our senior citizens, most of whom have probably contributed their time in service to Cabot for multiple decades.

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Program:

Peter Ackermann, Sarah Antoniello, Raquel Bigelow, Judy Boucher, Mark Bromley, Ian Burfoot-Rochford, Greg Burtt, Steph Burtt, Mark Christensen, Cia Considine, Sara Cosentino, David Creighton, Michelle Delaney, Jim Goodrich, Connie Hourihan, Richard Lacelle, John Hammer, Todd Jones, Rachel Kellett, Donna McSweeney, Stacey Mudgett, Ed Pcolar, Cindy Robbins, Lynn Rockwell, Tara Rogerson, Jackie Scribner, Lynn Talamini, Lars Torres, John Vara and Stephen Watkins for serving as mentors, and in some cases, on the Mentor Advisory Board.

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Work Group:

Thanks to the outstanding work of the following volunteers, the school gym has not looked better in a very long time: Abbot family, Bellavance family, Deb Bothfeld, Burke family, Celley family, Harvey family, Cindy Hastings, HerrickTrombley family, Leho family, Jared Lowe, Maura Martin, McCallum family, Charles O’Conner, Randy Rich, Schumacher family, Chuck Talbert, Jasmine Tetreault, Dave Thompson, Patrick Tibet, Lars Torres, Villeneau family, Moran family, Zach Churchill, and Carpentino family. Wow: Now that’s a lot of scrapers and painters. Who knew Cabot had so many Michalangello’s living here?

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Master of Colors:

Bill Walters for ensuring that the flags remain in good shape and fly appropriately (full staff except for designated events, when they are flown at half-staff). Also, thank you Reporter Walters for providing so many interesting, accurate, and educational articles in the Hardwick Gazette about Cabot throughout the year.

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Cabot Town Employees:

While technically not volunteers, we do want to thank the town employees for routinely going above and beyond what would normally be expected of them in the performance of their duties. So, to Tara Rogerson, Michelle Leclerc, Rusty Churchill, David Pike, Aldo Nunn, Maurice Richardson, Kathleen Hoyne, Anne Walker, Karen Deasy and the part-time employees we say thank you for all that you have done in 2013 to make Cabot a better place to live and work.

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AND SO MANY OTHERS:

We would be remiss if we did not include the wonderful contributions of the many Cabot residents who volunteer in support of the Main Street Working Group, Old Home Week and Alumni celebration, Maple Fest and Fall Foliage Day and other events in Cabot. SUMMARY: After looking at all the names on this list, and sincere apologies to those who may have inadvertently been omitted, one can not help but be overwhelmed by the generosity, com-

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Mentor Recognition

Thank you to all Cabot Connects mentors, past and present, who have helped and continue to help youth in Cabot feel connected to adults and involved in our community. These folks have spent countless hours going to basketball/soccer games together, fishing, canoeing, skating, making car models, baking, learning stuff on the computer, running errands, hiking, reading with kids, making crafts together, visiting colleges, star gazing, and just hanging out together. They are helping to keep our community strong by building positive connections with youth and families here in Cabot. Please remember to say thanks when you see them and ask them about their experience being a mentor - you might want to try it!

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and Square Dances

mitment, and your service to Cabot are

deeply appreciated, and Cabot is a much better community because of this. May you all have a wonderful, happy, safe, and prosperous New Year. And, may you all continue to serve in 2014. And, oh yes, we are always looking for more volunteers, as there remains lots of work to do in 2014. Sincerely, Fred Ducharme, Caleb Pitkin, Jeff Gabrielson, Jack Daniels, Ted Domey Cabot Select Board

Cabot Connects matches mentors and mentees, based on similar interests, and matches get together two-tothree times per month. Mentors always report they get as much, if not more, than mentees out of the mentoring relationship - it is a very satisfying way to spend a few hours each month. For more information, please contact Kathleen Hoyne at cabotconnects@hot mail.com. By way of celebrating our mentors and National Mentoring Month, there will be an evening of Bingo games with fun prizes on Friday, January 24, at the Willey Building starting at 7:00 p.m. We will have desserts and refreshments - all are welcome! Happy National Mentoring Month to Cabot Mentors:

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From September to May

The dances are taught and are easily learned by young and old. The contra and square dances are traditional Vermont and New England social dances that have been danced for many generations in the town halls, barns, and kitchens around Vermont. The music is provided by piano and an assortment of fiddles, mandolins, guitars and the occasional surprise instrument. Musicians are always invited to sit in and join with the fun of playing traditional dance tunes. Anyone and everyone is invited to attend. There is a small donation requested to help cover the cost of the caller.

or email, samlyman@sover.net. The actual second Saturday dates are:

January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, and May 10 in 2014 The dances will be held on the top floor of the Willey Building.

