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The Cabot Chronicle

July 2015 · 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 2015 pages (PDF)

Text extracted from the original pages and checked for reading order. Advertisements, listings, the calendar and puzzles are omitted. Where part of a story could not be converted cleanly, it is marked and the full story is in the PDF.

In This Issue

Walden Bridge Project Postponed

Bridge Closure Period:

The 28-day closure is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6, 2015. Project completion is scheduled for October 2015. Construction to replace the Walden Route 15 Bridge 83, located over Joe’s Brook approximately five miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line, has been postponed. Originally, construction was scheduled to begin in June, with the closure period starting June 22. The contractor has postponed the closure dates due to coordination with a supplier for bridge components that are needed during the closure period. The contractor has a window of time between June 22 and August 21 to close the bridge for 28-days. New construction dates have not been confirmed and will be released as soon as they become available. Crews will mobilize equipment and perform light preparation work for the next few weeks. The project will replace the existing bridge, which has a sub-standard width and is in rectional signs. Motorists wanting to travel to Hardwick on VT 15 from US 2 West will continue on US 2 West to VT 215 Marshfield and follow VT 215 to VT 15 in Walden. Motorists traveling from VT 15 in Walden to US 2 East will take VT 215 to Marshfield to US 2 East. After the closure period ends, work will continue on the bridge with daily lane closures.

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Important Rules for Cabot Recycling Depot

By Ben Davis, Cabot/Marshfield representative to the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District

Residents of Cabot and ne ighbo ring towns have been doing a great job of sorting their recyclables and ensuring a high quality recycling stream. As Vermont’s new recycling law comes into effect over the summer, we expect that participation at the Recycling Depot will begin to increase. For all those that have already been recycling—thank you very much. For you area residents who are just now beginning to use the Depot—welcome. Here is some important information for all Recycling Depot users to know: All our recyclable materials are sold to processors to help fund the recycling service. Processors are very picky about what they will pay top dollar for, so please help us keep contaminants out of our recycled materials.

(see Recycling, page 3)

Carlton helped me through the transition when I became Town Clerk. I had only encountered him up in the top of the old warehouse in the Creamery building; honestly, he was so big and commanding that I was afraid of him at first! He was in charge of that area, and I was a new employee invading his territory! Then I discovered the Carlton that everybody else seemed to know: gruff, accommodating, and with a smile made up mostly of the curving of his lips and the twinkle in his eye. And I will always be grateful to him on the day my mom died – I was in the Clerk’s office and had just taken the call

– he came in, asked what was wrong, and gently took my hand and just held it. He did that often over the next couple of weeks.

It’s unfortunate that this award is being presented after Carlton has passed, but the Selectboard and the School Board members are grateful to have the opportunity to remember a man who did so much for so many of the townspeople. At the funeral service, the listers spoke of facing challenges with the mantra, “What would Carlton do?” General George C. Marshall said, “There is no limit to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Carlton served his country and his town throughout his life without taking any credit. These two quotes surely define Carlton Domey and speak of someone worthy of the 2015 Cabot Community Service Award.” The award was accepted on Carlton’s behalf by his wife of 56 years, Marvarene (Marvie) Domey, accompanied by Robyn Hall, one of his daughters.

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Community Service Award to Carlton Domey

Folsom made the presentation, and this is what she said: “Good evening and welcome! My name is Jackie Folsom, and I have the privilege of presenting the 2015 Cabot Community Service Award tonight posthumously to Carlton Domey. Born and raised in Cabot, Carleton was a farmer, an employee of Cabot Creamery for more than 30 years, Cabot Zoning Administrator for 20 years and Town Lister for 25 years. He was also an active member of the Willey Building Committee. Despite all those years of service to the town and interaction with its residents, when I googled Carlton, there were only two references that came up. One was his obituary; the other was a court case in 2002 involving a sewer permit. (By the way, the court ruled in his favor). He was a member of the United Church of Cabot, the Vermont Assessors and Listers Association and the American Legion. He spent his entire life in the town in which he was born, raising a family of five and a beautiful garden. Like many of his generation, he seemed to travel below the radar – but if you wanted to know anything that was happening in town, he was the “go to” guy. His quiet leadership and strength of character guided the town through zoning challenges and changes in the Town Clerk’s office and many folks in town searched him out for guidance.

Marvey Domey accepting award on behalf of Carlton Domey. Photo courtesy Will Walters. Each year at high school graduation the Cabot Selectboard and School Board together recognize the valuable contributions over many years of a Cabot resident. This year’s honoree is the late Carlton Domey, lifelong resident, father of five, Cabot Creamery retiree, zoning administrator, lister, Willey Building Committee member, gardener extraordinaire and soft-spoken unofficial mentor to many. Jackie ������������������������������

Rummage/Yard Sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m. � Chicken BBQ Noon on the Rec. Field � Live Music!

Lots of fun and games for the whole family on the Rec. Field after the parade!

Parade will start 11 a.m. � Historical Society Exhibits 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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REPORT FROM THE LEGISLATURE

By Representative Catherine (Kitty) Toll

During the offsession, I will highlight legislative actions from the 2015 legislative sesbudget includes $6.75 million for technical assistance and direct investment in water quality projects throughout the state. The surcharge on the property transfer tax is estimated raise $5.3 million in FY2016.

Recycling - This summer, key components of Vermont’s Universal Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal Law that was passed in 2012 will take effect. Prior to this legislation, recycling rates in the state had stagnated and the intent of this bill was to encourage those who were not recycling to do so. It is estimated that Vermonters are only recycling about one half of recyclable materials. Beginning on July 1, residential trash charges must be based on volume or weight; haulers must offer residential recycling collection at no separate charge; recyclables are banned from landfills; transfer stations/drop-off facilities must accept leaf and yard debris, and public buildings must provide recycling containers alongside all trash containers in public spaces with the exception of restrooms. Private businesses are not considered public spaces. An example of this is a gas station. If trash containers are located between gas pumps, recycling containers are not required. Private businesses are also not responsible for individuals who dispose of personal trash in business containers. The Legislature adopted a waiver process enabling haulers and municipalities that are attaining the state's disposal and diversion goals through alternative means to continue to so. The Agency of Natural Resources will assist municipalities that want to take advantage of the waiver process. For more information regarding recycling requirements in Vermont through 2020 visit: www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/solid/swmdlist/htm or contact your area solid waste management district. I appreciate hearing from you. I can be reached by email: [email protected] or by phone at home 563.2627. To get more information on the Vermont Legislature, and bills which have been proposed and passed, visit the legislative website: www.leg.state.vt.us sion.

