⚲  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

July 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 July 2014 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

By Laura Lee Smith,

Greetings and well wishes to one and all, HA! I dare you to start a little game. It’s called “Pay It Forward”. Yuppers, that’s what I said. I would like to see everyone anonymously help someone, and if not anonymously, then at least let the person(s) know that you would like them to pass on the kindness. I think we should all think this way all the time, but even I am human and miss an opportunity, not on purpose mind, just because. Do I sound preachy or peachy? Well perhaps I am both, if only to remind myself, as much as any of you that might need a little reminder. None of us are perfect by any stretch, and sometimes it is more difficult than others to remember to be aware of those opportunities to put the good vibe out there amongst the wanting masses. Use your imagination in the ways that you might make the world a better place. I would love to know what some of you come up with. I believe that taking care of our animals is as important as taking care of each other. They need love as much as anyone, and hope. Adoption is one way, but making a donation, though distant and not as involved, is certainly appreciated. Volunteering at an animal rescue organization or a nursing home for humans are other options. So, even if we do not have cash to donate, our time is just as precious and sometimes worth so much more. We are all pebbles being tossed in the big pond, and whatever we put out into the world radiates from us, but it also returns to us, so I suggest being as positive a person as one can be. I know from experience that sometimes we become angry or annoyed, but we don’t have to take it out on others. We can go running or exercising in whatever way you wish to work off the negative emotion. Now, take in a slow deep breath, breathing in the peaceful energy that

↑ contents

OMMENTARY

surrounds us, breathing out and away any negativity of the day, out and away. Breathing slowly, imagining you are in a special place that makes you feel safe and happy. Breathing in all the unconditional love of the universe and the peaceful energy. You feel relaxed and energized. You feel relaxed and ready for anything. That may have sounded a bit woo woo, but it really works if you take it seriously. I have worked with hundreds of people and it has worked for them. I used to teach, among many other things; oddly, I was even a Sheriff’s deputy, if you can believe that. I wore a Smoky the bear hat and everything, including the badge and gun, not to mention handcuffs. . OY! The many jobs I have had are a result of becoming easily bored with the jobs, as I have gone from one to another. I have worked at the Vermont State Hospital before it flooded and Washington County Mental Health. In all those places I learned that you respect the person if not the behavior. Kindness and humor are most healing, so maybe make someone smile today. Give it a whirl. What ever you come up with to make the world a better place, I would so love to hear from YOU! Just put in the subject line of your email: "Chronicle" and email to FizgigDragon@aol.com. It’s as easy as that! And I thank you all for letting me stand on the soapbox. You are great people out there and have a marvelous sense of understanding. Well, that’s it for today, I hope to hear from you; it would be fun and you might get printed. Now wouldn’t that be cool? In the meantime, I just want to wish everyone kindness and compassion, Fields of buttercups and sunshine until next time, Laura Lee Smith

↑ contents

Cabot Town Garage News

The Town has two updates to share with Cabot citizens: 1. The town closed on the purchase of the property on South Walden Road on June 6. This was a critical step in the plan. 2. Thanks to a grant from the Cabot Investment Fund (UDAG), we have hired a grant writer, and the application for a grant to pay for most of the work is almost complete as of the third week in June, and is probably submitted when this newspaper goes to print. We could never have completed all the grant application requirements so quickly nor so well without the support of the grant and the professional grant writer. We expect this will place the town in a much stronger position in the race to obtain state and federal funds, because our application will be received sooner (first come, first served) and it will be more expertly done than town personnel would likely be able to do. We are making progress.

↑ contents

Lolli Runs for Assistant Judge

Freelance writer and sheriff’s deputy Tony Lolli announced he is running for Assistant Judge in Washington County. Lolli, from Cabot, said only Vermont has Assistant Judges, and that is unique. “This is a rare opportunity for citizens to participate in the judicial process,” he said. “For two hundred years, Vermont’s Assistant Judges have helped Presiding Judges by assisting with determining matters of fact. When two parties appear in court, judges must hear the facts and come to a decision. Often the facts brought by the parties are in contradiction. Assistant Judges help the Presiding Judge decide which party is more believable. The intent of the original statue provides for a layperson to represent the perspective of their community.” Lolli said his 20 years in higher education administration have prepared him for the responsibilities of an Assistant Judge. “For many years, I was a hearing officer at several colleges and universities, making decisions about student conduct. I have experience with this process.” “I’ve also had considerable experience building and overseeing budgets in higher education. Assistant Judges are responsible for preparing maintenance budgets for County-owned property,” he said.

↑ contents

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 our office at 563-

05647.

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 2014 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.

↑ contents

Robert E. Brown

Robert "Bob" Earl Brown, 64, Greensboro Bend, died peacefully at Vermont Respite House in Williston after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born May 24, 1949, in Barre, VT, the first child of Betty Brown and the late William Robert Brown. Bob made his home for many years in Cabot. He was employed at Cabot Creamery for his early working life. For the last several years he was a mail carrier for both Marshfield and Cabot post offices. Bob was an active member of the Hardwick Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. He was known as a bold evangelizer, and he made it his life's occupation to honor his God Jehovah to the best of his ability.