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See how many it takes to make things happen in a small town with a big heart.

V o l un t eer s h e l p p l a n t t ree s o n t h e v ill a g e g ree n w i t h S li m P a y n e V C a b o t S c h oo l B o y s S o cc er T e a m V H a rry ’ s H a r d w a re R e v i v e d b y t h e S e a r l e s ’ V C V a er b m o t o k n i t d M s a o un t t h t e a i C n a eer b o s t m C o a mm s c o t un , S i k t y i p N , w i g i h t h t V C a b o t C o mm un i t y T h e a t er p re s e n t s O li v er T w i s t V C a b o t S c h oo l Ja zz C o n c er t A pp l e P i e F e s t i v a l 2013 V Cabot citizens come together to vote on town issues V

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Cabot School Performing Arts Center.

Under the direction of noted Vermont School music teacher Brian Boyes , the one HUGE party that combines the rich Bhangra, Bollywood, New Orleans swing of Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. From call and response singing to fuses the deep funk and swing grooves old Punjabi Bhangra grooves and years. The result: a wild and colorful guaranteed to stir the soul, body, and Topped off with a troupe of Bhangra some of Vermont’s best funk and Movement of the People, The Saturn House, 35th Parallel, Money Jungle, and This third event in the Cabot Arts winter Admission is by donation

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January

The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) released new flyers to educate Vermonters about workplace laws. Starting this month, workers in Vermont will have the right to request flexible working arrangements without fear of retaliation. Those intermediate or long-term changes might include working from home, changes in the number of days or hours worked, changes in work arrival or departure times or jobsharing. consider Employers must discuss and such requests at least twice per calendar year. VCW’s Executive Director, Cary Brown, in support of this provision, stated, “This law makes Vermont the first state in the country to guarantee employees’ right to request flexible working arrangements, supporting both men’s and women’s participation in work and family responsibilities.” Other information incorporated includes current equal pay laws, how to handle suspected pay discrimination, wage disclosure laws, pregnant worker’s rights, lactation accommodations, antiretaliation protection, and information concerning family and medical leave. The flyer targeted to employers features an equal pay audit - a checklist to help employers review fair pay policy and procedures, and also case studies illustrating how Vermont businesses implement flexible working arrangements. The flyer targeted to workers includes a section on what to do if you suspect pay discrimination. Each flyer includes additional resources to learn more or get help.

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Big Bang Bhangra Brass Band is

musical and dance roots of Indian Brass Bands, and the 1930′s jungle

ripping horn solos, Big Bang Brass of New Orleans with the centuriesdance moves reaching back 500 explosion of musical crossroads mind. dancers, Big Bang Brass features jazz players from such favorites as People’s Sound Collective, ViperD’Moja. performance series kicks off at 7:00 PM. at the door.

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2014

The Commission, an independent non -partisan state commission dedicated to advancing rights and opportunities for women in Vermont, was part of a diverse stakeholders group of representatives from state government, business, law, and labor, economists and legislators facilitated by the Attorney General’s office which discussed and debated the equal pay law, passed this spring. These flyers are part of a public information campaign to educate both employers and workers in Vermont about their rights and responsibilities under this new law. The information includes other protections of interest to working women. To read the flyers, go to http:// women.vermont.gov/ and click on Workplace Laws for Workers or Workplace Laws for Employers . The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) is an independent non-partisan state commission dedicated to advancing rights and opportunities for women in Vermont. Launched in 1964 in response to a nation-wide call to action from President Kennedy, VCW is made up of sixteen volunteer commissioners and an advisory council who guide VCW’s public education, coalition building, and advocacy efforts. VCW offers many services to the public, including a toll-free informa-

and many publications, including the handbook, The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont. For more information, visit women.vermont.gov . Lilly Talbert of Cabot is Communications and Program Director.

