⚲  Open Saturdays 1–3 p.m. · 3216 Main Street, Cabot, Vermont Contact Us
Established for the People of Cabot

Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

March 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 March 2014 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

OUNTRY

Top of the day to ya, one and all, ‘tis time for the luck to be a going our way. Best never to worry if you see a leprechaun or two and never stop looking for that pot o’gold. St. Patrick’s day is very different today than its beginnings. We think today of the wee folk and pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, silly things, to be sure, and harmless. I see no reason why we can’t have fun with a Holy day, but I think it is good practice to remember the history of the days we celebrate. So, of course I did a little internet surfing to find out as much of the history of St. Paddy’s day as I could. The reality is, St. Patrick was the person who brought Christianity to Ireland, and legend has it that he chased all the snakes out of Ireland, so there be nary a one. So, now kiss me, ‘cause I am Irish, well by adoption, anyway, my maiden name being Donovan. That is pretty darn Irish. Who’s to forget when you’re in your twenties the old pub-crawl; don’t worry if you don’t know what it is, you’re probably better off for not knowing. St. Patrick’s day has become the official day for all things Irish, and green beer is

↑ contents

Change Your Clock

Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time. In the European Union, Summer Time begins and ends at 1:00 a.m. Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time). It begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October. In the EU, all time zones change at the same moment.

↑ contents

The Cabot Chronicle Submission

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

ters and other inquiries can also be sent to: 05647.

DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior

Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

↑ contents

OMMENTARY

served in some of the pubs, and pictures of shamrocks for good luck are hung all ‘round. And why not have a day to celebrate one’s heritage or someone else’s, anything is a good excuse to have a good time. It doesn’t take much for me to celebrate. My adoptive father was an Irish man, to be sure, a manly man, protective of his own, he was. No longer with us, but a man to be remembered, and I hope I did his soul some good by getting everyone to remember him as he was at his burial. It got all the folks there laughin’. A funny man, my father, with a great sense of humor, and sharing his hard won wisdom. But that’s Irish tradition, ya see, to celebrate the life, as opposed to crying in your beer for the loss. So, St. Patrick’s Day has different meanings for different people, and it certainly lends a day of silliness and mayhem that we all be a needin’ once in a while, o look out for that … leprechaun Merry high jinks and benign sillies, but most of all fun and safety first! Lucky charms to ya all,

↑ contents

On Sunday, March 9

Daylight Saving Time is a way of making better use of the daylight in the evenings by setting the clocks forward one hour during the longer days of summer, and back again in the fall. The clock moves ahead (= losing one hour) in the spring when DST starts, and falls back one hour (= gaining one hour) when DST ends in the fall. To remember which way the clock goes, keep in mind one of these sayings: “spring forward, fall back” or “spring ahead, fall behind.”

↑ contents

Guidelines

an economy of words. The maximum length Letters may be edited for clarity and length re-submittal. All letters and commentary pubopinions of the authors and not necessarily the

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

advertising information, call our office at 563-

↑ contents

Catherine (Kitty) Toll

The House Appropriations committee has been taking testimony for the past several weeks on the proposed 2015 budget. A joint House and Senate public hearing was held on February 10, 2014, at all Vermont Interactive Television sites for Vermonters to give feedback, express concerns or provide input on the proposed budget. This year, many Vermonters from around the state focused their comments on the loss of federal funding for Pathways Vermont, a housing first program that provides permanent supportive housing for approximately 200 Vermonters with mental health and substance abuse challenges. The federal funds for this important program end on September 30. Either the program will be downsized to survive on the state funds that have been provided in past budgets, or additional monies will have to be found to keep the program intact. The state of Vermont does not have the financial ability to make up for all federal losses, but we do not want vulnerable Vermonters to be at risk. This is just one example of the challenges in this year’s budgeting process. I was contacted by many constituents expressing views on S.82 - an act relating to campaign finance law. Contribution limits that were enacted in 1997 were found to be unconstitutional by the courts. The result of this decision eliminated campaign finance contribution limits. S.82 was introduced last year and remained in a Committee of Conference until the start of the 2014 session. The Committee of Conference, made up of members from both the House and the Senate, was given the task to develop mutually agreed upon language and present a bill that did pass both the House and the Senate. The new established limits will go into effect on January 1, 2015. The bill also increases transparency by including new requirements regarding reporting disclosure. Additionally, it requires an electronic finance reporting system to be in place by 2015 and makes new requirements for information disclosure in election communications. I supported this bill, as it was a compromise and provides more than we currently have in place and is only the beginning to campaign finance reform. The House passed the bill on a vote of 96 to 49. The Senate also passed the bill on a vote of 20 to 8. The bill has been signed by the Governor and will go into effect on January 1, 2015. H.112, an act relating to the labeling of food produced with genetic engineering, was passed by the House last year. The bill was considered by the Senate Agriculture Committee and is now under further consideration in the Senate Committee on Judiciary. The House Ways & Means Committee is exploring all facets of education financing. For the current fiscal year,

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

~ Copyright 2014 by The

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

↑ contents

PDATE

there are a limited number of options to explore in an attempt to reduce the 7 cent increase on the homestead penny ratepayers as recommended by the Commissioner of Taxes, based on projected spending. The committee is thoroughly evaluating the impact of each option. For 2015 and beyond, the Ways and Means Committee is looking at a range of proposed modifications to Act 68, Vermont’s education funding system. The property tax rate will be set after Town Meeting Day, when school budgets are considered throughout the state. An interesting link is the Governor’s dashboard at www.vermont.gov. This site is a valuable resource for information concerning the Financial Spotlight and Emergency Road Closing Reports, Vermont Health Connect and much more. In Addition, each legislative committee has an online information page. This tool enables the public to follow the work of the legislature and key in on issues of interest. To find a committee page or to check the status of a bill, visit www.leg.state.vt.us. Under Committee Information Pages, click on Standing Committee Information Pages. Select the committee of interest to obtain weekly agendas, documents, handouts and links to other information. These are live pages and are updated regularly. Please contact me directly with your questions and concerns. As always, it is an honor to represent our communities at the State House. kittytoll@live.com ktoll@leg.state.vt.us