Vermont Clean Water Act - Cleaning up Vermont’s waters is critical to Vermont’s environment and economy. Vermont’s lakes, ponds and rivers help to contribute nearly $2 billion in tourism activities each year. However, these very same waters are struggling from pollution, and efforts over the decades have not kept pace with the impact of storm water runoff, agricultural use, and high water events. This year, the Legislature passed a comprehensive water quality bill. H.35

– The Vermont Clean Water Act, was signed into law by the Governor on June 16. The legislation addresses all land use sectors, including Vermont’s roads and highways, agricultural operations, developed land and urban areas, treatment plants and forestlands, and requires improved practices and participation in providing resources to fund a sustained and dedicated effort. The bill mandates that the owners and operators of small farms certify compliance with Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs). The RAPs will be amended to include management and operational improvements, including water quality training and custom applicator certification. The enforcement provisions with regard to agriculture and water quality will be enhanced to provide a defined path to resolve conflicts and violations. All commercial development will be required to implement and maintain best management practices (BMPs), with a focus on impaired watersheds. Regulations will be determined by size and impact, and will be further guided by regional basin plans. Rules adopted to manage regulated storm water runoff will focus on compliance with Vermont water quality standards. Municipalities will also be required to obtain a storm water general permit for discharges from town roads. Towns will inventory all roads and develop a prioritized implementation plan for improvement and to comply with BMPs. To ensure Vermont’s commitment to improving water quality, a special fund will be established to achieve a clean water goal. This fund will assist municipalities in complying with requirements and implementation schedules. Nonprofits, regional organizations, and other entities will be able to contribute to this fund. One Vermont business, Keurig Green Mountain, kicked off efforts with a $5 million donation. Additionally, this initiative is funded with an appropriation in the Capital Bill, identified money from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, federal funds, and a 0.2 percent surcharge on the property transfer tax. The capital

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

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COUNTRY COMMENTARY

Summer has arrived, heralded by the black flies and the deer flies. The lakes and ponds are wonderful respite from these bloodthirsty creatures. There are plenty of water holes here and there scattered about, known by some. The beach is a very popular place and creemies are the food of choice. Must have the maple creemie, as it is the best in my humble opinion, but I am sure it is a shared opinion, though chocolate is a very close second. Lemonade, iced tea, along with other pleasantly cold drinks are savored during the hottest part of the summer, when it feels like a hot wet blanket is smothering. The potatoes planted are standing not terribly high, but are definitely happy and growing. The tomato plants are in the green house and are very comfortable in their temporary home. We have flowering fruit trees, like the pear tree is loaded this year so later for harvest we will be happy campers to be sure. The apples this year look as if they will produce well, too. Have you never had apple/pear juice? Oh, it’s good stuff. A pleasant blend to bring in the fall and it tastes good hot or cold—mmmmmm. The grasses are growing tall as we fall behind on mowing. The mower broke again this year. I like the hawk weed/Indian paint brushes and the wild strawberries, marsh mallow, fever few and all the resplendent wild flowers that some think of as weeds. Nature does put a lovely dress on. I love lying back in the dry grass and watching the clouds scud across a bright blue sky. I imagine them as all manner of creatures, real or imagined. BBQ’s are all the rage for summer, keeping the heat out doors and the cool in. Grilled anything is something to look forward to. Veggies, MEAT, yes I am an omnivore, I am afraid, not by choice, mind, and I hope I don’t offend anyone, but If I must eat it for health reasons, then I suppose I should try to enjoy it. Funny thing. Life is full of paradox and irony. The summer months are few, so I try to enjoy the best of it. I like taking photographs of loons and other wild birds.

I enjoy walks with my dog and partner. He holds my hand and we walk like two people in love, as we deeply are. I love letting loose our chickens from roosting to free range. I enjoy the stars and lightening bugs on a clear warm night. There is so much to delight, in spite of the things we most certainly complain about. Someone once said that the reason why it rains so much is because “that’s what makes the Green Mountains so green,” and I must agree. We have so much lush green beauty and wonderfully loamy soil, at least in most places, where it hasn’t been over farmed and what not. Summer is a special time of year when things are growing and we are wiping the sweat from our brows. The humidity is difficult to breathe in, all the better to appreciate the rain and the cool breezes, and rainbows that come after. Summer in Vermont is a gift, really. A tourist state that people come up to see, we have the advantage and privilege to live here in our little corner of the world. Vacation? Who needs to go anywhere when we have everything we need in our back yard? Wild life, greenery, peace, relaxation, a nice cold drink, I like iced coffee, myself. Well I will leave you with this: Many happy days of sunshine and relaxing mellow days of rain! May the bugs leave you alone and may you have plenty of time enjoying being home!

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OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Robert C. Searles Robert C. Searles, 85, of Barre Town, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, June 12, 2015, at the University of Vermont Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends.