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Thanks for

In the December Cabot Chronicle , we asked readers to consider making a year-end donation. That plea resulted in over $600 toward the expenses of the paper. Thank you very much to our generous readers. It costs about $15,000 to put out the Chronicle for a year. One-third of that comes from fundraisers, most notably Maple Fest in March; one-third from the town appropriation; one-sixth from our wonderful advertisers and subscribers; and the remaining sixth remains a problem. We're working on advertising, but this is a community paper that

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CCA

(Continued from page 4) renewable sources of energy/fuel -- how can we prepare, if there is, indeed, an end over the horizon for affordable oil for our agricultural economy? Producing more of the foods we eat here in Cabot seems to be a logical topic to approach, as well, since this benefits all Cabot residents and would make for a diverse working landscape. In 2014, we will work on consolidating a plan and start on the road towards its implementation. The groups formed to improve Community Communications and to focus on Community Arts have been busy, too. By working together and leveraging from each other’s talents, Cabot’s artistic community can be a significant driver and inspiration for the future— whether that entails events, group shows, work with youth or a full-blown Cabot arts center. The third key priority, advancing communications, will help build the glue between neighborhoods, parts of town, and discrete groups of residents in ways that will help Cabot maintain its strong feeling as a community. You'll hear more about their activities in coming issues of The Cabot Chronicle . CCA is getting organized to be helpful to our community in ways beyond the work of these three task forces, and YOU have the opportunity to help shape our efforts and investments. First, you can become a member; CCA By-laws say that "Any resident of Cabot,

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the Support

makes most of its space available free to community organizations. Subscriptions and donations are voluntary, but necessary, so if you can, please make a donation or buy a subscription for yourself or as a gift. Your support is very much appreciated, both financial and intellectual. Please share any thoughts you have about future content or fiscal improvements by emailing

3338, or writing to P. O. Box 245, Cabot, VT 05647.

or having an interest in supporting and advancing the purposes of the CCA shall be admitted to membership." Members elect a nine-member Board of Directors that meets monthly, and is responsible for staff, budget and strategy. Between Christmas and Town Meeting, you'll be hearing more about opportunities to participate, and we hope you'll join us. Second, as a tax-exempt non-profit organization, CCA will be seeking grants to help serve community purposes. The CCA Board has a great working relationship with our Town officials, and we're interested in supporting efficient provision of Town services and in taking on economic development and community development projects beyond what your tax dollars can support. Right now the CCA Board is very focused on acting on the Articles that Cabot voters passed last March, supporting CCA's hiring of an "Economic and Community Development Coordinator to coordinate volunteer activities in support of economic, educational, and community development in Cabot." CCA hopes that we'll have good news about forward progress, and how new staff capabilities will be put to work in coming months. Articles in the February and March Chronicle will cover the work of the other two committees and the plans we're making for the coming year. CCA hopes you'll be interested in supporting our work; please let us hear your questions and

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Ice Fishing Safety Tips from F&W

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has some ice safety tips for those of you who will be going ice fishing this winter. "Once we have sustained cold weather to form good ice, ice fishing can be safe and a lot of fun," said Col. David LeCours, Vermont's Chief Game Warden, "but when we go onto the ice, we need to use good judgment and observe several safety precautions." Leave your car or truck on shore. Every year, several motor vehicles go through the ice on Vermont lakes, and people have drowned as a result. Leave information about your plans with someone -- where you intend to fish and when you expect to return. Wear a personal floatation device and don't fish alone. Ice varies in thickness and condition. Always carry an ice spud or chisel to check ice as you proceed. Be extremely cautious crossing ice near river mouths, points of land, bridges, islands, and over reefs and springs. Current almost always causes ice to be thinner over these areas. Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore. This indicates melting is underway, and ice can shift position as wind direction changes. Waves from open water can quickly break up large areas of ice. If you can see open water in the lake and the wind picks up, get off! Bring your fully-charged cell phone with you. Carry a set of hand spikes to help you work your way out onto the surface of the ice if you go through. Holding one in each hand, you can alternately punch them into the ice and pull yourself up and out. You can make these at home, using large nails, or you can purchase them at stores that sell fishing supplies. Carry a safety line that can be thrown to someone who has gone through the ice. Heated fishing shanties must have good ventilation to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window or the door part way to allow in fresh air.