↑ contents

A Chamber Music Recital by Vermont Artists

A performance of works that include the Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata and the Beethoven Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 70#1 will be given in three locations in Vermont. Well-known concert pianist Diane Huling, cellist Robert Blais – also known throughout New England as the Green Mountain Youth Symphony’s conductor Orchestra, as well as the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra. He has served on the faculty of the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY, and the Hollis Woods Music School in Queens, NY, as well as the Chamber Music Institute at the University of New Hampshire. Violinist Sarah Belanger received her training at the Montreal Conservatory of Music at McGill University and at Nyack College in New York. She has appeared as soloist in Canada, the United States, Europe, notably with the and violinist Sarah Belanger, violinist Montreal Symphony Orchestra Sarah Belanger, a and the Amati relatively new arrival from Canada (by way of New York) have joined Orchestra. has also She perforces in a formidable program that features only two composers, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. They will give recitals at the Rutland Unitarian Universalist Church Saturday March 15, 7:30 p.m., Norwich Congregational Church Saturday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Unitarian Church of Montpelier Sunday March 23 rd at 3:00 p.m. Robert Blais, cellist Blais, wellformed in Broadway productions and as a member of several orchestras in Quebec and New York. She is currently on the faculty of the Vivace Music School of Woodbury. known for his Pianist Diane Huling, having work with youth orchestras across the northeast, has also performed with the Manhattan Chamber orchestra, the New England Symphonic Ensemble, and the Pythagorean Trio in New York City. He has appeared as soloist Diane Huling, Pianist with the Holyoke performed throughout North and South America and Europe, received her degrees from the Eastman School of Music and studied with Maria Luisa Faini, protégé of the Italian composer, Alfred Casella, as well as Leonard Shure, Dalton Baldwin, Paul BaduraSkoda and others. She has several local and regional performances coming up, including a Mother’s Day solo recital at Bethany Church in Montpelier and next fall concertos with both the Symphony, the Melrose Symphony Orchestra and the Guilford Festival

↑ contents

By Bruce Westcott

On Town Meeting Day Cabot voters will be able to vote for a sidewalk along Main Street, beginning at the bridge at the North end of the Village and extending to the existing sidewalk that begins across Main Street from the Church. Let me tell you why I'll vote "Yes."

↑ contents

Cabot Main Street cross-section

(proposed) Today, you can walk from our commercial buildings on Main Street past the Post Office to a point across from the Church; your walk is smooth, elevated and separated from traffic by a granite curb. When your kids want to walk further - down to the school or gym, or if you want to walk to the Masonic Hall, or all the way down to watch a game at the ball field - you are in a gutter, or on broken blacktop, or in the road itself. For most of the way, nothing separates you from oncoming traffic but a painted line, invisible much of the time. If you don't make these walks or live on Main Street as I do, you may not know how it feels to share the asphalt shoulder with passing trucks. But you probably have kids or grandkids at the Cabot School -- or your neighbors do -who regularly walk this stretch to get to the ball field for school activities and for after-school sports (not to mention the Fourth of July celebration). Improved safety for pedestrians and bicyclists is the primary goal of this project. Cabot should provide a level concrete sidewalk separated from vehicles by a granite curb, a well-marked bike lane and a green band to help our pedestrians to stay safe. This is part of the approach towns are taking from Vermont's "Complete Street" Law and the state Transportation Agency. The "Complete Streets" principle that is central to state funding for this project is that town streets should safely accommodate all transportation system users -- regardless of age, ability, or whether they are walking, biking, driving, or using public transit. This project is exactly what is called for in the Cabot Town Plan (Section VI - Transportation), which notes: " Bike and pedestrian access by children to the recreation fields in both upper and lower Cabot Village is not adequate, and poses a safety concern." The first Goal stated in that part of the Plan is "Establish safe routes between

↑ contents

the rest of us)

residential and commercial/ civic/ recreational uses in the downtown village area," and calls on the Planning Commission and the Select Board to "seek grant funds to accomplish infrastructure improvements." They've done their part and we, the voters, need to give this our backing. Voters will be concerned about snow plowing and sidewalk maintenance. I think people should be reassured that the roadway width will be just as wide as it is in most villages, with plenty of room for passage of two vehicles. The "green band" (with no sidewalk) on the south side of Main Street will remain pretty much as it is, taking the snow berm. We already contract for sidewalk plowing in the center of the Village; yes, we'll want to extend it these additional 1,200 feet on the north side. The snow has got to go somewhere, but sidewalk and road plow crews can work together to solve this; you don't have to look farther than Danville or Marshfield to see this. All taxpayers are concerned with costs, and "an amount not to exceed $68,804 to come from local taxes" sounds like a lot. I'm no engineer, but I think we will find ourselves paying A LOT LESS, and here's why. We had to submit a grant application that used a pretty large State "standard" construction cost per sidewalk foot. All the other related costs (engineering, project management, etc.) are pure guesstimates, adding up to 35% of the total. I think Cabot taxpayers may pay a lot less because some of the other towns that won grants already have their engineering work done, and have found the per foot cost is approximately HALF what the VAOT standard calls for. We've got a pretty straight and level roadway, no complications from power lines, no right -of-way problems, etc. I hope there will be a low engineering fee because it's all straight-forward. That will lead to low construction bids and a much lower percentage for those related costs, so total project costs may very well be much less than the warned amount. Remember, you'll vote for "an amount not to exceed," and we can rely on our Select Board to negotiate project costs well below the authorized amount if they possibly can. I'll vote "Yes" for the safety of kids and other non-motorized folks, and hope you will too. By voting yes, you'll help to make Cabot a safer and more attractive village for everyone.

us the name of a business to in

↑ contents

Proposed Village Improvements

As long-time residents of Cabot, we hope the voters at Town Meeting will favor improvements in the village like the ones in Danville, Hardwick, Marshfield and Plainfield. We want Cabot to keep up with nearby towns so that new residents and businesses will decide to come here. An improved village would be an important attraction.