↑ contents

Susan Lindsay Tobias

Susan Lindsay Tobias died April 30, 2014, in Leominster, MA, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's and a brief illness. Born March 6, 1943, in New York City, she was a graduate of Oberlin College and earned a master's in social work from the University of Chicago. Married for 33 years to Peter S. Tobias, she had two daughters. She attended Union Theological Seminary briefly and later obtained a master's of divinity from Bloy House in Claremont, CA. Susan dedicated much of her life to social justice and helping others, both as a social worker, running outreach centers to teenagers and the homeless, and later as an Episcopal priest. Susan was ordained in the San Diego diocese in 1986, as one of the first women to achieve this goal. She served as a deacon at St. James by the Sea in La Jolla, CA, then as rector at St. David's Church in Claremont, CA, and finally at St. John's

↑ contents

Lawrence W. Cookson

On June 17, 2014, Lawrence Wesley "Broat" Cookson was called to rest. He battled cancer for the past two years and was a courageous warrior to the end. Broat was a loving father, grandfather and best friend, with a huge and generous heart. He resided for the past 20 years in Walden. He was born May 12, 1943, in Hardwick, the son of the late Daniel C. Cookson, Sr., and Mary (McGill) Cookson. He attended Woodbury public schools. He spent most of his working career in construction and excavation, he loved his work and had a great vision with an eye for detail and perfection. Broat was a member of the Elks Club in Barre, Coles Pond Sledders and a past member of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers. He had an infectious laugh and spent countless hours with his many friends enjoying a good game of cribbage. He loved hunting and, especially, the time spent with friends at hunting camp. Survivors include his companion, Betty Ainsworth, of Barre; a daughter, Laurie Cookson Silvestri, and her husband, Joseph, of Farmingdale, New Jersey; two stepchildren, Alan May, of East Montpelier, and Evon Maag, of Massachusetts; two brothers, Daniel "Bunch" Cookson Jr., of Cabot, and Chet Cookson, of Plainfield; five sisters, Helen Fletcher, of Florida, Sue Foster, of Graniteville, Marguerite Hill, of Florida, Ruth Rathburn, of Woodbury, and Martha Foster, of Walden; five grandchildren, Isabella Silvestri and Joseph L. Silvestri, both of Farmingdale, Mandy Lumsden, of Walden, Hailee May, of Cabot, and Alana May, of Hard-

↑ contents

Michael L. Pierce

Michael L. Pierce, 64, Bob is survived by his wife of 20 years, Gigi Brown; his mother, Betty Brown, of Marshfield; his son, David Brown, of Grand Isle; and his daughter, Sarah Brown, of Phoenix, Arizona. He is also survived by his brothers, Mervin, Mitchie, Clinton and Randon; and his formerly of Barre and Plainfield, died suddenly on June 17, 2014, at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness, Florida. He was born in Barre on November 16, sister, Patty, and her husband, Archie. 1949, the son of Hazen and Beverlee There are numerous cousins, uncles, Amet Pierce. He grew up in Barre and aunts, nieces and nephews who loved attended local schools. He graduated Bob. A great many people were honored from the University of Vermont in 1971, to have Bob as their friend, and he will be dearly missed. and was a science and math teacher in

There was a Bible-based funeral talk on Sunday, May 25, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Hardwick, VT. In lieu of flowers, contribu-

↑ contents

By Roland (Slim) Payne

tions may be made to Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. in Hardwick, VT. Susan retired in 2005 to spend time with her beloved goats and chickens, in Cabot, finally achieving her adult life's goal of retiring on a small homestead in what she firmly believed to be the most beautiful place on earth. After retirement, she continued to reach out to those around her, helping to give others a start on achieving their own dreams. Susan is survived by her friends and family, who will be telling stories of her for years to come. She will be sorely missed by her daughters, Sara Savage and Abigail Tobias, son-in-law, brother, sister, niece, nephews, grandchildren and, of course, her beloved dog. Donations in her memory are gladly encouraged to the Hardwick Area Food Pantry, 39 Church St., Hardwick, VT 05843, and to the Leominster Crossings Associates Fund, 1160 Main St., Leominster, MA 01453. A celebration of her life was held June 28 at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Hardwick, VT. Cabot. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the

Cabot, VT 05647. Northern Vermont Funeral Service in Hardwick handled arrangements.

wick; two great-grandchildren, Mya Lumsden and Reegan Lumsden, both of Walden; many nieces, nephews and cousins. - In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, John Cookson. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 22, 2014, at Northern Vermont Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Ave., Morrisville, VT 05661. Arrangements are under the direction of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm St., Hardwick.

↑ contents

Funeral Director

Invasive plants and trees—what are they? What do they do? Why are they bad? They are not native and they disrupt the native ecology by taking over and crowding out native plants and trees. One thing they do is leaf out early and shade out the native plants so they can’t grow, and in the fall the leaves stay on longer to not give natives a chance. Most of them grow real thick and reproduce rapidly, and seeds are spread by birds and animals. Bush honeysuckle: The stems have strips up them in different shades of brown, and if you cut a small branch off, it will be hollow, such as O center hollow. If you want to look at some, go up Whittier Hill Road from the Commons Building up to where the hedgerow ends, where the fields come right to the road. That hedgerow is mostly honeysuckle. There is a tremendous amount of it all the way to Route 2, and that end near Route 2 has a lot of it, both sides and out in the woods, it is taking over. That is a good road to look at, but just about any road will have some. There is so much of it I don’t know how to

↑ contents

July 2014 ~ page 3

schools in Barre and Montpelier for several years. Most recently, he worked for Dr. Janet Hinzman, where he retired in November 2012. Upon retirement, he moved to Inverness with his life partner of 39 years, Thomas Houston. He enjoyed cooking, knitting, swimming, biking, hiking and kayaking. Both parents and his one brother predeceased him. At his request, no services will be held. Remembrances may be sent to thouston53@me.com or Thomas Houston, 3490 S. Winding Path, Inverness, FL 34450.