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may go fishing without a fishing license.

If you would like to learn more about ice fishing, be sure to attend the free fishing day ice fishing festival being held January 25 at the Larrabee Point Fishing Access Area on Lake Champlain in Shoreham. Vermont Fish & Wildlife staff and experienced volunteer ice fishing enthusiasts will be there from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. to help everyone, young and old, learn how to enjoy this unique and popular type of fishing. For more information, contact Nicole Corrao by

Fish and Wildlife Department Holds Free Trapping Seminar

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will hold a free seminar entitled “Trapping Through the Ice” at the Edward Kehoe Education Center in Castleton, on January 11, 2014. Bill Pickens, President of the Vermont Trapper’s Association, will lead topics on rules and regulations, trapping equipment, personal safety, and trapping techniques. Participants will spend a large portion of the day on Lake Bomoseen. Beavers and muskrats can be legally trapped until March 31, 2013. “Trapping through the ice can be challenging, but trappers will leave this seminar equipped with the knowledge of how to trap safely and improve their success rate,” said John Pellegrini, hunter education training coordinator for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. The seminar will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. Proper attire is required as students will be outside for a majority of this seminar. Vermont Fish & Wildlife will provide all trapping equipment.

by email at alison.thomas@state.vt.us. Please include your full name, address, and a daytime phone number in the message. A confirmation letter will follow.

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By Helen Morrison

A year ago this past Fall, a man brought two carriers to the Kingdom Animal Shelter, left them outside in front, and raced away in his truck. Luckily, one of the volunteers got his license plate number, and we were able to identify who he was. In one carrier was a female black cat; in the other was a female tabby. They were taken to the vet and they tested negative for FeLV and FIV. They were given their shots. They had been fixed. Only a bit of time went by and it was clear that the tabby was very ill. In fact, it was thought that she had ingested antifreeze. She was in acute kidney failure. She was euthanized. The other cat, the black female, was fine. Her owner had named her Oprah. The owner was headed south and did not want them anymore. Oprah was wonderful at first...friendly, warm, and affectionate. But as time went by, she began to exhibit “shelter fatigue” and became grumpy, ornery, and somewhat aggressive. No matter how we tried to socialize her, it just got worse. In the spring, a man came in. No one on adoption duty recognized his name. He was very determined that he wanted a black female cat...in fact, he pointed to Oprah. An application was filled out, personal references were checked. He said he hadn’t had a pet for years, so did not have vet references. Oprah went home with him. Shortly thereafter, one of the Board members recognized his name. He was the one who had dumped Oprah off in the fall. Several Board members drove by the home, and Oprah was outside and seemed peaceful, happy, and friendly. The information given on the

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Green Mountain Club Celebrates

As winter whitens the mountaintops and moves down into the valleys, many of us are tempted to hibernate. But you don’t have to. The Green Mountain Club is embracing the upcoming winter season. “This season is one to celebrate, with impressive trail networks, outfitters and a variety of sports options,” observes Jen Butson of the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing. “Vermont does winter right.” Happily, getting outside is getting easier. The Winter Hiking Guide to Vermont , just published by the Green Mountain Club, describes more than 75 winter hikes all over the state, enjoyable whether on snowshoes, spikes or bare boots, depending on conditions.

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Licenses Available

Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for the new year 2014 are available on the Fish & Wildlife Department's website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) . New this year, online license purchasers will automatically be entered to win an Old Town canoe and other prizes. The winner of the canoe and a trolling motor will be drawn on May 15, while the winner of a hunting rifle and hunting jacket will be drawn at the Yankee Sportsmen's Classic in January, 2015. While on the website, license buyers are urged to sign up to join the mailing list to receive Vermont Fish & Wildlife news. They can also purchase a 2014 Fish and Wildlife calendar online or donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund. Printed copies of the 2014 Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Laws and Guide are also available from license agents. The department's website will soon have a link to an online version.