↑ contents

Why I am Going to Vote NO

on Articles 15 and 18 Articles 15 and 18 of the warning for the Cabot Town Meeting on March 4 propose to reduce the annual amount of UDAG funds available for community development projects by $11,000 in order to save less than $.02 on the tax rate. The $277,000 that these Articles propose can be borrowed for less interest than the funds will earn if left invested. If we borrow the money and pay it off over ten years we can pay the interest on the note with the UDAG funds we do not spend and still have

↑ contents

Planning Commission Chair

The Planning Commission held a public meeting on February 6 to discuss progress in re-drafting zoning and subdivision regulations and to receive initial comment on some of the new approaches proposed. About twenty residents turned out to hear a presentation by our consultant, Brandy Saxton of PlaceSense. An overview of the draft was provided, article by article. Probably the greatest number of questions and comments were about the rural zoning district – how subdivision of land would work, and how new proposed standards for maximum density of dwelling units would work in practice to encourage open space and reduce fragmentation of agricultural lands. The new zoning proposal is to leave the minimum lot size at two acres but reduce the allowable density to one dwelling unit per eight acres. This is a so-

↑ contents

Event Calendar Volunteer Needed

Do you have a few hours per month to contribute one item to The Cabot Chronicle? The staff is looking for someone to put together the monthly event calendar that you see here on page 6. This was previously done by Sue Freeburn, for which we have been very grateful, and we have a list of websites to work from that Sue compiled,. The rest of the information is usually emailed to us by organizations. The listing is due once a month by the 20th, for the following month. If you can help us with this task,

↑ contents

OMMENTARY

To start with, new sidewalks will make the village safer for everyone, especially students in the Cabot School. And also make the village look good. That will help real estate values and home sales. A new town garage is also needed, for many reasons. Please approve the articles at Town Meeting that fund these improvements.

↑ contents

Ferguson & Jane McKayn

about $7,000 for community investment, and at the end of the ten years we will still have the $277,000 or more if the trust managers perform as well as they have in the past. Others will have a different opinion, but I am voting “NO” because I think it is better for the Town to borrow the money, use income from the preserved investments to pay the interest, pay for public buildings with $.02 on the tax rate over the next ten years and maintain its ability to fund local economic and social development programs.

↑ contents

Meeting

called “minimum lot size, maximum density” approach. Additional dwelling unit density (or density bonuses) would be allowed in so-called Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) where significant open space is set aside. Also discussed was the proposal to create a Development Review Board (DRB), which would place all development review and subdivision review under this one board – replacing the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), and streamlining project reviews. The Planning Commission will be considering all comments and will respond to these as we develop our second draft of zoning and subdivision regulations. We then hope to hold a series of informational meetings to review the draft document article by article and line by line, involving interested residents and the Select Board. The first draft is online at: http:// www.placesense.com/cabot.

↑ contents

P. O. Box 245, Cabot, VT 05647

going, sociable individual with a few hours a month to contact businesses to help with their advertising needs. It’s a commission position, so it won’t support a condo in Vale, but it might be a real help toward a small vacation fund. It could also help build a resume or fulfill school community service hours. Call or email in-

more information.

↑ contents

Town Garage

(Continued from page 1) RESPONSE: If we don't get the grant we will seek other sources of funding and revise our plans accordingly. The project could be less expensive if we don't have to do flood mitigation work at the current garage location. Building a more modest facility could also save some money in the short term. While every effort will continue to be made to secure the CDBG-D/R grant, should that not happen, then at the very minimum, we seek voters’ approval to purchase land. We believe, however, that under any circumstances, we should buy the land located at 2691 South Walden Road. looking at multiple After carefully potential garage sites throughout Cabot, we have determined that these eight acres of land provide are the best location to construct for a new garage. Once that land has been purchased, we will go back to the drawing boards and will provide other alternatives for voters to consider. However, there is no other alternative that will improve upon our current plan based upon receipt of the potential $1,000,000 CDBG-D/R grant. Owning the site will allow us to proceed more efficiently in the future with obtaining permits and funding, and leaves us the option of developing the site incrementally as funds become available. And of course, any change in plans will be sub-

↑ contents

By Niels Larsen,

Cabot Agricultural Network Member An interest in reintroducing 4H programs in Cabot was revealed through the Agricultural Network Project survey conducted last year of community members engaged in agriculture, forestry and related producers. Conversations with individuals engaged with Cabot Connects Mentoring has encouraged us to proceed to explore how to make it happen. Mr. Michael Wilson, the representative for the UVM Extension Service for Washington County, has offered his enthusiastic support to help get such a program off the ground. We have scheduled him to come to Cabot for an introductory meeting on March 8 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cabot Public Library. He will explain what assistance is available, as well as the experience of other communities with active 4H programs. (See the UVM Extension Service website for an extensive list of 4H curricula and programs).

↑ contents

hronicle

ject to voter approval before we proceed. QUESTION: So what can I do to support the Town Garage project? RESPONSE: On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, please vote YES by Australian ballot on the following four articles: Article 12 : Vote YES for the sum of $1,300,000 to construct a new Town Garage, salt shed, and additional infrastructure; demolish the existing Town Garage; landscape and construct a storm water filtration system at the present garage site, of which an estimated $1,000,000 is to come from federal and state, an amount not to exceed $100,000 to come from a local bond and an amount not to exceed $200,000 to come from UDAG grants. Article 13 : Vote YES to purchase eight acres of land at 2691 South Walden Road; Article 14 : Vote YES to issue bonds in the amount of $100,000 to finance the construction of a new garage; Article 15 : Vote YES to use UDAG funds in the amount of $200,000 to help defray the cost of constructing a new town garage. IF the four articles are approved by the voters on March 4, and if our CDBG -D/R grant application is approved, then construction work can begin this year. Please vote yes to articles 12, 13, 14, and 15. Thank you.