Son of the late Harry and Addie Searles of Cabot, beloved husband of Mary Paul Searles, loving brother of the late "Peggy" Marion Godfrey of Cabot, the late Earl Searles of Walden, Marjorie "Buddy" Gendron of Montpelier, the late Gordon "Jack" Searles of Manchester, New Hampshire, Shirley "Betsy" McClay of Cabot, the late Roger "Jake" Searles of Cabot, Forest "Bun" Searles of Claremont, NH, the late Roland Searles of Cabot, the late Doris "Patsy" Hovey of Cabot, Olive "Teddy" Wilson of Newbury, Donna Winchester of Newbury, the late Lester "Beaver" Searles of Hancock, NH, the late Madeline "Hodgy" Camp of Barre, the late Mary Rocheleau of Concord, and the late Richard "Dickie" Searles of Cabot, loving father of Dennis Searles and his wife, Evelyn Searles of Cabot, Sherry LeBlanc and her husband, Robert LeBlanc of Barre, the late Edwin Peake Searles of Barre, Tina Wells Peake Searles Dindo and her husband Mike Dindo of Barre, Bobby Searles and his wife, Stephany Searles of Cabot, Paul Peake Searles and his wife, Lisa Searles of Swanton, Jason Searles and his wife Candice Searles of Grass Valley, CA, Chrissy Searles and her partner Alison Graves of Montpelier, proud grandfather of Michael Searles and his husband Bill DelGaudio of Barre, Jody

Rose Talbert Rose (Sullenberger) Talbert of Cabot passed away peacefully at home Sunday, June 7, surrounded by family, after multiple valiant battles with cancer. She was born March 7, 1942, in Lansing, MI, to June (George) and Herbert Sullenberger. The family moved to Barre, VT, in 1943. At eight years of age, Rose was the oldest child of four when her mother passed away. The family then moved in with their aunt and uncle, Lloyd and Wilma Lovely of Cabot, and their children. Rose attended Cabot School. She married Kenneth Talbert in 1961 and had two sons, Charles and Brian. Rose's professional life was in service to young children. She worked at Cabot School as a paraeducator for many years and, fueled by this experience, went on to get her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Johnson State College as an adult, a degree she applied to her case worker position with the federal program, Head Start. Rose helped hundreds of young Vermonters prepare for success in Searles of Cabot and his wife Leslie Searles of FL, Jamie Leblanc and his wife Maude Searles of Milton, the late Judson Leblanc of Barre, Cory and Craig Wells; Taryn, Kaleb and Jesse Dindo; Denise and Tonya Searles; Abigal, Wyatt, Ethan and Oliver; Dyland and Hope. He was a loving and proud great-grandfather of ten greatgrandchildren. Robert was a U.S. Army medic serving aboard the hospital ship USS Hope (AH-7) during World War II. He survived a Japanese kamikaze attack on this ship and was then reassigned to the medical ship USS Comfort (AH-6). He was a cheese-maker at Cabot Creamery and was reassigned to the local Barre Cabot plant. Robert was the plant supervisor at the Barre Waste Water Treatment Plant, where he retired after 36 years of service. He was a man of many talents; his hobbies included building outdoor ice skating rinks for his children and those in the neighborhood, woodworking, fishing, bow and rifle hunting, horse shoes, snowmobiling, camping, and archery (he competed in many archery tournaments). He had a lifetime membership to The Whistling Arrow Archery Club, being instrumental in the design of the course in East Montpelier. Calling hours were held at Pruneau- Polli Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 16, and a gravesite service was held on Wednesday, June 17 at Hope Cemetery in Barre. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Whistling Arrow Archery Club, 119 George Rd., East Calais, VT, 05650-8613, or to any charity of one's choosing.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 3 onward.

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Cabot Community Association Update

By Debra Zimmerman, Coordinator

Agricultural Network Committee Summer activities are here! The Cabot Agriculture Network (C.A.N.) committee is spreading the word about Snacking With The Seasons”, a great outdoor nutritional and fun activity for all ages. Snacking With The Seasons organizers remind us that “Foods harvested in season are the freshest and yummiest!” Everyone, pre-school through seniors, is invited to enjoy gathering, preparing and eating great food from local farms and gardens on four Wednesdays this summer. Led by farmer Christy Aucoin of Dancin’ Carrot Farm and homesteader Susie Socks, “Snacking With The Seasons” offers most sessions at 156 Urban Road in Cabot (Socks Homestead); the location or date may change depending on weather and crop availability. Meeting dates and food possibilities are: July 1—strawberries, salad greens, peas . . . perhaps a big salad with strawberry dressing, smoothies, and strawberry shortcake. July 22—raspberries, broccoli, salad greens, herbs. Might make raspberry jam and biscuits, and creamy herb dip for the broccoli and greens. August 12—blueberries, tomatoes, basil, carrots. Maybe blueberry muffins, and grilled tomatoes with fresh basil and carrot sticks. September 2—apples, sweet corn, potatoes, peppers, melons. In the literature describing Snacking with the Seasons, Susan Socks says “Wow! I know we’ll think of something to do with all that food!” She explains “We usually find a few extra goodies while we’re gathering the main crop (fresh peppermint tea, anyone?) and “The menu is subject to change, because sometimes, sadly, the bugs or groundhogs get there before us.” For questions and to register, please contact Susie at [email protected] or 563-2073. Children under 7 need to bring an adult. Another popular summer program already underway is All about Dairy Goats. Offered by Lynn and Martha Rockwell at Long Field Farm, Lynn reports a recent success - Seven children attended Saturday, June 13. The same group is scheduled to return on August 22 and August 28. A huge thank you goes out to Niels Larson from all of us at the Cabot Community Association for the hard work, dedication, and great job that Niels did with the Agricultural and 4H Youth Programs over the years. Niels was a creative and successful youth program organizer who got it all done with a twinkle in his eyes and a quiet sense of humor. Thank you Niels! As Niels explained in the June Chronicle, he is “relinquishing his role as Coordinator, and the Agriculture Network Committee is looking for someone with an interest in fostering interaction among school age youth, farmers, and others working the land to join the Committee.” So, if you have these interests and are willing to serve, please contact Sjon Welters, Chairman of the Agricultural Network Committee, at sjon@rhapsody naturalfoods.com. Reminders for Fall Ag Network program offerings—growing rice with Sjon Welters, intro to horses and horse care with Karen Mueller-Harder, and a Cloverbud 4-H group for 5-7 year old children with Amber Bothfeld, are all coming up. Amber Bothfeld is also planning to start a 4H club for 8-18 year olds.