↑ contents

T REE W ARDEN

clean it up. Property in the land use program has it listed in their agreement on most updated plans to remove it, but I haven’t seen any being removed. The only three I know that have removed it are Chris Duff, Roland Payne Jr., and myself, all on the Bayley Hazen Road. USDA used to pay so much a plant to remove it; I never used it, and I don’t know if they still have money for that program. The trouble is, after it gets well established, the clumps of plants can get to six to seven feet across, even ten feet, with many stems, probably one hundred stems or more. I would like to see something done to stop it. It is hard to deal with because most of it is on private property, but I am not giving up on it. To do nothing is not an option. Giant Hog Weed: It looks like the treatment last year on Elm Street did a good job and got most of it. Some came up this year, but not enough to treat. When it flowers, I will cut them off so it can’t go to seed, because the seeds are viable for up to ten years. I have destroyed them for five years. Now it should be less and less that are good.

↑ contents

Christmas Dinner

Last year, many people donated items from their own vegetable gardens for the Community Christmas Dinner organized by the Ducharmes and friends at the school dining facility. Please consider thinking ahead and planting something extra in your garden to contribute to the local mix, such as -

↑ contents

By Eric Sorenson

This is the second in a series of articles discussing good quality habitat from different scales or perspectives. This time we focus on natural communities. Cabot This article is submitted by Conservation Committee. If someone asks you about “good habitat”, what comes to your mind first? Is it the dense hemlock forest where you expect to find deer in the winter? Is it the rich woods in the valley bottom that has the most outrageous display of spring wild flowers? Is it the log-strewn cold stream where you know the biggest brook trout are lurking, or the cattail marsh where you’ve repeatedly seen the elusive American bittern, frozen in position with its head pointed skyward? Or is it the large blocks of unfragmented forest where many wildlife species move freely, or the young aspen stand where ruffed grouse and chestnut-sided warblers are abundant? Of course, all of these are good habitats! And the important point about habitat is that each species (plants, animals, fungi, and all the rest) has its specific habitat requirements. One useful way to think about these habitat requirements, and what is needed to conserve them, is to view habitat from different scales or levels. At the broadest or landscape scale, there are many species that need large blocks of unfragmented forest and safe connecting habitat between these forest blocks for all or part of their life cycles – this scale was discussed in the last newsletter. At the community level (the scale at which wetlands, natural communities, and riparian areas occur), groups of species are typically closely associated with a particular physical environment – this scale is the focus of this article. At the finest scale, or species level, special attention is needed to address the particular habitat needs of those species that are not captured by landscape or community level conservation – this is the focus of a future newsletter article.

↑ contents

New Name for Danville

This June, the House of Representatives approved legislation introduced by Representative Peter Welch (HR 1865), naming the postal facility at 35 Park Street in Danville, VT, the Thaddeus Stevens Post Office. In August 2013, the Senate approved an identical version (S. 885) of the bill, sponsored by Senator Sanders and cosponsored by Senator Leahy. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law. Senator Sanders, a lifelong admirer of Thaddeus Stevens, drafted the legislation with residents of Danville. Stevens was born in Danville on April 4, 1792, and attended the University of Vermont and Dartmouth College. He died in 1868. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1849-1853 and 1859-1868, representing Pennsylvania. As a Member of the House, he was a leading opponent of slavery and discrimination and proponent of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which was adopted the same year he died. Vermont was the first state to ban slavery in its constitution. It is believed Thaddeus Stevens carried on this conviction in the fight against slavery during the years up to, during and post-civil war reconstruction.

↑ contents

Natural Communities

A natural community is an interacting assemblage of plants and animals, their physical environment, and the natural processes that affect them. As these assemblages of plants and animals repeat across the landscape wherever similar environmental conditions exist, it is possible to describe these repeating assemblages as natural community types. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recognizes about 90 natural community types. Examples of upland natural communities include Northern Hardwood Forest, Lowland Spruce-Fir Forest, and Temperate Calcareous Cliff, while examples of wetland communities include Northern White Cedar Swamp, Cattail Marsh, and Black Spruce Woodland Bog. Some natural community types are rare and some are common. Some natural community types, like Northern Hardwood Forest, occur over large areas, while others only occur as very small patches, like Black Gum Swamp. The highest quality examples of natural communities are those that are mature, have few invasive species, and that occur in a landscape that has little fragmentation from roads and development. Maintaining high quality examples of natural communities is an important step in conserving the many plant and animal species associated with each community. In addition, understanding the natural communities on a property provides a powerful tool for making sound forest management decisions, as each natural community type has its own set of qualities and constraints and the natural community concept is based on the potential vegetation of the site instead of the existing vegetation.

↑ contents

POST OFFICE.

(a) Designation- The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 35 Park Street in Danville, Vermont, shall be known and designated as the `Thaddeus Stevens Post Office'. (b) References- Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the `Thaddeus Stevens Post Office'. Passed the House of Representatives June 17, 2014. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk. able in terms of community composition, they consistently provide some of the most important ecological functions found in our landscape: they protect water quality; they contribute food base, structure, and shoreline stability to the adjacent aquatic ecosystems; they support many rare and uncommon natural communities and species due to the dynamic nature of the associated waters; and they provide critical habitat and movement corridors for many species of wildlife that are tied to this water -upland interface. Maintaining natural vegetation in riparian areas is the best way to protect these ecosystem functions. The width of riparian areas needed to protect ecosystem functions varies both with the particular location and with the function. For example, in an active floodplain of a larger river, protecting channel stability and the uncommon Floodplain Forest community would suggest maintaining natural vegetation cover on the entire floodplain. For a riparian area with stable, bedrock shorelines, a relatively narrow vegetated area is needed to protect surface water quality, but 300 feet or more is needed to maintain wildlife corridor functions. Riparian areas are especially susceptible to invasion by non-native species and control of these is important to protecting many of the biological functions.