↑ contents

4H to Cabot

We, therefore, encourage anyone interested (potential leaders, families with children interested in participating, farmers or others with facilities such as barns or stables that might facilitate programs) to attend. If our expectation of strong support is borne out, the plan is to establish a community group to organize the creation and implementation of a program tailored to the wishes of the participants.

↑ contents

By Julia Gulka

(on behalf of the Cabot Conservation Committee) The invaders have us surrounded. It may only be a matter of time before they reach us. No, this is not a zombie apocalypse, rather a tree pest known as Emerald Ash Borer. Despite this insect’s small size, it has left a wake of destruction across the U.S., and Vermont may well be its next victim. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic wood-boring insect from Asia that attacks and kills native Ash species. The larvae feed on the cambium between the bark and wood, creating sshaped galleries that girdle trees, eventually killing them. These insects destroy trees from the inside out. First discovered in Michigan in 2002, the pest has since spread to 20 states, as well as the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The 2013 discovery of EAB in Concord, New Hampshire, completes the encirclement of Vermont, with infestations just over the border in Carigan, Quebec, to the north, the Hudson Valley, New York, to the west, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to the south, and now Concord to the East. According to Roland Payne, Cabot resident involved in the work of the town tree warden, if the infestations in other states is any indication, the likelihood of reaching Vermont is very high and it is only a matter of time. The main vectors of transport for this invasive insect are firewood, nursery stock, and timber. So what does this mean for Vermont’s forests? EAB is known to attack all species of ash. The ash population in Vermont is estimated at 100 million trees, which is about six percent of our tree population, and white ash is one of the ten most common tree species in Vermont. Infestation would cause a significant tree loss, which can have large impacts on forest ecosystems and wildlife habitat. Ash trees provide food and shelter for many birds, insects and mammals, and play an important role in nutrient and water recycling. Dead ash can also cause canopy openings which increases sunlight, causing species shifts and often allowing invasive plants to take over. Ash populations are also economically important for timber and firewood. Whether looking ecologically or economically, the prospect of Emerald Ash Borer is a grim one. Infested ash trees also pose a public hazard. EAB kills ash very quickly and the trees become brittle as they die. Trees near roadways and buildings will need to be removed to minimize this hazard. The key to the problem here is prevention, preparedness, and early detection. Preventing spread is critical, which is why it is so important not to move infested ash material, whether in the form of firewood or live trees, mak-

↑ contents

The Mouse

...is coming to Cabot in early April! This satirical comedy will appeal to young and old alike (though those of us old enough to remember the Cold War will find more levels of humor in the play!). Performances will take place in the Cabot School Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday, April 4 & 5 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m.. The show features local actors Lori Augustyniak, Adam Blachly, Sam Carpenter, Barb Colf, Sawyer Estivill, Clara Mueller-Harder, Declan O'Connor, Maggie and Marion Palmiero, Leo Parlo, Dick Payne, Lily

↑ contents

the Ash Tree

ing sure that it is certified free of EAB is imperative. It is also illegal to move firewood from counties infested with Emerald Ash Borer, so when travelling, buy firewood locally. Being prepared is also key. One thing that is currently being done in Cabot, with the help of Roland Payne, Jr., is an Ash survey along roadsides in town. This is in order to map significant ash populations so that if infestation hits, the tree warden knows what areas to target to reduce public hazards caused by dying ash. Early detection is also key in controlling the infestation. This is where you come in. As a homeowner, you can monitor ash trees on your property for signs of Emerald Ash Borer. The first things to look for are signs of crown dieback with yellow and dying leaves and branches at the top of the tree, extensive woodpecker damage, bark splitting, and epicormic branching where the tree begins growing suckers on the lower trunk. EAB infestation is confirmed by the present of adult beetles, which have a metallic green body with a purple abdomen, as well as small D-shaped exit holes in the trunk or serpentine winding tunnels under the bark. If you think you’ve found trees with EAB, the best thing you can do is report it. To do so, go to www.vtinvasives.org/treepests/report-it and submit photos or call

↑ contents

That Roared!

Scott, Aeden Scribner, Jonah Socks, Lila and Lori Stratton, Laura Stuemke, Fianna, Olivia, and Travis Verret, and Megan Walker. Direction is by Karen Mueller-Harder, scene design by Janet Van Fleet, and technical staff includes David Moody, Susie Socks, Paula Davidson, Todd Jones, Emily Dale, Susannah Blachly, Bruce Westcott, and Jeannie Johnson. Cabot Community Theater's mission is to create and perform inclusive, excellent, affordable local theater. Admission price is once again only $5/ person at the door, and reservations can

↑ contents

Cabot Old Time Contra and Square

Dance – 7:30 p.m., Willey Building, sponsored by Cabot Public Library. Performance by Cabot's Morris Team Midnight Capers during break. Dances are taught and easily learned by young and old. Small suggested donation to help cover cost of the caller. Info: David Car-

man@sover.net. 8 th Annual Kaleidoscope of Talent Show, benefitting Green Mountain United Way. 7:00 p.m. at Spaulding High School Auditorium. Tickets: 802-

↑ contents

Saturday, 3/15

Cabot Maple Fest 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Cabot School. Live music, bounce house and slide, crafters and vendors, silent auction, Anson Tebbett’s sugar-on -snow, real maple cotton candy. 9:00 a.m. pancake breakfast, 11:30 a.m. lunch, very reasonably priced. Benefits Cabot Chronicle operating budget. Bingo at Masonic Hall, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., with fantastic prizes, benefitting Twin Valley Senior Center Meals on

Lego Exhibition , 10:00 a.m., Cabot Public Library. Build an original creation (not from Lego plans) of Lego or Lego-compatible bricks and accessories no larger than 18” x 18” x 4. See Cabot Library article this issue. Info: Kathleen Hoyne at Cabot Public Library, 802-5632721, cabotlibrary@yahoo.com.