Please call 279-9297 if your child is interested.

Cabot Community Fund After publicly announcing the need for community members to join the Cabot Community Fund Review Committee, the Cabot Community Association is happy to announce that five volunteers have agreed to serve on this Committee. Members of the new Committee are Brigitte Codling, Jackie Folsom, Jeanne Johnson, Madeleif Welters, and Bruce Wescott. The newly formed Cabot Community Fund Review Committee met on June 10 and elected Madeleif Welters as Chairperson, Jackie Folsom as Vice- Chairperson and Bruce Wescott as Recording Secretary. The Committee will meet at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, in months during which actionable items have been provided. A quorum of three members is required to transact business. Decisions will be made by a majority of those present and the Chairperson will vote only to break a tie. The Cabot Community Fund is a newly established fund that is unique and distinctly different from the Cabot Community Investment Fund, formerly known as U.D.A.G.

Borrowing Procedures for Inflatables, Tables, and Sign Board As many of you know, the Cabot Community Association (C.C.A.) owns tables, sign boards and an inflatable slide and an inflatable bouncy house. The Association frequently lends these items to community groups and is happy to continue to do so. In the past, the Association has only asked that borrowed items be handled in a safe and respectful manner and that they be returned in good condition on the agreed upon dates. Recently, a more detailed process has been outlined for borrowing these items. We think that the new borrowing procedures are reasonable and that they will be helpful as we continue to maintain the tables, signs, and inflatables for community use. Because these items are frequently borrowed, it is important to contact the Association office by calling 563-3338 to inquire in advance about the availability of the items. Folks will be asked to arrange a time to complete the new borrowing documents--sign-out sheets for the tables and sign boards and a Safety Agreement document for the inflatables. Thank you for helping us better coordinate our lending! In the meantime, of the ten signboards originally owned by C.C.A., we know the whereabouts of only eight. Please contact us if you know the location of any C.C.A. signboards. Additionally, two of the twenty Cabot Community Association (C.C.A.) tables are missing. Thank you for contacting us if you have new information about the tables.

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Selectboard Update

An update from your Selectboard on some of the projects and issues being addressed in your town.

TOWN GARAGE: First, the big news: the access road onto the site of the future Town Garage has been completed. Thank you, Jeremy Greaves. With the access road in place, construction on the new garage can begin once contracts are in place. Regarding contracts, your Selectboard pre-approved six contractors to bid to construct the new facility. Bids were due June 24. The plan calls for the Selectboard to choose the winning contractor by early July and for work to commence in July, with an October completion date. We will keep you informed of progress on this very exciting project.

GRADER AND EXCAVATOR:

Bids have been received to purchase a new grader and excavator and a trailer has been purchased. We hope to complete this process in early July.

PROPOSED VTEL TOWN IN- STALLATION PROJECT ON

WHITTIER HILL: There is nothing new to report on the legal front on VTel’s application. VTel’s original application was deemed deficient by the Vermont Public Service Board on May 4, 2014, and the Board stated that it would not further process the application. The Town of Cabot filed its letter stating its intention to intervene and oppose the application. Subsequent to the Board’s initial rejection of the application, there has been some limited site work at the proposed Cabot VTel site. Cabot has notified the owner that this site work was done in violation of the Town of Cabot’s highway laws because it used an unrecognized and unpermitted curb cut to access the property. To date, VTel has not refiled, amended, or moved its Cabot application with the Board or communicated with the Vermont Department of Public Service. We will keep everyone apprised of actions taken.

CABOT ORDINANCE FOR THE

CONTROL OF DOGS: Cabot residents who own dogs are strongly encouraged to read and follow the Dog Ordinance, which was established to protect the welfare of the general public. All Cabot residents are encouraged to read the Dog Ordinance (available on the Town web-site or in the Town Clerk’s office) should you have potential dog related issues or concerns. Recently, there have been several dog-related incidences reported to the Selectboard, and it is incumbent on dog owners to make sure they are familiar with and follow the Cabot Dog Ordinance. One major problem is allowing dogs to run at large “unleashed off the premises (beyond the property limits) of the owner, keeper or harborer and not immediately obedient to the owner’s commands.” The Ordinance also applies to dog-owners who may be visiting Cabot with their dogs. The bottom line is that visiting dogs are subject to the same restrictions as resident dogs; they are not allowed to run at large off the premises of their Cabot host. Cabot dog owners must also ensure that their dogs are registered with the Town in accordance with State Statute.

The Selectboard will carefully review all dog complaints, which must be received in writing. Hopefully, with everyone following the rules, dog issues will go away and Cabot will be a better place to live for everyone.

BURN PERMITS: Just a friendly reminder that Burn Permits are required from the Town Fire Warden when someone wants to do “open burning”. Town Fire Warden Andy Lucy (563-2723) is readily available and should be contacted before any open burning takes place in Cabot (no exceptions). And, if you are unable to reach Andy, the alternative is to contact Fire Chief Skip Bothfeld (563-2715). Both Andy and Skip receive training annually from the State on the fire permit process and they are ready to answer your questions or respond to your request for a Burn Permit. A copy of the Burn Permit form---listing conditions--is available in the Town Clerk’s office. Please ensure that you remain in compliance with State law, as well as follow sound burn practices, by contacting the fire warden before you burn. This important step could save you lots of time, heartache and money down the road.

VENDOR ORDINANCE: Your Selectboard has recently begun working on a Vendor Ordinance, which will be modeled after similar ordinances that exist in other Vermont communities. The Selectboard plans to make the creation of this Ordinance a priority, and will be distributing a draft ordinance for comment by residents in the near future before it will be enacted.