↑ contents

Wetlands

Wetlands are well-known as critical habitat for many species. Wetlands come in many forms, but all provide important ecological functions and all have characteristics of abundant water, specially adapted vegetation, and saturated soils that distinguish them from adjacent uplands. Swamps are dominated by trees and shrubs, marshes are dominated by herbaceous plants, and peatlands (bogs and fens) have permanently saturated, deep organic soils. On a primarily upland property, the presence of even a small wetland of an acre or two adds significantly to the biological diversity of the property. It would not be uncommon to find 75 to 100 plant species in some small wetlands – mostly species that don’t occur in the surrounding uplands. Many species of wildlife rely on wetlands for all or part

↑ contents

May’s Got Fish?

Organizers Elena Gustavson, Sarah Mangan and Bobby & Stephany Searles reported a fantastic turnout for Cabot’s Local Business Expo and Children’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 17, with dozens of kids and their parents enjoying the fishing derby and over a hundred folks over the course of a cool and rainy day pass through the Expo, explore our town and village businesses and participate in the door prizes. In support of local business, a Cabot Investment Fund (UDAG) grant covered the cost of the tent and media outreach to advertise the event beyond Cabot’s borders and attract potential customers. The organizers reported that it was invigorating for local business owners to meet neighbors, share products and services, as well as connect with each other as peers. Anecdotal conversations with local residents and people from neighboring towns expressed a desire to see more “street-side” gatherings like this over the summer, in the form of a regular outdoor market (i.e.

↑ contents

Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are critical habitat for breeding amphibians. These small, ephemeral pools that occur in natural basins within upland forests are most obvious in the early spring when they contain standing water and the loud chorus of calling spring peepers and wood frogs. They typically become dry in mid to late summer, but can still be recognized then by the stained leaves marked by seasonal high water, sparse vegetation, and wetland soil characteristics. Vernal pools typically lack trees, but are shaded by trees growing in the surrounding upland forest. Spring peepers, wood frogs, spotted salamanders and other amphibians migrate to vernal pools on warm, rainy, spring nights for a couple of weeks of breeding, before returning to the upland forests where they spend the remainder of the year. The best protection for vernal pools and their amphibian inhabitants is to maintain a 100 foot protective buffer in which the forest is maintained in a natural condition. It is also recommended that forest management up to 600 feet from the pool edge maintain canopy cover, minimize creation of ruts from heavy machinery, and avoid direct mortality of migrating amphibians by not operating during spring migrations. These are just some of the important community level habitats we find in Vermont. Considering and conserving these habitats as part of forest management and land use planning will help to maintain the diverse values of our forests. The next article in this series will explore habitat quality at a smaller scale, with a focus on critical habitats. Eric Sorenson is an ecologist with the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program of Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. He can be reached at 802-241 -3714 or eric.sorenson@state.vt.us

↑ contents

P.I.E. Contest

Jean McCallum shows her first prize blue ribbon in the Cabot Partners In Education dessert contest, part of the CPIE Spring Fling BBQ for June Term. McCallum won for her blueberry pie entry. Judges were Will Walters of the Hardwick Gazette, Mike Mooney, principal of Twinfield Union School and his wife, Brenda Mooney. There were six entries in the first annual CPIE event. Will Walters photo.

↑ contents

Biddeford, ME.

Bryden Considine, D.O., son of Tom and Cia Considine of Cabot and a member of the graduating class of 2014 at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at commencement ceremonies held at the Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, on Saturday, May 17, 2014. UNE graduated 116 physicians at the ceremony, including 25 Master of Medical Education Leadership degree recipients. Bryden Considine, D.O., was hooded by his wife, Dr. Emma Considine, a UNE graduate of the class of 2013. The Hooding Address was delivered by William G. Anderson, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., Past President of the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Considine accepted an Internal Medicine Residency at The University of Connecticut, working at Hartford Hospital (Hartford, CT), St. Francis Hospital (Hartford, CT) and The Farmington Medical Center (Farmington, CT). The University of New England is a sicians for the state of Maine. top-ranked independent university with U.S. News & World Report has recognized two distinctive campuses located in the the College for its national leadership in coastal communities of Biddeford and primary care training, geriatrics, rural Portland, Maine, and a new campus in medicine and family medicine. UNE is Tangier, Morocco. UNE’s College of the leading provider of healthcare proOsteopathic Medicine is located on fessionals in Maine; it offers more than UNE’s oceanfront Biddeford Campus 40 undergraduate, graduate and profesand emphasizes the education of prisional degree programs and has intermary care physicians. The College has nationally recognized scholars in the graduated more than 2,800 osteopathic liberal arts, sciences, health and mediphysicians since its founding in 1978, cine. and is the number-one provider of phyFor more information, visit www.une.edu.

↑ contents

WEBSITE VOLUNTEER NEEDED NOW

The Cabot Chronicle needs someone to update the paper's website each month, starting right away. Work involves uploading approximately thirty articles at the beginning of each month, removing outdated material, and occasional midmonth updating when special events are going on, such as the community map for the townwide lawn sale. The need is continuous, but even if you can only help for a month or two, WE NEED YOU NOW! It would be a real help to the community.