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Shelter

application had been false, and friends had given glowing recommendations, so KAS let it be. Fast forward to this fall. We received a call from the shelter at Agway in Lyndonville that a black cat named Oprah was there. The owner had dropped her off. He didn’t want her any more. He was headed south. He had tried to have her euthanized at several area vets, but all had refused, as she was obviously healthy and friendly. We went to get Oprah, had her tested, and gave her her shots. And she is now back at our Shelter. She is happy, friendly, and well cared for. Our huge concern is that she will get shelter fatigue again, and become ornery and unfriendly. She deserves a good home, loving, caring, out in the country where she can come in and out of a house, a place where traffic is minimal. She will be a wonderful pet if we can just get her adopted before too much time has passed. Here is a photo of Oprah. She is quite beautiful. If you would like to adopt her, come and meet her at Kingdom Animal Shelter at 1664 Memorial Drive in St. Johnsbury, MondayWednesday, 4-6:00 p.m., Friday, 4-6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon-3:00

glad to introduce you to Oprah.

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By Michelle Delaney

Just can't get enough soccer? The Northeast Kingdom Warrior Soccer Club is accepting registrations for players between the ages of 6 and 18 for spring soccer. Teams must be registered with the Vermont Soccer League by February 10, so please do not wait to register. If it does not look like we will have enough in any age group, we will not submit a team. All teams are unisex, with the exception of the 6-8-year olds. We are looking to serve all young soccer players in this area, as the closest clubs to Cabot are Morrisville and Barre. Games are played in May and the first half of June. Practices will begin as soon as we can get outside in April. Home fields for those 10 and under will be in Cabot at the Marcotte Field, 11 & 12-year-olds will play at

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By Michelle Delaney

We would like to thank all the people that help make recreational opportunities available for our children. We are happy to have begun a closer relationship with the Walden Recreational Department, and have had the opportunity to combine teams when it benefits both communities. This also gives us the much-needed use of another soccer field. Both our soccer field and baseball fields in Cabot are in need of repair. If anyone has flat land that they might allow to be used as a soccer field for a year or two, that would give us the needed time to repair the recreational field. Chuck Talbert has organized little league for the past three years. Last year, he coached the Farm League team, and Jen Persons coached t-ball. Donna MacKinnon organized the fall 2013 soccer season, and Lynn Lehoe scheduled the games for both soccer and basketball. Karen Alexander coached the Kindergarten through second grade clinics. Our third and fourth graders played with Walden. Walden’s fifth and sixth graders played with Cabot and were coached by Niall McCallum. Rebecca Nally and Michelle Delaney are both helping to organize basketball

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Storm Irene

Since housing then, advocates, including Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, have been working on a better mobile home—one that’s both energy-efficient and resilient. This fall, these homes became a reality. They’re being manufactured in Wilder, VT, and distributed across the State. They look like a standard mobile home, but feature:

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Warrior Soccer Club

Walden, and older teams will likely play at Twinfield. We are always looking for other soccer enthusiasts to help with coaching and other club responsibilities. If you would like to enroll your child for next spring or volunteer for the Northeast Kingdom Warriors, please contact Michelle at or mpsoccer2@aol.com.

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Update

this year. Rebecca has faithfully managed the recreational department for the past seven years and is working towards passing on her knowledge to new volunteers. Tara Rogerson is now handling the financial aspects of the department. Michelle Delaney is coaching the Kindergarten through second grade basketball clinic, Brian Hale is coaching the third & fourth grade team. Dave Creighton is coaching the fifth and sixth grade girls’ team, and Ian Burfoot is coaching the fifth and sixth grade boys’ team. Walden's fifth and sixth grade players are joining us for basketball. One thing we always lack for the elementary players is qualified referees. The department voted to allocate some money to pay for a few middle or high school students or parents to take the soccer referee course this winter. The courses take place only in the winter. The closest one to us is in Morrisville on January 11. Please contact Michelle Delaney (mpsoccer2@aol.com) if you are interested. Basketball games are beginning and we are in need of referees for basketball, also. If your child plays, please consider reading up on the rules and refereeing. Please contact Lynn Lehoe (lmlehoe@gmail.com) to volunteer to referee.

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Affordable

h o u s i n g that’s truly affordable One benefit of a mobile home is the relatively low initial chase but purprice, hidden costs—like high bills energy and lack of durability— have long been a burden for the people living in them. These new durable, energy-efficient homes go a long way toward reducing the total cost of ownership, making mobile homes a truly affordable choice for people across Vermont.