SAWMILL DAM: The Selectboard recently submitted a grant request to FEMA that, if approved, will allow for the purchase of the property housing the old sawmill (now pretty much a pile of wood) and the sawmill dam on the road leading to the recycling center. The conceptual plan is to tear down the old sawmill and remove the failing dam if funding becomes available. This project---supported by Friends of the Winooski and other groups---remains in the very preliminary stage, and the current plan calls for Cabot voters to decide on this potential project at the 2016 Town Meeting, after at least one Public Hearing.

SELECTBOARD MEETINGS:

The Selectboard generally meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm on the second floor of the Willey Building. Everyone is welcome to attend Selectboard meetings. At the beginning of each meeting, following the approval of the Agenda and possibly one or two other administrative items, a PUBLIC COMMENT period is scheduled to allow anyone to speak on any non-Warned Agenda item. While no action will be taken on items presented in the PUBLIC COMMENT period, the Selectboard does hope that interested parties will let us know of your concerns, priorities, and possibly projects that you believe your Selectboard should be made aware of. And, your Selectboard commits to listening closely to your comments and concerns, and whenever possible and practical, to quickly address them. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ted Domey, Fred Ducharme, Jeff Gabrielson, Bernie Shatney & Jack Daniels

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

Dear Editor, Cabot School Decisions

When I opened my Cabot Chronicle this month I was surprised to see a defamatory letter to the editor about my “Sense of Community” commentary from May’s edition. In that letter I was grossly misrepresented as saying “… Cabot High School does not contribute to Cabot's Sense of Community.” For anyone who actually read my personal commentary last month, I never said this, not even anything close to it! Discussions about Cabot School are understandably emotionally charged; but antagonistic, misleading, and personally insulting reactions to individual points of view are counter productive to discussions as important as the education of our children and the ability of Cabot tax payers to support the school. Cabot residents won't agree 100% with each other; but each of us has the right to voice our opinion. As members of this community we should be respectful of one another as we struggle through some very tough discussions and decisions over the next few months. It is also important for residents and parents to attend meetings and participate in discussions as our community works through the issues at hand. What we face today is WAY more involved than what we faced two years ago...this is NOT just about whether to close, or not close Cabot High School. Some of the issues we face are:

• Bill H.361 – School District Consolidation

• Bill H.361 - Financial effects

• Cabot School Demolition and Reconstruction project proposals

• 7-10 million dollar price of a reconstruction project

• Student body reconfiguration (PK-12 vs PK-8)

• Financial & Educational benefits of each student body configuration

• and many more….. Educate yourself, form an opinion, ask questions, and participate in the discussions!

• http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2016/H.361

• http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/…/021/00822a

• http://education.vermont.gov/…/EDU-School_Choice_Other_Opti

• http://www.schoolchoicever mont.com/choice-in-vt.html The next Cabot School Facility forum is being held on June 17th at 6:30pm at Cabot School…as a Resident, Parent, and Cabot School Facility Committee member I urge you to attend.

Brigitte M. Codling ♦ Maple sugar tubing and fittings

(tubing is accepted separately) ♦ Hard rigid plastic of any kind (if it

will shatter by stepping on it, it goes in the trash) ♦ Gas containers ♦ Tool cases (cordless drill, sawsall,

circular saw, etc) Please double check your plastic containers for the numbers 1, 2, or 4. Unfortunately, until further notice, this is all the markets are taking at this time. The rest are being landfilled at this time. When you shop, look for plastics that can be recycled. The Cabot Depot is taking empty aerosol cans at this time. Two grades of paper products are being recycled. Please separate them, as each is a contaminant of the other. The two grades are: White paper, newspapers, envelopes, magazines Brown paper bags, corrugated cardboard, boxboard Steel cans (referred to as tin cans) are collected separately from aluminum cans, foil and food dishes, like pie pans. A magnet is available at the Depot to help you figure out which is which. If you sort your recyclables before you come to the Depot, your trip will be easier and faster. For more information you can visit the website of the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District at nekwmd.org.

P.O. Box 8, Cabot, VT 05647 802-563-2341 diameter around each hydrant at eleven locations.

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Property Tax Assessment & Appeals

By Cabot Listers Jeanne Johnson, Kate Chatot and Robyn Hall

Each year, the Board of Listers is obligated to prepare and lodge with the Town Clerk a grand list of all taxable property in town. This was done in Cabot June 30. Grievance meetings will be held July 15 and 16 at the Willey Building. Listers must also give written notice to property owners whose appraised value or homestead value has changed. These are known as change of appraisal notices, and they are sent by certificate of mailing to the last known address of the owner, and include:

• Any change in appraised value to homestead or housesite.

• The amount of the change.

• Time, date and place of Lister grievance meetings. There are four levels of appeal, two of which are conducted locally:

1. Listers: Taxpayers “grieve” by filing written objections to their assessment with the Listers. Lister grievances tend to be conducted informally and are primarily an opportunity to correct obvious mistakes and errors. After the grievance hearing, Listers notify taxpayers of their decisions and the right to appeal to the Board of Civil Authority.

2. Board of Civil Authority (BCA): Taxpayers file written appeals of Board of Listers decisions with the Town Clerk. BCA hearings are more formal and should be conducted according to adopted rules of procedure. At the BCA appeal hearings, taxpayers and Listers present evidence to the BCA. Each property is inspected by a committee of BCA members. The BCA prepares a written decision for each property and files the decision with the Town Clerk, who records the decision and notifies the taxpayer by certified mail.

3. State Appraiser or Superior Court: The BCA’s decision may be appealed to either the Director of Property Valuation and Review or Superior Court. These proceedings are de novo, which means a decision could lower or raise the assessed value of the appealed property.

4. Supreme Court: Property Valuation and Review/Superior Court decisions may be appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court. Appeals to the Vermont Supreme Court are generally limited to questions of law. Cabot Listers want homeowners to know they are always welcome to see their property files, and invite them to review their data for accuracy and completeness. We want your record to be right. What Cabot Listers seek from property owners:

· Changes in your legal name or mailing address, so your official mail reaches you.