↑ contents

Twin Valley Senior Center Fund-

raising Dinner, Shepherd’s Pie, Vegetable and Dessert. $10.00 Pick up between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. at Plainfield Methodist Church. Call Susan for reser-

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.

↑ contents

Donate to Maple Fest Silent Auction

Maple Fest is budgeted to provide about one-third of The Cabot Chronicle operating budget. A significant portion of Maple Fest proceeds come from the silent auction. Please consider donating items you no longer need for the silent auction. It can benefit your neighbors and provide you a tax de-

Cabot Chronicle , is a 501 (c )(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift can help three times; you (tax deduction), your neighbors (save money) and your free local paper (contribute toward operating expenses). And we would be very thankful.

need pickup, or you can leave your items at the Cabot Community Office on the ground floor of the Willey Building. You can leave it in the vestibule for collection if nobody is in the office, or at the Library or Town Clerk’s office.

↑ contents

School Street, Marshfield

Volunteers show up at 6:50 a.m. to unload 5,000 pounds of food for distribuHome Office NEK Office tion. More help is needed unloading the Classic Film Night, first Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. with Rick Winston and Tom Blachly. Jaquith Public Library, Cabot, VT 05647 admin@fiancp.org Lyndonville, VT 05851 nekfaithinaction@gmail truck, organizing the food for distribution, and helping senior citizens and others carry boxes of food to their cars.

↑ contents

Saturday, March 15th -

7 PM to Midnight

We are selling tickets 1 through 100 for $100/ couple. This gets you into the BYOB dance with a DJ, entry into the money raffle and snacks. The last three numbers left in the drawing win Cash Prizes of $500, $1,000 and $2,500. If we are not able to sell all 100 tickets, we will raffle them off at the event.

↑ contents

Saturday, March 15, 2014

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Pancake Breakfast 9-11 a.m. (registration fee includes 2 tickets for pancake breakfast-special vendor seating at 8:30 a.m.) • Craft & Vendor Tables • Silent Auction • Maple Cotton Candy • Sugar on Snow • Maple Delectables • Signature Cheese Sandwiches • Great Family Entertainment Download Maple Fest Vendor Form 2014 at:

for more information

↑ contents

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.

email, samlyman@sover.net. The second Saturday dates are: March 8, April 12, and May 10 in 2014 The dances will be held on the top floor of the Willey Building.

↑ contents

FRESH LOCAL EGGS REQUESTED

Community members loved the local eggs at Maple Fest Pancake Breakfast 2013. We are asking community members if they can donate eggs for Maple Fest on March 15. We’d be glad to pick them up during that week, or you can drop them at the CCA or Town Clerk’s office in the Willey Building. Maple Fest is a fundraiser to support The Cabot Chronicle , Cabot’s free monthly community-building newspaper. A donation of eggs would be very much appreciated.

↑ contents

By Helen Morrison

Zach is a playful, loving, neutered male, about six months old. He loves to run around and play with toys and other cats. His favorite toys include mice and feather toys on string. Zach likes to talk to you, but only in a quiet voice. He likes to be petted and scratched on his head. Zach gets along well with cats and dogs. The perfect

↑ contents

Keep Your Pets Safe:

Rabies is a fatal viral disease found mainly in wildlife (especially raccoons, foxes, bats, skunks and woodchucks) but can infect domestic animals and humans. Hundreds of cases of animal rabies have been reported throughout Vermont since 1992, and the outbreak will continue to be a problem for many years. No one can tell if an animal has rabies by looking at it. Rabid animals may seem normal or can be lethargic or aggressive. Usually there is a change in normal behavior. Any animal wounded by a wild animal not available for testing must be regarded as having been exposed to rabies.

↑ contents

Rabies is Mainly Transmitted by a Bite:

If an animal bites you: Wash the wound immediately. Call your doctor. Rare non-bite exposures can occur if wet infectious saliva or nerve tissue contacts a fresh open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth. Rabies virus is not found in blood, urine, feces or skunk spray.

↑ contents

By Roland (Slim) Payne

In January, when we had a warm spell, I went to the town forest two days and cut up the downed trees in the roadway through the forest, to the “T” in the road. I didn’t move it out of the road, because a lot of it was frozen in, and I couldn’t get it out. snow melts, it will be easy. When the

On January 29, Jack Daniels, Caleb Pitkin, Ted Domey, Daniel Richardson, Cabot Legal Counsel Shaun Brooks, the landowner, Town Clerk Tara Rogerson and myself walked the right of way from the South Walden Road to the Town Forest, then came back to the Willey Building to a legal hearing. So, I am saying we are moving in the right direction to have access to the town forest. Then, we can build two or three

↑ contents

Shelter

day for Zach would include a big breakfast and dinner, playing with his toys and you, being petted, and sleeping next to you. If you would like to adopt him, come and meet him at Kingdom Animal Shelter at 1664 Memorial Drive in St. Johnsbury, Monday-Wednesday, 4-6:00 p.m., Friday, 4-6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon-3:00 p.m., or give me a