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Illustration by Adelaide Tyrol

Conventional wisdom says that if you put up a bird feeder on November 1 and take it down on April 1, you won’t have a problem with marauding bears, because they hibernate between those dates. After a bear’s visit in midNovember two years ago, I assumed the put-up date should be rescheduled to late November. A month later, almost on New Year’s Day, I was astonished to hear that a large bear had just been seen on a porch a few miles from my home in Thetford Center, VT. What gives? Why aren’t bears in bed by then? Pregnant females are first to hibernate, reports Ben Kilham, of Lyme, NH, a wildlife researcher, who has studied black bears extensively in the Northeast. He says they don’t begin slumbering until around the second week of December. Next, he says, are the unbred females, who start hibernating around Christmas. The hibernation schedule of adult male bears is harder to predict, because they generally stay active as long as food is available, or until forced to their dens by heavy snow or plunging temperatures. Kilham says young males often are the last to retire because they have the greatest incentive to keep feeding— so they can grow to compete with mature males. In our area, young males can still be active until mid-January. When they do call it a winter, where do they go? Many people probably envision bears hibernating in rocky caves. Bears certainly use caves or rock crevices, if they exist within their home territories. But many bears here must look to other places for winter shelter. They excavate dens under tree roots, or make their own protected cavities beneath tangles of fallen boughs. They spend time collecting leaves, branches and grasses to help insulate their winter quarters. Sometimes, the female and her cubs from the previous winter work on the den as a team. For some reason, a bear builds a new den each year, even if the old one remains in fine condition. They will build, even if the new den offers less protection. Such was the case in Michigan not long ago, when a female bear spurned her cave of the previous winter, built a new den above ground, but then fell prey, with cubs, to wolves.

Keep abreast of planning meetings on Center, Building a Cabot Agricultural Network munications. Be aware of proposals Main Street and thoughts about Cabot School.

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Winter’s Slumber

Contrary to another popular belief, a hibernating bear is not comatose; it can be roused from sleep in mid-winter in several minutes. Nor does its body temperature drop substantially, as is the case with smaller mammals, which must awaken at times during winter to eat and move about. A thick coat of hair and body fat allows a hibernating black bear to maintain a temperature of about 88 degrees F., about eight degrees lower than its summer temperature. Female bears are likely to become at least somewhat active in winter. They give birth in late January or early February, and they clean and nurse their cubs. Their one to three cubs are hairless and weigh less than a pound when born, but they weigh three-to-four pounds by the time they leave the den, which seems impressive, given the fact the mother doesn’t eat or drink over winter. (Nor does she defecate or urinate.) Females may weigh more than 200 pounds before winter, but by spring they are likely to have lost 60 or 70 of those pounds. Black bears in our region mate in June, and the females must put on as much fat as possible over the following six months to assure survival of both her and offspring. However, fertilized eggs do not implant in the female’s uterus and become embryos until November or December. This process of implantation apparently is disrupted if she hasn’t put on enough fat—which would help assure her survival, without cubs, over winter. This would explain why bear birth rates drop dramatically after lean summers. To build fat, bears might travel miles in a single day to forage for berries, nuts, apples and other woodland plants. They eat much and sleep little. Black bears in our region face a special challenge: the growing fragmentation of forests by housing, commercial developments and highways, which can cut off their access to natural feeding areas and tempt them to try other food, such as sunflower seed. Not all homeowners with birdfeeders are as tolerant of bears as those in the Thetford neighborhood where I live. The last thing a homeowner wants is a bear coming to his or her house for food. “A fed bear is a dead bear,” is an old saying that too often becomes a sad reality. Li Shen is an adjunct professor at Dartmouth Medical School and a member of the Thetford conservation commission. Reprinted with permission of Northern Woodlands Magazine editor.

Front porch forum was named one of two important community information tools during the Community Visit process just completed with Cabot residents by Vermont Council on Rural Development. The other is the Cabot Chronicle. Developing a Cabot Community Arts and Improving Community Comof the committee addressing issues on

over 2100 postings to date

than 3,121 postings to date up.