· Best way to reach homeowners; cell phone numbers or email addresses are needed as land lines are discontinued.

· Changes on your property; besides permits for additions to your property, we also need to know when you eliminate something from your property, so we can remove it from your record. To reach Cabot Listers to review your property record or update contact information, please call 563-3139 or email [email protected].

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What Requires a Permit?

Our current zoning regulations require permits for a wide variety of activities. Any site development, construction, addition of a structure or structural modifications require the filing of a Town Zoning Permit. This covers all structures and development. The specific requirements are listed in the town zoning ordinance by district. Agricultural projects are not required to submit the application fee, but must submit the application to the Town and follow the zoning requirements; they are exempt from many of the height requirements, but still need to comply with structural setbacks. These projects must also qualify as agricultural use under state agricultural standards.

Water, Wastewater and Subdivision permits Water, wastewater and subdivision permits are currently reviewed at the state level, the town has no local review for these applications. A water or wastewater permit is required for any new residential commercial or industrial development. A major renovation may also require amending an existing permit. A subdivision of a new lot requires a state water and wastewater permit.

State Shoreland permit

Properties in Cabot within 250’ of Coits Pond, West Hill Pond, Mollys Pond, Joes Pond and Marshfield dam all require a state shoreland permit, as well as a local zoning permit. Our regional permit specialist for shoreland permits is Kevin Burke at 490-6165.

Town or State Highway Access permit A landowner is required to apply for a state or local highway access permit for the installation of a curb cut for a driveway or access road to a parcel. Commercial projects and/or projects in excess of two acres of development may also require a variety of state permits. John Miller is our regional state permit specialist, who can assist with assessing your project’s needs. If you have questions on a particular project and the need for a permit, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Karen Deasy, Zoning Administrator and Planner, [email protected] or 563-2279.

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Legislative Report

By Senator Bill Doyle

Below are some of the results of the 2015 Legislative Session.

1. VOTING—You can register and vote on the same day.

2. VACCINATION—Philosophical exemption eliminated.

3. SCHOOL DISTRICTS—Quality of education a significant part of recent legislation.

4. EXCESS SPENDING - penalties for excess education spending increased.

5. SUGARY DRINKS—6%sales tax enacted.

6. WATER QUALITY—New regulations relating tomajor sources of water pollution.

7. CURRENT USE — Higher penalties for withdrawing land from the program.

8. CHILD PROTECTION—Study created to address abuse and neglect of children.

9. SAVINGS ACCOUNTS—Created for Vermont children.

10. PRE-KINDERGARTEN—Included in elementary education.

11. TRANSPORTATION—Programadversely affected by less federal dollars.

12. ENERGY—Requirements established for generating more energy from renewable sources.

13. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT —A lending program created to provide capital for startup and ' early growth businesses.

14. CELL PHONES— Hand held phones while driving are prohibited except when the vehicle is safely off a public highway.

15. CANADA—Funds appropriated to encourage Canadian firms to locate in Vermont. If you would like information about any bills passed by the Vermont Legislature, please contact me. My e-mail address is [email protected], my phone number is 223-2851.

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Faith In Action Places Second

Faith In Action was pleasantly surprised in June to receive a listing of the Vermont Foodbank's Top Ten food distributing partners which placed FIA’s volunteer-powered Cabot and Northeast Kingdom Food Share total distributions second in the State in pounds distributed and fourth in people served per month statewide.

Our local Cabot-based nonprofit 501c( 3), it’s Food Share Program so named by a Cabot resident volunteer, has developed into much more than a free food handout. It has become an exercise in community. Folks who might never have worked together before pitch in shoulder-to-shoulder to help their neighbors in need. They unload truckloads of food, unpack and arrange or repackage it for distribution, then they help people “shop” and/or carry their food out to their vehicles while others select and carry food to needy area shutins. THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERISM The Cabot Area Office in 2014 provided 9,292 volunteer hours and served http://www.ridetheridges.net/ 18,232 people through the free food share program; 3,231 hours serving 1,980 people with community outreach; 710 volunteer hours serving 328 people through senior programs, and 1,276 volunteer hours providing 442 individuals disability and hospitality service. Combined with the Northeast Kingdom Office, the value of FIA community contributions total: 31,118 hours of free services @$20.66/hour (VT United Way 2013 rate) $642,898 334,355 pounds of food to five counties @ $1.66/lb. (VT 2013 Foodbank Value) $555,029 7,540 miles for medical appointment transportation @ $.23/mile (IRS rate) $1,734 9,308 transport and errand miles @ $.140 (IRS rate) $1,303 7,236 food share, food pick-up and deliveries: 334,355 lbs @ $.140 (IRS Rate) $1,013 Total Value: $1,201,977 of free food and services delivered to needy Vermonters in four counties at a cost of just $2.83 per hour of service.

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FOOD SHARE AND FOOD DROP DATES

CABOT FOOD SHARE Wednesday,

JULY 8 Noon-2:00 p.m. Wednesday,

JULY 22 Noon-2:00 p.m. Cabot Masonic Hall 3339 Main Street FAITH IN ACTION NORTHERN COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP INC.

A Nonsectarian 501C3 ~ Available for Cabot Residents

MARSHFIELD FOOD DROP Second Saturday of every month.

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~~~ DONATIONS NEEDED ~~~

Cabot PTSO is looking for donations of clothing, housewares and typical yard sale items for the Fourth of July rummage sale. Volunteers will be at Cabot School Gym to receive donations from:

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CIFC (UDAG) SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Cabot Investment Fund Committee (formerly known as UDAG) is pleased to announce the results of the Scholarship Committee in granting funds to deserving scholars in Cabot. The recipients include:

• Donaghue X. Burke, who will be attending St. Michael’s College

• Heidi Cookson, who will be attending Gordon College

• Caleb Domey, who is currently enrolled at Champlain College

• Carter J. Maxfield, who is currently enrolled at the University of Vermont

• Kassandra Morse, who is currently enrolled at Smith College

• Gage Sironi, who will be attending the University of Vermont

• Emma Stecker, who will be attending the University of Vermont Each of the above students will receive $1,400.00 towards their education. Many thanks to the Scholarship Committee for making the decisions – Lynn Lehoe, Sharon O’Connor and Jane Clifford. The Cabot Investment Fund Committee meets the second Thursday of every month. Scholarship applications can be found on the Town Clerk’s website (www.cabotvt.us) and are due every year by May 1. Jackie Folsom, Chair Scholarship Committee CIFC

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SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

With school out, its time to think of all the kids that go without eating.