↑ contents

Frost Heaves: Nature’s

by Leah Burdick I’m driving to work too fast, late as usual, trying to make up for those last five minutes I spent puttering around my house, when I should have gotten out the door. I lean on the accelerator a little and grab my trusty travel mug, lifting it to my Illustration lips just as my wheels hit a bumpy, rippled section of the pavement. I hit the brakes. The tires make painful washboard sounds, and coffee splashes out of my cup and all over the steering wheel. Living in New England, you get used to the spilled coffee and car repair bills. It’s a fact of life here — come winter, the roads are going to get rough, and your struts and brakes (and wallet) are going to pay. “I’d guess forty percent of my time is spent dealing with suspension issues due to frost heaves and pot Adelaide Tyrol

holes,” says Jeff Whynot, owner and operator of the Autobarn car repair shop in Hartland, Vermont. “Bent wheels, ball joints, tie rods…the roads around here are not the greatest.” Snow, ice and freezing rain all contribute to poor road conditions, but frost heaves make winter driving like a video game. Dodge and weave a heave? Twenty points! Hit a heave? Lose ten points and call a mechanic. So what is exactly happening under the surface to make our roads look like a crumpled blanket? It’s a matter of physics and fluid dynamics. When the temperatures fluctuate during cold months, previously fallen snow or ice will melt and trickle down into the soil below. When that soil has good drainage properties (for example, when it contains a lot of sand), melting poses no problems. The water continues to trickle down, away from the road. However, when the soil has a denser structure (such as clay loam), it tends to capture water and hold it under the pavement. When the temperature drops again and the water in the soil re-freezes, this sometimes promotes ice crystal formations appropriately called “Jack Frost” formations by soil scientists. These formations are just like the frost typically seen on your windowpane. For hundreds of years, Jack Frost has been the western cultural personification of winter, snow and ice — he’s that mischievous sprite responsible for your car battery dying when the temperature hits zero. In the case of Jack Frost formations in soil, the actual structure of the ice crystals take up much more space than a solid block of ice. As the frozen

↑ contents

Speed Bumps

water expands, it creates a separate ice layer between the soil below and the pavement, called an ice lens . The ice lens grows by freezing water fed by a process called cryosuction . Water creates a negative pressure in the soil as it freezes, sucking up moisture from deeper, warmer soil by by capillary action. Eventually, pressure from the ice lens pushes up the road material. The repeated formation of ice lenses turns roads into

One reason why our roads are so susceptible to frost heaves is the way they are built. While there are proven ways of constructing roads to minimize heaving, these techniques and materials are often too costly. Many roads are thin sections built on top of whatever soils are present, which usually consist of silt and clay. The low-drainage properties of these soils, combined with our seasonal weather, make roads very vulnerable to frost heaving. Roads aren’t the only victims. Frost heaves in garden soils can push up plants and expose their roots to wind and winter temperatures, damaging or even killing shrubs and perennials. Concrete foundations can also be affected, leading to cracks and structural damage. Frost heaves are also responsible for the creation of one of our most iconic Yankee structures — the stone wall. After the early New England settlers cleared almost all of the original tree cover for farming, erosion denuded the once-rich topsoil. Repeated frost heaving pushed up a bumper crop of ancient rocks deposited by glaciers thousands of years ago. These “New England potatoes” were a nuisance in the fields, and with wood in short supply, farmers piled up the stones to make walls. These seasonal phenomena are a fact of life living in this neck of the woods, and in true Yankee style, frost heaves have become part of our area’s unique character and identity. Jack Frost is everywhere this time of year, living up to his reputation as a real pain in the neck, and the wallet. But winter doesn’t last forever. Soon enough the frost heaves will sink back down and spring will be on its way. In the meantime, we’re at Jack’s mercy. His, and the mechanic’s, of course.

Leah Burdick is a freelance writer and gardener who lives in Hartland, Vermont. Reprinted with permission.

↑ contents

hronicle

Alex Trombley, 11, of Cabot, attended the signing of the 2014 Mentoring Proclamation by Governor Peter Shumlin on January 22nd with his mentor, Lynn Talamini. The first phrase of the proclamation states “Whereas, the future of Vermont rests on the hopes and dreams of its young people.“

↑ contents

Two McKay Girls at Sochi

Jane McKay, long-time resident of Main Street, Cabot, sent this photo of Jane and Ferguson’s two daughters covering the Sochi Olympics for their employers:

“This is a picture of our two daughters at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia. They are both reporters. The daughter on the left is Betsy McKay. She is the bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal in Atlanta, Georgia, and she was sent by the WSJ to Sochi to cover the skating events. The daughter on the right is Peggy McKay Shinn, and she lives in Rutland. She writes blogs for the Olympic Committee, and she was sent by them to cover snow events: skiing, bobsledding, ski boarding etc. She is staying at a five -star hotel up in the mountains, 45 minutes out of Sochi.”

↑ contents

2nd Quarter Honor Roll

Cabot School is very proud of the students who earn high grades and are on the Honor Roll. The Honor Roll is published after each marking period and announced in the The Cabot Chronicle, The Times Argus, The Caledonia Record, The Hardwick Gazette and The World. Academics are very important in Cabot School and we encourage all students to strive to gain high grades. Honor Roll requirements are: High Honors—No grade below 90, First Honors—No grade below 85 Second Honors—No grade below 80

↑ contents

Second Honors

Grade 12

Grade 11 Grade 10 Grade 9 Grade 8 Grade 7 Olivia Bellavance, Cypress Ellen, Lars Hammer, Kassandra Morse, Timothy Mueller-Harder Rebecca Blaisdell, Madeline Morse, Gage Sironi, Laura Stuemke Galadriel Morse, Clementine O’Connor, Megan Walker Isabella McCallum Gabriella Ambroz, Clara Mueller-Harder

Kyle Celley, Heidi Cookson, Brittany Houghton, Ian Nally, Emma Stecker Jasmine Tetreault Alisha Celley, Jeremy Maxfield, Isabelle Yu Lauren Bellavance, Natalie Mudgett-Fox, Samantha Villeneuve, Abigail Walker Liam Tobin