↑ contents

By Michelle Delaney

The Recreational Department is doing upgrades to the recreational field this summer and we would like to ask that everyone keeps off the areas that will be marked off. We will be having pick up soccer at the Marcotte Field: From 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays are for family pick up soccer for all ages, this is organized by Lars Maine-Torres (5632757 or lhtorres@gmail.com). From 4-5:30 p.m. Mondays are for players entering the 5th through the 8th grade, this is organized by Michelle Delaney or mpsoccer2@aol.com) From 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays are for players entering 1st through 4th grade,

↑ contents

Cabot’s Annual 4th

The Cabot School PTO will be hosting their annual 4 th of July celebration on the 4 th . Come and join us in the wide range of activities that will be going on throughout the day: • — Rummage Sale & Yard Sale Cabot School Gym - 8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. • — Historical Society Exhibits - 9:00 a.m. –1:30 p.m. • — Parade – 11:00 a.m. on M ain Street • — Chicken BBQ at noon on the Recreation Field • — Live Music from the Malicious Brothers with special guest Micah Carbonneau on the Recreation Field.

↑ contents

Department

this is organized by Donna MacKinnon ( 5 9 5 - 9 4 2 9 mackinnon.dm@gmail.com ). From 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays o r

are for players entering 8th through 12th grade, this is organized by Michelle Delaney. Donna MacKinnon is organizing fall soccer and is collecting signup forms now. Please sign your child up now so we know how many teams we will have and can plan our games accordingly. Please e-mail Donna if you did not receive a sign up form from the school. Home schooled children are welcome. I do not usually encourage sedentary activities- but get your kids watching the World Cup if at all possible this summer!

↑ contents

of July Celebration

• Food off the grill, soda and snow cones, games for the whole family! We hope you can join us in Celebration! Free parking on the town common; the recreation-field is reserved for handicapped visitors and the elderly. For information or questions about the festivities, please call Wendy Bar-

↑ contents

Marble Run GO ZIP ZOOM ROLL

4:00 p.m. Free at the Craftsbury Public Library, ages 5-12. Variety of materials to engineer and build, work in pairs or a team, test creations and let marbles run.

Project MICRO with Janet Schwarz. 6:30 p.m. Remember the first time you looked through a microscope? Well, you will get a chance to observe bugs, fingerprints, and miniscule pond water inhabitants. There will be microscopes provided by UVM College of Medicine Microscopy Imaging Center. Free. Open to ages 8 and up at the Cabot Public Library.

↑ contents

Wednesday 7/2

HMS Pinafore 7:30 p.m., Gilbert and Sullivan operetta performed at Unadilla Theatre, Marshfield. $20 adults, $10 for children. Tickets and directions 802-4568968 . Is It Alive? with Pam Quinn. 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Children ages birth to age 7 will experience the difference between living and non-living things with handson exploration, scavenger hunt and making nature journals with items collected. At the Jaquith Library, Marshfield. There will be free lunch available after the program. Gooey Science with Jacqueline Soule 6:30 p.m. What makes rubber bands stretch and balls bounce? Come to the Jaquith Library in Marshfield to find out. Each child and adult will make a concoction (safe and non-toxic) to take home. Open to people of all ages.

↑ contents

Cabot Independence Day celebra-

tion TODAY. Rummage sale and yard sale at the Cabot School Gym 8:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. Historical Society exhibits; PARADE at 11:00 a.m. Chicken barbecue with the fixings ($8.00 ¼ chicken, $10 1/2 chicken) at noon on the recreation field and live music from the Malicious Brothers with special guest Micah Carbonneau. Food off the grill, soda, snow cones and games for the whole family. Free Parking on the Common in front of the church, the Recreation Field is reserved for the elderly and handicapped. Restrooms available at the gym and Port-o-Lets on the recreation field.

↑ contents

Sunday 7/6

Spirits of Vermont 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 121 Park St., Danville. This is a wonderful event not to be missed. It will be a great opportunity to try products from VT wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. Must be 21+ years old. To benefit Danville Pope Memorial Library.

↑ contents

Burke Hiking Day Camp for Kids

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Spend days exploring all that the Northeast Kingdom has to offer, variety of camps: mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking. Contact 802-

Vermont's Moose 6:30 p.m. Cabot Public Library. Learn the biology and management from Cedric Alexander, Moose Project Leader, of VT Fish and Wildlife Department. Learn the history of the moose in Vermont, extrication, restoration, current status and future projection of their health.

↑ contents

Antiques

and Uniques Festival 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Craftsbury Common. Over 100 vendors on the Common offering A to Z specialty foods. Antique car owners are asked to drive to event for special parking and viewing. Great day of shopping, socializing, picnicking, live music and barbecue tent.

↑ contents

Summer Music from Greensboro

8:00 p.m. at the Greensboro United Church of Christ featuring “Cavatina Duo” the best flute and guitar duo in the world today. $20 adults, Free under 18. For tickets and directions go to www.summermusicfromgreensboro.net Action Origami with Gail Martin. Back by popular demand. 6:30 p.m. at the Cabot Public Library. Participants will make and decorate some of the following from paper. Spinners, copters, birds, frogs, hang gliders, poppers, windmills and skeletal octahedron.

↑ contents

Cold Blooded Critters with North

Branch Nature Center. 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library open to children ages 0-7. All types of amphibians and reptiles call Vermont home. Some in ponds, river streams, and underground. Meet some animals and do hands-on activities to learn about them. Free lunch after the program. Folk Dancing with Sue Morris.7:00 p.m. Learn folk dances from around the world. All ages and beginners are welcome at the Jaquith Public Library.