Breakfast will be 8:00 to 9.30 a.m., and lunch will be 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, so stop in and get a great nutritional meal.

Also see Basketball Camps Scheduled below, Sponsored by the Cabot Recreation Committee.

Scholarships available, all are welcome.

Scott St. John, Cabot School Food Director, 802-563-2289

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Summer Camps with the Cabot Recreational Committee

By Michelle Delaney July 13-17: Basketball with Mike Jarvis and Dave Creighton. 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for ages 6-10, and noon to 4:00 p.m. is for ages 11-14. This camp will be in the Cabot School Gym with breakfast and lunch available in the cafeteria. Mike has 10 years of coaching experience in Barre Youth Basketball and AAU and Dave has 20 years of basketball coaching experience with everything from elementary to high school, AAU and All Star teams.

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E911 HOUSE SIGNS Made for you July 4

Cabot Fire Department has 911 signs available at $10 per sign. They can make one for you in five minutes Fourth of July at the recreation field. Emergency 911 house number signs assist emergency services (police, firefighters, paramedics) in locating the correct address in an emergency quickly when time is precious! According to the American Heart Association, a delay of 5 minutes in receiving CPR in a case of cardiac arrest reduces the survival rate drastically. These house address signs are designed to provide maximum visibility/readability and meet E911 emergency house sign specifications. They also help others (postman, UPS, Fedex, taxi, florist, etc.) that want to quickly identify a particular street address. They are simple, attractive, durable and easy to read. If you don't get yours on July 4, contact any firefighter when you are ready to have yours made.

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Home of the Huskies 2014-2015 3rd Quarter Honor Roll

Cabot School is proud to recognize students for success in many areas. As has been our school’s tradition for many decades, an Honor Roll is published after each marking period and announced in several local newspapers, including the Cabot Chronicle, Times Argus, Caledonia Record, Hardwick Gazette and The World. This Honor Roll celebrates academic success, and we congratulate

students who have achieved recognition for excellence within the classroom.

High Honors—All grades are A or higher, First Honors—All grades are B or higher Honor Roll Criteria Second Honors—All Grades are B– or higher Tiger Bastress, Alisha Celley, Tobias Cooke, Heidi Cookson, Madeline Morse, Clemintine O’Connor, Jasmine Tetreault, Gage Sironi, Emma Stecker, Lyrica Stelle, Megan Walker

Middle School

Callahan Burke, Rider LaLomia, Isabel Maine-Torres Taylor Abbott, Hannah Barnhart, Isaac Barnhart, Lauren Bellavance, Rebecca Blaisdell, Kyle Celley, Virginia Foster, Jordan Hale, Rowan Lanxner, Alexis Lovely, Isabella McCallum, Clara Mueller-Harder, Galadriel Morse, Natalie Mudgett-Fox, Abigail, Walker

Middle School

Gabriella Ambroz, Lillian Baily, Bengamin Carpenter, Liam Tobin

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TWIN VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

4583 U.S. Route 2 P.O. Box 152 East Montpelier, VT 05651 By Rita Copeland, Executive Director

Twin Valley Senior Center will be observing the July 4 holiday on Monday, July 6. The meals for Monday will be delivered on Friday, July 3, along with the usual weekend meals. TVSC wants to thank the Plainfield Community Co-op for their generous donation of salad ingredients for our May 25 take out dinner. The donation made a delicious salad. We have tried Thursday night for our last two fund-raising dinners with success, however we would very much like to hear from you. Any thoughts, likes, dislikes about the change? Please call us and let us know at 223-3322. We always welcome feedback, as it helps us make decisions about our programs. Did you hear about our third set of Tai Chi classes? We started the late afternoon 5:30-6:30 p.m. classes, hoping it would open up another opportunity for working people and community members who might have free time in the late afternoon. Please call Susan at 223-6954 or stop by the Center and sign up. There is no charge for the classes, but donations are always welcome. July and August are going to bring us two very special programs from the State Alzheimer’s group. Scheduling dates are being arranged and we will make an announcement as soon as all is finalized. We want to open the programs to the public, especially family members and caretakers. So please be on the lookout for information via our newsletter, Facebook page, flyers, weekly media and the web at twinvalleyseniors.org. Happy 4th of July and thank you for your support!

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This summer’s theme is Every Hero Has a Story.

All programs are free and open to children and adults of all abilities. Sign up for the summer reading program as soon as school is out and win prizes and t-shirts! The Thousand Page Club continues. Middle school students may pick up their summer books at the library.

Evening Programs: (Days and times vary.)

Tuesday, July 7th – 6:30pm - The Traveling Storyteller & Co.

Nanuk’s Arctic Adventure – Nanuk the little polar bear and his Arctic friends enjoy a peaceful life together full of games and jokes, until one day an Inuit boy named Nukak comes near their home to hunt. The animals must join together to save the life of one of their animal friends. But in the end they save Nukak.

Tuesday, July 14th -6:00pm - Be a Hero of Happiness In this origami workshop with Gail Martin, we will make flowers, cranes and other items that make great gifts for friends and family members who could use a smile. Do you know a community member who needs cheering up? We can make a whole bunch of flowers!