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By Rita Copeland, Executive Director

The Twin Valley Senior Center family would like to wish you and your family the best in the New Year. Our wishes include having good health, happiness and a year filled with joy for each of you. I, as Director, the Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers want to thank each and every person who has supported the Center in any way during the past year, and hope you will continue to do so in the New Year. To each of you that donated monetary gifts, vegetables, fruit, home baked items, magazines, we can’t thank you enough. We want you to know that everything that you do is always appreciated and a big help to the Center. To the taxpayers who approve our appropriation requests: we are forever grateful. Operating a non-profit is not an easy task, and with your support, we continue to succeed, as well as improve. At TVSC, we are hoping the New Year will bring new and exciting changes for us, for the residents of the communities we serve, for the seniors attending the center, and for our Meals on Wheels clients. We have started with the help of Jason Lemieux and some Twinfield High School students. As I write this article, they are in the process

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Cabot Community Memorial

Bulbs were lit on the tree on the Common in honor of: MARIA ACCHIONE'S FAMILY: MOMMY, DADDY, TEDDY & SUE MR. & MRS. TED BOTHFELD MR. & MRS. LEON PERRY MR. & MRS. ERWIN SALLS MR. & MRS. WILFRED CHALOUX CLARA WILLEY WILLE SALLS SUE FREEBURN DANNY SICELY MAUREEN YOUNG PEG & DICK GOULD EDWIN GOULD EDWIN & KATE GOULD ED & RUTH DOMEY ROBERT & LOIS DOMEY MILDRED DOMEY GORDON DURKEE MARGARET JOHNSON PHYLISS FRENCH SUE FREEBURN DANNY SICELY JUDY DRURY PETE PERSONS CYRENA PERSONS DAN & ROSE HOURIHAN TOM & CARRIE DEPALO DAVID SMITH MYRA HOUSTON BARBARA ROCKWELL BEN ROCKWELL JUSTYNA KOKODYNIAK ANOTOL KOKODYNIAK JOAN BOBBOTT DANNY SICELY SUE FREEBURN ED GOULD SUE FREEBURN FLORENCE SCHONBERG FLORENCE O'ROURKE JOHN O'ROURKE

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ENIOR C ENTER

of building a website for TVSC that will be up and running soon. At the Center, we have lost some very dear friends. To the families: we know it makes the holidays a difficult time of year, but also know that our thoughts are with you as well as our dear departed friends. As we move into the New Year, we are hoping that our “Memory Quilt” with departed members’ names and pictures will hang proudly at our Center to always remind us of how much we enjoyed their company and now miss them. At TVSC, our door is always open to anyone who has suggestions, ideas, would like to join, volunteer or who wants to just learn more about us at the Center. It takes many hands to make the Center operate as smoothly as it does. The teamwork that our dedicated volunteers display is why the Center works so well. The dedication of our volunteers, from working on-site, delivery of meals to the home-bound, doing our Facebook page and the newsletter, put in over 500 hours monthly. This is all done because they care and know that they make a difference. Volunteers are needed for many different projects at the Center, and I call on you in the communities we serve to please contact us if you have any time to spare. We are more than willing to accommodate your schedule. There is always coverage needed for vacations, sick time or just a break by the present volunteers. Once you see our operation, then you will understand just how important your time might become in the overall operation of the Center. So, in the New Year,

spare any time. Best Wishes to each of you! Rita Copeland, Executive Director TVSC Board of Directors

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Tree - 2013

ERICH SCHOLZ JOHANN BURGERHOFF GUNTHER BURGERHOFF BETTY DIEKMANN WILHELM DIEKMANN EVERETT & MARY WALBRIDGE GERALD & LENNA WALBRIDGE FRANCES E. WALBRIDGE NELLIE LYFORD ELSIE WALBRIDGE FRANCES C. WALBRIDGE ALLAN & EVELYN LUMSDEN DENNIS GEAKE WARREN AMIDON MARGARET AMIDON PATRICIA S. CROSE LOVED ONES BRENDA ROBERTSON CONRAD LEIBOLD KATHY HALM MARGARET & ARTHUR NOYES DELIA PLATT DELIA & EDWARD PLATT JOSEPH PLATT ALBERT & FERN NOYES PERRY NOYES ALAN NOYES MILTON NOYES ALBIE NOYES PEARL & WARREN ALEXANDER FRED & BONNIE LAMONDA BOB & BETTY BOLTON ZACHARY ALLEN SEARLES THE MATTHEWS BABIES DOUGLAS BOLLES CHRISTOPHER LEE DEXTER served in 82 nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army, in Iraq and Afghanistan

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Cabot Public Library generously

gave us $350 to maximize our grant award. We now have in the Library $1,050 in children’s books! The books range in reading levels from board books to chapter books. These books will be available for borrowing in early January. They will be on the cart just before the Children’s Reading Room. Please come to the Library and check them out!