Donaghue Burke, Darren Celley, Adlai Feldman, Jonah Jarvis, Carter Maxfield Mark Schumacher Zachary Coolbeth, Ian Lewis, Caleb Maxfield, Willam Nally Tobias Cooke, Taylor Abbott, Genevieve Hauge, Matthew Lehoe Lela Jones, Rider LaLomia, Lillian Scott

↑ contents

Green Mountain

On March 9 at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Green Mountain United Way will hold its first cross country ski and snowshoe event. Avid cross country skiers or snowshoers are invited to take part. However, no prior experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome. The Outdoor Center has several trails to choose from, some short, some long, some easy, and some not so easy. The event will run from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Participants can spend as much time skiing or snowshoeing as desired, and the afternoon will culminate with pizza for everyone, provided by the Center at 5:00 p.m. There will be several prizes awarded at the end of the afternoon (e.g., highest and second highest fundraisers, highest number of kilometers skied or snowshoed, most colorful costume, most unique hat, etc.). Each participant is asked to seek individual sponsorships of a minimum of $40, which will cover the entry fee. The necessary sponsorship and sign-up forms are available at www.gmunited way.org. These sponsorships will deter-

↑ contents

Before Ice

Vermont state law requires that ice fishing shanties must be removed from the ice before the ice becomes unsafe or ice loses its ability to support the shanty out of the water, or before the last Sunday in March (the 30th this year), whichever comes first. The same Vermont law requires the name and address of the owner to be on the ice shanty. "Ice conditions can deteriorate quickly with warmer weather, so we urge owners of shanties to get them off the lakes while it is still safe to be on the ice," said State Game Warden Major Dennis Reinhardt. "The law exists to help ensure that shanties don't become a boating hazard and create debris that will wash up on shore."

↑ contents

Special Snow Goose

Since 2009, hunters have had the opportunity to pursue snow geese during the spring as a result of a special management action referred to as a "Conservation Order" allowed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and adopted by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board. A 2014 Spring Snow Goose Harvest Permit is required, and is available at no charge on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's website at http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/ Snowgoose_Harvest.cfm. Hunters may also call

quest a permit.

↑ contents

United Way

mine the success of the fundraiser for Green Mountain United Way’s local initiatives of providing financial literacy workshops, programs toward healthy eating and physical activity for local people of all ages, education for toddlers so that they are better prepared when entering Kindergarten, and to help meet the basic needs of our neighbors. Major corporate sponsors of this event are Calderwood Insurance Agency of Hardwick, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, the Craftsbury General Store, Greensboro Garage, Poulin Lumber, Inc. and TOPS Market in Hardwick. Dig out your skis or snowshoes, make it a family outing and plan to spend a fun winter afternoon on March 9. If you do not have the needed equipment, make arrangements with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center for rentals

and to access the sponsorship and signup forms, visit www.gmunitedway.org. Or, call Green Mountain United Way’s

↑ contents

Harvest Opportunity

The Vermont 2014 Spring Snow Goose Conservation Order will occur statewide from March 11 through April 25. The daily bag limit is 15 snow geese, and there is no possession limit. Waterfowl hunting regulations in effect last fall will apply during the 2014 Spring Snow Goose Conservation Order, with the exception that unplugged shotguns and electronic calls may be used, and shooting hours will be extended until one-half hour after sunset.

↑ contents

T WIN V ALLEY S

By Rita Copeland Twin Valley Seniors wants to thank Janet Nielsen for coming to the Senior Center on February 5 and doing a presentation, along with slides, about the History of Marshfield. The seniors enjoyed the presentation so much. In addition, the seniors provided information about some historical places that Janet was not aware of or wanted more information about. It was an interesting program and we invite anyone out there that would like to do presentations to the seniors to please contact us. At our new location we will have a facility that can host many types of entertainment for our seniors. Presenters, like Janet, will receive valuable feedback. The new Center location will have space for music and many other functions. Twin Valley Senior Center recognizes the many people who have helped us have very successful monthly takeout dinners. These fundraising dinners are now an important source of income. At this time, we would like to recognize and say many, many thanks to: Paul Rumley for cooking a great take-out meal; the Riverside farm for donations of vegetables; Vermont Salumi, and, of course, thanks to our own volunteers,

↑ contents

ENIOR C ENTER

Joyce, Susan, and Flo for making desserts. I would like to thank all the volunteers on the Fundraising Committee for their hard work. March’s take-out will be prepared by Charlotte Faulstick, formerly of the Cabot restaurant. Greenfield Highland Beef and Riverside Farm are donating most of the ingredients for the meal. The meal will be shepherd’s pie with vegetables and dessert. The Move: Completion of our plans at the new facility in East Montpelier are moving right along, however, we will not make our March 1st planned move. We will, however, need to make the transition by the 31st of March. We are still seeking funding, so, if you can help, it would be greatly appreciated. Please send your donation to TVSC,

thank you very much! Seeking Volunteers: We are in need of volunteers to help at the Senior Center, now as we transition, as well as at our new location. Our first strategic goal after resettling is to be open five days a week. We are in need of volunteers now, as well as in the following areas in the very near future: Meals on Wheels packaging, kitchen, MOW’s drivers, dining room hostesses, activities, exercise leaders, clinic assistance and schedulers, etc. If you have any spare time, please consider donating it to the Twin Valley Senior Center. Contact our Ex-

so that we can begin developing a list of your preferences. The Center is unique in providing a “one-big family” social gathering place with warmth, love and friendship. You will be happy to have joined our family, as well as having lots of fun. We look forward to hearing from you.