↑ contents

Monday 7/21

OPEN HOUSE 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. for Twin Valley Seniors Center at 4583 US Route 2 East Montpelier. Hosted by MVP Healthcare and cordially invites all to join us to show appreciation and support to a secure lovely new home for all surrounding communities to enjoy. Come and check us out and enjoy the chicken barbecue at 12 noon, music and tour of the new facility.

↑ contents

Thursday 7/24

The Caretaker 7:30 p.m. Classic Harold Pinter comedy Unadilla Festival Theatre, 501 Blachly Road, Marshfield, $20adults, $10 for children, 802-4568968. Free Summer Concert 6:30 p.m. Performance by Michael Arnowitt's Improvisions Jazz Quartet at Old Schoolhouse Common gazebo on the lawn of the Jaquith Public Library in Marshfield. Bring your chairs, blankets and enjoy a lovely evening listening to great music.

↑ contents

Thursday 7/31

Free Summer Concert 6:30 p.m. Featuring Cold Country Bluegrass and Kick 'Em Jenny in the Old Schoolhouse Common gazebo in Marshfield. Bring your chairs and blankets and have a rip roaring time listening to some good music.

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

Healthy Living Gentle Exercise Pro-

gram, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield 10:45a.m.-11:45 a.m., free. All levels welcome. Sponsored by Twin Valley Seniors. Movie Matinee, every Monday, 1:00 p.m., Twin Valley Senior Center, Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield Classic Film Night, first Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. with Rick Winston and Tom Blachly. Jacquith Public Library 4263581, Marshfield.lib.vt.us

↑ contents

By Laura Stőmke

Laura Stőmke is an exchange student from Halle (Saale), Germany, staying with the Mueller-Harder family. She left Germany August 22, having finished tenth grade, and when she returns, she will still have two more years of school. She won’t get credit for her time here because the school system is so different. She expects to take fourteen different subjects next year. Ten months ago, I arrived in Cabot, not knowing what to expect and knowing nobody. Today, Cabot is my home, Cabot High School is my school, and I have a family here! I cannot believe that my exchange year is almost over - time never went by faster. It was an amazing experience, and I want to thank everybody who made my exchange year so fantastic. To share my adventures and to show my experience being an exchange student, I wrote the following essay: “Why do you want to do an exchange year?” my family and friends as well as everyone else asked me. I had a lot of reasons and still could not explain it to others. I imagined how my exchange year would be, but I actually had no idea. I talked with former exchange students about their experiences, but looking back now, I see that they had a totally different year. You cannot describe what an exchange year is before you do it yourself. It is not like moving to a new city or spending a vacation away from home. You go by yourself, knowing that you will not return for the next ten months. You know nobody and nobody speaks your language. An exchange year is meeting new people. You leave your family and friends behind. From time to time you will feel alone, but you will find new friends and even a new family. Not that you forget everybody at home, but your family will become bigger. An exchange year is meeting people you never talked to before but who know your name. An exchange year means new traditions. You will experience new holidays and celebrate others differently. Your family and friends will explain them to you, and you will show them some of your culture. You think about your holidays back home and about small traditions your family had. An exchange year is learning. You study and go to school, sometimes with no idea what is happening. You keep on trying and you will learn a new language. At the same time, you

↑ contents

Year in Cabot

will forget your own language, and are just barely able to remember your new one. You learn to ask for help and to not give up. You learn that you do not always have to worry and that it gets better when you just wait. An exchange year is thinking. Thinking about people back home and why you are not there. Thinking about school, homework and free time. You think about your past and how things will be when you go back home. About how much you love the people you did not even know a year ago. You think about how strange things were back at home, things you did not even question before. You think about things you want to do when you are back home and about all the things you still want to do before that. And you will question how your family used to do things, because you start to forget old traditions and new ones become normal to you. An exchange year is millions of feelings. A former exchange student described an exchange year like a ride on a roller coaster. You wait, excited and nervous, a long time before it starts. But when it finally starts, you leave the ground behind you and cannot really see what is in front of you. You get doubtful feelings, questioning yourself if all of this was a good idea. And then an unbelievable ride begins: there are ups and downs, fast turns and upside down parts. At the end, you are sad that it is over and wish you could do it again, but you are also proud to have survived it. An exchange year is being open to new things. An exchange year is making the uncomfortable comfortable. You have to be open to new traditions and a lot of unknown things, even if some of them seem stupid to you. When I imagined my exchange year, I never thought about a place like Cabot. I knew it would be unlikely to live in a gigantic city like New York, but I never imagined myself living in a place like Cabot. But I suspected even less that I would fall in love with this “tiny” town in the middle of nowhere with more than half a year of winter. An exchange year changes you. You develop with every new and unexpected task. You find out what is important to you, and what you are not going to do. You get used to the unknown, and once unknown situations become known to you, you learn to live. An exchange year is not a year in your life. It is a life in a year. You cannot describe this. You can only experience it.

↑ contents

By Helen Morrison

All of us have heard of the benefits of having pets, that they can lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety. They can sense an epileptic seizure coming on, can help bring us out of our shell, lift our spirits, and literally make us feel physically better. There are stories of folk who are physically or emotionally challenged being opened up by loving and caring for a pet. Those who are incarcerated can be softened, become more vulnerable, let their guard down, and begin to reach out for re-entry into society by tending to a pet. Certainly in my own life, when I have felt sad or unwell, one of my cats is right there with me, just being a caring companion. They don’t ask for anything. They just lie right up against me, there until I feel better. For all the stories in the news, it is comforting to run into these stories first hand. Over the past year and a half, while working at the Kingdom Animal Shelter, there have been numerous stories of the healing power of pets. Several adopters came in because they had had cancer and had received good reports on their present status. For one, adopting kittens was a celebration of hope and the future. For another, she wanted a companion. And, as it turned out, both the cat and the woman discovered the healing power of each for the other. It is absolutely heart-warming to see these two so happy together. Another story involves a much older person who was dying. Her cat stayed right by her side, never left, through the entire journey.