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Dance – Saturday, January 11 – 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 802-4263225 or email samlyman@sover.net.

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Skills – Tuesday, January 14 – 6:30-

7:30 p.m. Denise Boucher, Speech and Language Pathologist at Twinfield Union School, will discuss how to develop early literacy skills through fun and games! Playing games, incorporating activities into daily routines, singing songs and reading books are all fun ways to help your child learn the early skills of phonological awareness (i.e., hearing the sounds in words) and the meaning of letters and written words. Come join us for a discussion of early literacy activities.

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Thank You!

Special thanks to Beth Hoffman for treating us to a fun evening of making and decorating Cake Pops. Many thanks also to Susan Green of Jaquith Library for all the different crafts for our annual Holiday Craft Workshop. We have 2014 Calendars of the cutest cats ever for $15.00 to benefit the Kingdom Animal Shelter. Thanks also to David Carpenter for organizing the wonderful Contra dances in Cabot every month.

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Reminders:

• Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ** Story Hour at 10:30 am** • Wednesday 2:00 a.m.-6:00p.m. • Thursday 9:00 a.m.-6:00p.m. • Saturday 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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Snow and Ice Control

VTRANS uses a time tested approach to maintaining Vermont’s roads in winter, which includes using carefully calibrated equipment to spread a measured amount of salt early in a storm, and as necessary throughout, to prevent the snow and ice from bonding to the road. The end result is our ability to achieve bare pavement much sooner after a storm has ended.

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Anti-Icing

Just prior to a storm, VTRANS equipment may be seen spraying a liquid onto the road surface. This practice is known as “anti-icing” with salt brine. Salt brine is a 23% mixture of salt and water that will dry within about 45 minutes, leaving a thin, white film of salt that is ready to start working when the first snowflakes fall.

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January 2014 ~ page 15

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 • Keep solid materials on the pavement • Increase salt activation e ffi ciency • Melt snow and ice at lower working temperatures • Melt snow and ice with less salt

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Snowplow

Sand, salt and other materials are important, but the snowplow is ‘king of the road’ when it comes to keeping our highways safe. In fact, when a storm’s temperatures are cold (below 15 degrees F), often the best approach is just plowing. In those cold conditions, snow is often very dry, and will either blow clear of the road or plows will push it aside. Standing at the ready to battle winter weather are 275 dump trucks with plows and wings, 41 pickups with plows, and 68 loaders and graders. Vermont’s snow-fighting equipment and materials are complemented by a team of 350 skilled, dedicated, and licensed snowplow operators. Not only do these men and women stay current on the latest techniques and equipment, but they invest long hours behind the wheel applying their expertise day and night including weekends and holidays - to deliver safe roads for all.

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Don’t Crowd the Plow

To support the work of our skilled operators, do not travel beside a snowplow for long periods. The impact of plowing snow drifts or packed snow can jostle the plow sideways without warning. Snowplows can create a snow cloud that reduces visibility to zero, so avoid driving into a snow cloud. Do not pass a snowplow when visibility is severely reduced. When you do pass, be sure you can see clearly ahead and allow plenty of room. Be aware that a snowplow driver’s vision is restricted; you may see the driver, but the driver may not necessarily see you.

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Know Before You Go

For the latest information on road conditions, weather, construction, accidents or major delays, dial 511 or log on to www.511VT.gov. 511 Travel Information benefits are: • Available 24/7 - 365 days a year • Voice recognition • Current road conditions • Road construction, maintenance, incident information • State, region, city or highway specifics • Useful for trip planning and en route decisions 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) PUZZLE EXTRA - DATE: 2/2/14 - Groundhog Day, PUZZLE EXTRA - WORD 1: 1-9 = L-T, Word: LOST, PUZZLE EXTRA - WORD 2: 1-9 = A-I, Word: BAGGAGE

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← From the Cabot Chronicle