Tuesday, July 21st – 7:00pm - Bramblewood Carol Hausner, Danny Coane & Colin McCaffrey

Hailing from Central Vermont, BRAMBLEWOOD is a dynamic trio playing acoustic bluegrass, folk and country music, both old and new, along with award-winning originals. Comprised of three of Vermont’s seasoned and critically acclaimed Americana roots musicians, they blend strong heartfelt singing, close-knit harmonies and outstanding musicianship on a variety of instruments. Local heroes from the Kingdom Animal Shelter, will explain their work and mission to the audience before the show.

All programs are on Tuesdays and start at 10:30 am.

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Pancake Breakfast a Success

On behalf of the Cabot Fire Department, I would like to thank all the people who attended our 2015 pancake breakfast. We had a good crowd of 180 people. I would also like to thank Cabot School for letting us use their cafeteria, the people who made muffins for the breakfast, and, most of all, the fireman who did the work of cooking the breakfast. Thanks again, and hope to see you all next year

Skip Bothfeld Cabot Fire Chief

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Kingdom Animal Shelter

By Helen Morrison Chloe is a one-to-two-year-old spayed female who came to us as a surrender.Her owner had to move and cats weren't allowed. Chloe is playful, affectionate, engaging, and has an exceptionally cute crinkled left ear. We are not sure how that happened. It could have been ear mites when she was a kitten, or some sort of injury, or frost bite. However it occurred, it gives her quite a distinctive and endearing look. She is available for adoption. Come and meet her at Kingdom Animal Shelter on Memorial Drive is St. Johnsbury, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays from 4:00- 6:00 p.m., Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 3:00 p.m..

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ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

By Roland (Slim) Payne

I walked in the woods yesterday and was surprised to see so many flowers in blossom. Red and white Trilliums, Jack in the Pulpit, Lady Slippers, pink and yellow, lots of them. Also Bush Honeysuckle with lots of blossoms, which means plenty of berries for seeds. And Giant Hog Weed, but it is not ready to blossom yet. Lots of black flies and mosquitos and deer flies, and they are all hungry. I didn't see any deer signs, but I did see two bears, I am guessing last year's cubs. Everything is so wet and the By Helen Morrison for Kingdom Animal Shelter About a year ago, a potential adopter came into the Shelter looking for a cat. She settled on one, was approved, and, several days later, came in to fill out the agreement. The adoption counselor went through all the considerations and spent some time on how to introduce the cat into his new home of a dog and several other cats. The counselor told her very specific ways to help the cat gradually adjust to its new home and to feel safe during that adjustment period. The adopter listened carefully and agreed. She took the cat home, plunked it in the middle of the living room with the dog and cats, and let the chips fall where they may. Needless-to-say, the next day the adopter called and said the cat wasn’t working out, that he was too aggressive to her and the other animals. She wanted to return the cat. We gladly took the cat back. Within weeks, he found a wonderful home, among many other cats. This new adopter knew how to gradually ease the new cat into her home. People often ask me how to introduce a new pet into the household. I know the most about cats, of course. But I would imagine that dogs would be similar. Not so sure about turtles; snapping turtles, I wouldn’t even consider. It is inevitably stressful for the cat to come into a new home. The goal is to reduce that stress as much as possible. When taking a cat from a shelter or from someone else’s home, if it is possible, visit and spend time with the cat in its previous home. In addition, it would be important to bring some of the items the cat is familiar with to its new home...a favorite bed or blanket that has its own scent on it, toys that the cat particularly likes. Be sure to ask for the cat’s medical records. Always bring a carrier to take the cat home. It is too easy for the cat to bolt when a car door opens, to leap from one’s arms. In addition, whatever their food was should be continued. An abrupt change of food can cause diarrhea. Start out with the food they are used to, then, over several weeks, change the proportions gradually to the food you will be feeding them. Have a room ready for the cat to call its own for a while. It should be relatively small, a small guest room, a bathstreams are high, you have to pick your way to stay out of the mud. I went to the Town Forest. The State Agency of Natural Resources has been there, and flagged the wet lands on Mr. Brook's property where he roughed in a new road. When you first start into the woods on the road, there are two NO HUNTING signs. Further down the road there is a sign DANGER - SHOOTING RANGE. I don't know where the range is, but I will go over on weekends and they should be shooting. Have a fun and safe Fourth of July.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 11 onward.

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Cabot Night at the Mountaineers

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, the Mountaineers staff offered Cabot the proceeds of a 50/50 raffle and a reduced admission price if we brought a busload, and Cabot School generously offered to provide the bus and Mark Christensen agreed to drive it. Cabot Community Association applied to Cabot Community Fund for a grant to pay the admission price and for sandwiches and drinks from the Cabot Village Store for up to fifty residents, to encourage participation. David Schilling, incoming Principal, set up an online registration process which collected 50 names and started a waiting list. And then the rain came. The game was rained out long after the sandwiches had been made. Fifty sandwiches with nowhere to go! We called several local organizations, but either no-one was available to talk or they couldn't use the sandwiches on such short notice. Talking about it in the town clerk’s office, Robyn Hall had a bright idea. She called Good Samaritan Haven emergency homeless shelter in Barre, and they were anxious to have the donation, which they could use that very night. So, Robyn delivered the sandwiches and they were used and appreciated while still fresh. When Cabot Night was rescheduled to Monday, June 22, we still had the commitment for a bus and Mark as a willing driver, plus money left to pay for residents' admission to the ballgame, but we'd used up the food budget . About 36 people registered online, and a handful more drove themselves without registering. Mountaineers staff said that was a pretty good showing for a makeup date. Skip, the Mountaineers' mascot, posed with Cabot kids when he wasn't chasing them around the ballpark with a water gun, and during breaks between innings, the announcer extolled the virtues of Cabot Community Association. We sold $122 worth of 50-50 raffle tickets; our share was $61, which went to the school to help pay for gas for the bus; the raffle winner was an employee of Morse Farm in Montpelier, and Morse Farm donated the $61 winnings back to the Mountaineers. The Valley Blue Sox beat the Mountaineers 13-4, but spirits were high, Skip was in rare form, and the crowd had a good time. We all filled up on junk food and headed home tired but happy.

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