↑ contents

Potentially Deadly

You may have noticed a posting last month on Front Porch Forum about a mare in the area with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) not diagnosed early and euthanized. This is not a disease often seen in Vermont. According to Hardwick Veterinary Clinic personnel, equine encephalitis is usually more of a concern. It can be spread by mosquitoes, but a vaccination is available. EPM has not been prevalent in Vermont, but as opossums (the primary vectors) move north, more cases can be expected. The infection is caused by a parasite carried by the opossums, and horses can pick it up if they graze or drink water that has been contaminated by opossum fecal matter. The best way to safeguard horses from the

↑ contents

hronicle

After the woman passed, the family very much wanted to bring the cat into their home because the cat had been such a good companion to their mom. They wanted to, in a sense, keep their mother’s spirit with them in the presence of her cat. Still another adopter was having a difficult time with depression. Bringing kittens into her home has, in her words, “given her something to center her, something that needs her love and care”. And as a result, her depression is lifting. And these kittens have a wonderful loving home. And finally, a story from one of our volunteers. Her stepson and his fiancée visited this volunteer one weekend. The fiancée went upstairs to take a nap. One of the house cats, who is very shy and usually disappears when guests come, followed her upstairs, snuggled up to her, and began licking and pushing at an area on her neck. He just wouldn’t stop. Ultimately, the fiangot up and checked her neck...and found a lump. On her return home, she had the lump assessed and it was malignant. It seems the cat had sensed that. Had that not happened, it is hard to know how long it would have been before she found the lump. More and more, as I work at the Shelter, I love the cats, of course. But it isn’t just about the cats. It is about the cats, it is about the people who adopt them, and about what they bring to each other’s lives. It’s about finding the right match of a particular cat, a particular person, and their unique situations.

↑ contents

Horse Disease

dangers of opossums is to avoid leaving food available to attract them and maintain good rabies prevention. It is not spread horse-to-horse. Once infected, the symptoms of EPM, such as changes in gait and appearing lame, may be overlooked, and by the time diagnosed, EPM may be well established. There are different stages of the neurological disease, some with less severe symptoms, and treatments have mixed results. Some horses have lived long lives, but a neurologically-damaged horse cannot be ridden, and over time, advanced symptoms can kill the horse. The best strategy is prevention. More information is available about EPM at this website: www.thehorse.com - search for EPM.

↑ contents

By Bruce Westcott

The best 100 minutes you'll ever spend: romping through British silliness. And with beautiful music! Something about a sailor, his captain, his true love and mistaken identity. Come see some great singing by your Cabot neighbors: Lynn McKinney, Sue & Sam Carpenter, James Haugland, Ellie Blachly and others. Performances on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., for the first two weeks in July. Details are at www.unadilla.org.

↑ contents

Special Rate for

The Second Annual Cabot Ride the Ridges will be on Sunday, September July

save night and be split

the hire us keep and admission to the ballgame. You 14, on the Cabot Green. It is a fun and won’t have to pay for parking, and you’ll challenging mostly dirt road bike ride be dropped off near the admission gate. through the scenic landscapes of Cabot We need to know by July 6 how many and Peacham to benefit the Cabot Conpeople want to go, to determine if this is nects mentoring program. We have feasible. Please email inrides for everyone: — a Family Fun 10 km, — the Sturdy 30 km, July 6 if you want to reserve seats on the — the Rugged 60 km and bus. If we don’t get enough people to charter a bus, we’ll try to arrange car — the Warped 100 km. pooling. There will be aid stations along the way for refreshments and help with bikes. One of the best parts of this event, besides the beautiful views and fun, will be the fantastic wood fired pizza from Woodbelly, the gourmet cheeses of Cellars at Jasper Hill, the specialty goat cheeses of Vermont Creamery, Kingdom Creamery Ice Cream, Vermont Switchel, Kicking Horse Coffee, Burtt's apples, Sweet B's

↑ contents

Cabot Residents

Kids 12 and under are free! All Cabot residents get the special rate of $10.00! Many thanks to all our sponsors: Bourne's Energy, Cellars at Jasper Hill, Concept 2, Hunger Mountain Coop, National Life Group, Northeast Vermont Regional Hospital, Union Bank, Vermont Creamery, Washington, Electric Coop, Woodbury Mountain Toys, and Zutano. And thanks also to a fantastic team of people helping to put this all together: Lori Augustyniak, Mark Bromley, Mark Christensen, Cia Considine, Andy Gilbert, Jacqueline Lumbra, Matt Moody, Lynn Rockwell, Paul Wade and Tim Walker. Special thanks also to Jeannie Johnson and Todd Jones for their support. If you have any questions or would like to register, please call Kathleen Hoyne at 5633338.

↑ contents

By Rita Copeland

Twin Valley Senior Center has grown acquainted with our new Center since our move in mid-May. We are very comfortable and enjoy the extra space. We are meeting new friends, having recruited a couple of new volunteers whom we welcome with open arms. They are Ann Bailey and Andrea Blanchard, and they both work as hostesses in the dining room on different days. We are hoping to recruit more volunteers so that we may reach our goal of being open five days a week. Volunteers are needed as follows: Meals on Wheels, to learn all aspects of the process so you might fill in for vacation and days off of regular volunteers. Activity Planner, to plan and schedule in-house activities as well as booking day trips, etc. Event Planner to plan and book people that would be interested in doing presentations at the Center for both our members and the community. This could include local historians, artists, authors, musicians, or any entertainment that Seniors and community members would enjoy. Exercise Leaders to learn the Bone Builders and Tai chi programs to lead sessions so that we may expand the times and days offered. We would like to have a volunteer join us that would like to plan and oversee evening and weekend events. We need volunteers that would be willing to help oversee and work fundraising events.