↑ contents

Dance – Saturday, March 8 – 7:30

p.m. Amy Cann will be the caller with Tom MacKenzie, Franklin Heybern, David Carpenter and David van Houten playing music. During the break, there will be a performance by Cabot's Morris Team Midnight Capers. Dances are held on the second Saturday of the month 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

man@sover.net

↑ contents

Cabot – Saturday, March 8 - 4:00

p.m. Mr. Michael Wilson of the UVM Extension Service for Washington Country will explain what assistance is available for 4H clubs, as well as the experience of other communities with active 4H programs. The meeting is organized by the Cabot Agricultural Network to explore the level of interest among potential leaders, parents of children who might be interested, and others who might contribute facilities such as barns or stables for the reintroduction of 4H programs in Cabot. If the meeting shows sufficient interest in this project, the plan is to establish a community group to organize the creation and implementation of a program tailored to the wishes of the participants.

↑ contents

Tuesday, March 11 - 6:30 p.m.

Have you ever thought about powering your home with safe, renewable solar energy? What have been the barriers? Taylor Ralph, from SunCommon, will answer questions about how solar works- from what kind of roof makes a good spot for solar to how net-metering allows you to generate power and get credit for sharing it with your neighbors!

↑ contents

Lego Exhibition – Saturday, March

15 – 10:00 a.m. Attention all Lego builders, engineers, and artists! The Cabot Public Library is hosting a Lego exhibit in conjunction with Cabot Maple Fest. Bring your creation and have some cookies and punch while we set up the exhibition. Stay for the “gallery walk”, where you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your creation and learn about the work of your fellow Lego builders. Build an original creation (not from Lego plans) of Lego or Lego-compatible bricks and accessories. Duplo, Megablocks, Bionicle

↑ contents

P UBLIC L IBRARY

are all fine. It should be primarily Lego materials, but it is okay to use other things to enhance your creation…paper, fabric, bric-a-brac. Please make sure your work can fit in a space no larger than 18” x 18”, and 4 feet high. Animate your Legos! If you’d like to share your cool stop-motion creation during the party, bring your laptop with RGB port for connection to the library projector, or plan to play it on your own device. Be creative! Cars, robots, ships. Houses, castles, spaceports. Monsters, mythical creatures, barnyard animals. Diorama, mosaic, collage, mobile… what can YOU build that no one has thought of before? Pieces will be on display for two weeks. Please plan to pick up your work by Saturday March 29. Questions? Contact Kathleen Hoyne at

cabotlibrary@yahoo.com.

↑ contents

Thank You!

Heartfelt thanks to the Cabot community for all your kind words and for helping us (Anne and Kathleen) celebrate our certification for Public Librarianship here at the Cabot library – we are very grateful for your support. Many thanks to Chip Taylor for his research and talk about the mysteries of Oak Island in Nova Scotia. Thanks, as always, to David Carpenter for organizing the fun Contra dances in Cabot every month, Cynthia Russell for helping facilitate the Community Book Group and Lisa Olsen for the many hours supervising Dungeons and Dragons.

↑ contents

Reminders:

• Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ** Story Hour at 10:30 am** • Wednesday 2:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. • Thursday • Saturday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. • Closed Sunday, Monday & Friday • ECHO Pass – Allows up to 2 adults and 3 youths, $4 each admission price, into the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington.

↑ contents

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.

↑ contents

Lead by Agriculture and Innovation

By Sjon Welters less susceptible to the natural rhythm

of ups and downs that can reduce a The survey conducted last Fall by the Cabot Agriculture Network commit- healthy and vibrant community to a

ghost town in a matter of years. tee showed that Cabot has a diverse We are fortunate to live in a commuworking landscape, indeed. From the nity where the spirit of thriftiness, reolder dairy farms and maple syrup prosourcefulness, and perseverance lives ducers that survived the onslaught of strongly. Combine that with the entermodernization and centralization of prising spirit of youth and innovation, their respective industries, to an arborand Cabot's future looks promising and ist, a cut flowers grower, horse breeder, secure. In the Chronicle's next issue, soda, rice milk, and fermented food prowe'll talk about the actions we can take ducers, to even rice-growing trials and a to make sure half a century from now, pizza-restaurant on wheels, we have a Cabot still is as strong and healthy as it fascinating mix of businesses. is today, and how we can do even better This is encouraging news. A local by addressing the issues that need our economy that is based on many differattention. Please stay tuned. ent fields of endeavor is a stable one,

↑ contents

REAL MAPLE COTTON CANDY $2.00

in one is allowed). Solution for last months puzzles are shown below (upside down) PUZZLE EXTRA - DATE: 3/9/14 - Daylight Savings Time, PUZZLE EXTRA - WORDS: 1-9 = C E H I M R S T Y, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

↑ contents

Observes New Supernova

Something new in the night sky? tant galaxies as well as smaller teleThe Northern Sky Observers, a new scopes for visual observation of celestial astronomy club in the Northeast King- objects. The Northern Skies Observadom, observed a new supernova during tory hosts an open house Star Party our January meeting. A supernova is each month. an exploding star - this one was discov- The website (www.nkaf.org) conered in January by a group of British tains more information as well as links students at the University of London. to some videos by Mazie O'Conner of It is in the galaxy M82, near the Big Cabot, explaining astronomical pheDipper in the sky. Even though it is nomena. ex tr em ely The Northern bright, it is not Skies Observers visible to the is open to all, naked eye be- from expericause it is very enced amateur far away, about astronomers, to 12 million light folks who would years. like to learn We were able to about astroncapture an im- omy, or just look age using the through a telelarge telescope scope. We share at the Northern knowledge and Skies Observa- learn from each tory - the super- other. Meetings nova is the are held at the bright spot next to the galaxy. A color Northern Skies Observatory to take picture and more details may be found advantage of the facilities, but a fancy at www.nkaf.org. telescope is not necessary - many interThe Northern Skies Observatory is esting astronomical objects may be a new astronomical facility in observed with just binoculars or the Peacham, built by the Northeast King- naked eye. Come and join us. dom Astronomy Foundation, dedicated For more information, go to to improve science education of Ver- www.nkaf.org or email observmont students. The facility includes a ers@nkaf.org to be added to the email large telescope capable of imaging dis- list.

↑ contents

← From the Cabot Chronicle