↑ contents

ENIOR C ENTER

Of course, we are always open to ideas and suggestions from community members for programs and events they would like to see happen in our area. If you can spare any amount of time and would like to help, please contact us at

TVSC now has a great space that is centrally located that we would like to offer to all of the six towns we serve,

↑ contents

and adults of all abilities.

giving each the opportunity to use our space for different functions, which, in turn, will help support the Center. In the very near future, please watch for Sign up for the summer reading program and win prizes, t-shirts and enter our raffle to win a $25.00 gift details of events we will host, cater or lease our new space to help with our extra expenses. The phone number to TVSC is (802)

152, East Montpelier, VT, 05651 and the physical address is 4583 US Route 2, East Montpelier. Some times have changed due to our move: We are open 9:00a.m.-2:00 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays Bone Builders: 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Tai Chi Class, Mondays 1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m. Scheduled In-House Presentations: 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (longer if needed) Lunch served at 12:15 p.m. (unless delayed) We will be closed on Friday, July 4 th . We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. July 2nd we will be having an outdoor barbecue at the Center July 9 th & July 30 th Foot Clinic July 21 st SASH July 21 st Grand Open House 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m., BBQ & Music at noon July 25 th Day trip with details to be announced We invite everyone to just stop by and see the our new digs. We invite you to join us for a nutritional lunch with suggested donation of $4.00 age 60+ and $5.00 all others. Save your treasures for August to rent a table at the TVSC Flea Market, which we are now planning. If you can spare any amount of time please consider contacting us at 232.

↑ contents

Evening Programs:

(Days and times vary.)

Tuesday, July 1 – 6:30pm - Project MICRO with Janet Schwarz Remember the first time that you looked through a microscope??? Project MICRO (Microscopy in Curriculum, Research-Outreach) exposes Vermont youth to the wonders of their microscopic world. They may observe bizarre bugs, “filch” fingerprints and be mesmerized by miniscule pond water inhabitants. We bring all of the microscopes (both dissecting and compound), eye loupes, and pocket microscopes. Project MICRO is sponsored by the UVM College of Medicine Microscopy Imaging Center and is largely dependent upon volunteers . Suggested age: 8 and up.

Tuesday, July 8 th – 6:30pm - The Biology and Management of Vermont’s Moose with Cedric Alexander

Cedric Alexander, Moose Project Leader, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept., will review the history of the presence of moose in Vermont, the extrication and restoration, current status, management, and future projections of their health.

Tuesday, July 15 th - 6:30pm - Action Origami with Gail Martin

Back by popular demand! Participants will make and decorate some of the following from paper: spinners, helicopters, flapping birds, hopping frogs, hang gliders, poppers, windmills, and a skeletal octahedron. Come see a display of samples sent in advance by Gail!

Friday, August 22 nd – 7:00 pm –

↑ contents

Mayfly with Katie Trautz and Julia Wayne

Mayfly , Americana/Old-time duo, is a Vermont based band that performs old-time New England and Appalachian music, as well as original songwriting on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and vocals. Mayfly has been performing for over 10 years, touring throughout the USA and Canada. The ladies have two albums, one of which won ‘Best Traditional Album of the Year’ in Vermont. Mayfly intersperses close harmony vocals with strong instrumentals influenced by blues, ballads, and American roots music.

↑ contents

LAUGHING TURTLE

We have a strong tradition of learning to live in health, harmony and respect in every part of our lives. Our first priority is having fun together while learning to take personal responsibility for our choices. Our goal is to develop caring, connected and capable young people who share a strong and abiding commitment to themselves, their community, and the natural environment. Our staff is variously gifted in music, drama, creative arts, outdoor living, hiking, sports, backpacking, outdoor, carpentry, gardening and leadership skills. They reflect the values we most appreciate and share a commitment to providing positive and healthy learning experiences which foster creativity and promote feelings of independence and self-esteem. At camp we help kids understand that they are special and that summer is about the fun they create as they find new friends and face new challenges.

↑ contents

GRANT SLOTS STILL AVAILABLE:

If eligible for any child care subsidies, take advantage of a grant for 100% of the cost of camp.

For more information, cal Judy at

or visit the website. To register online, w.camplaughingturtle.com pleased to announce their summer theater schedule. All show are familyfriendly and feature local children from 7 years old through graduating high school seniors. This year we are pleased to present:

↑ contents

West Side Story

tickets:

Evening performances:

Children 12 and under: $6

Teens and Seniors: $8

Adults: $10

Matinees - All seats: $5 The Vermont Children's Theater provides the children in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont with a practical introduction to theater, developing theatrical technique, self-confidence and personal responsibility regardless of their ability to pay. The VCT is committed to the pleasure, enjoyment, sense of self worth and accomplishment of children, collectively and as individuals. Family members are invited and encouraged to take an active role with their children, as volunteers in the many support activities required for the success of the program.

The Vermont Children’s Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and contributions are tax deductible.

The Vermont Children's Theater

2283 Darling Hill Road Lyndonville, VT 05851

↑ contents

← From the Cabot Chronicle