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The Cabot Chronicle

August 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 August 2015 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

By Representative

I had the opportunity to attend Independence Day activities in Cabot, North Danville and Peacham. As always, it is a pleasure to visit with constituents and hear your thoughts and concerns. Reflecting on these conversations, I decided to focus this month’s article on what it is like to serve as a legislator in Montpelier and the decision making process. I am frequently asked, “How do you like being in Montpelier?” My response is consistent and honest - I thoroughly enjoy the experience and never take it for granted. This answer surprises some. Many believe serving as an elected official must be frustrating and difficult; a working climate filled with disagreement and insincerities. In my experience, I have found legislators to be hardworking, thoughtful citizens committed to understanding issues, learning new ideas, willing to listen carefully to those who see matters differently and prepared to work together to develop solutions. There is not constant fighting and major decisions are never taken lightly. People from different political parties do work together and yes, really do like one another. There are open conversations on issues where individuals disagree, but in the end, difficult issues are debated in an open forum and decisions are made. What I find difficult as a representative is listening to a passionate plea from a constituent - and I am often sympathetic to the position taken by the individual - but in the end, through a deliberative process, supporting the opposing side of the argument. There is no having it both ways, a decision has to be made, and these are the hardest votes to make. This year, the legislature debated childhood immunizations, and opinions spanned the spectrum regarding the removal of philosophical exemptions. There are three ways by which children can be exempted from receiving required vaccines: a medical exemption, which exists in all 50 states and allows a medical practitioner who is authorized to prescribe vaccines to certify that a specific vaccine is or may be detrimental to a person’s health; religious exemption, which exists in 48 states and allows a parent to annually certify that they hold religious beliefs opposed to immunization; and a philosophical exemption, which now exists in 19 states and allows a parent to annually certify that they hold philosophical beliefs opposed to immunization. After evaluating testimony given in the House Health Committee, reviewing information and data supporting both sides, and speaking with parents with passionate pleas to both keep and remove the exemption, I voted to remove the exemption in order to increase Ver-

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Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

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Catherine (Kitty) Toll

mont’s immunization rates in schools, which have been declining and are the lowest in New England. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the state budget always has my attention. The 2015 fiscal year ended in June with an additional $21 million in the state’s general fund. This is welcome news. When the budget came to the floor of the House for a vote, I was a firm supporter. Months of testimony, negotiation and work led to a budget bill that was balanced, reduced reliance on one-time money, began a multi-year process to bend the growth in state spending, and included $56 million in reductions. It was not a perfect document and certainly not all aspects of the state budget were embraced by all. However, the budget makes important changes to bring spending and revenues into alignment, makes investments in Vermont’s children and other vulnerable populations and is balanced. The final vote for the 2016 state budget was favorable on a voice vote. The controversial education bill passed in its final version without my support. After consulting with members of the school communities in Cabot, Danville and Peacham and following many conversations with residents, I felt the bill may be too challenging for small schools to effectively comply with, and has the potential to create financial burdens. The combination of the reduction in both the small schools grant and the “hold-harmless” protection clause (also referred to as phantom students), as well as a provision to curb school spending by setting a two year “allowable growth” amount based on a percentage of the prior year’s spending will be challenging. The combination of these three provisions in Act 46 may prove to be a difficult financial hurdle for our small, rural schools. However, I am encouraged by the conversations that are happening between our Vermont schools regarding sharing of administrative services, purchasing of supplies and sharing and expanding educational programs and opportunities. Equitable and quality educational experiences may look different throughout the state and may be of all shapes and sizes, but equitable and quality educational opportunities must be available to all of Vermont’s students. I have great confidence in our local communities and local governing bodies to shape Vermont’s schools to meet the needs of our 21 st century students. I appreciate hearing from you. I can be reached by email: kittytoll@live.com

information on the Vermont Legislature and bills which have been proposed and passed, visit the legislative website: www.leg.state.vt.us.

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OUNTRY

Well the update is my health is back to status quo. Now for the good stuff- I hope you have celebrated the fourth of July because though our nation may or may not be going in a direction we want it to it is still ours and we should honor that with a little patriotism. BBQ’s and water fun are definitely ways to go here and I highly recommend them along with any other creative ways that all of you out there celebrate. Summer is in full swing and we are already harvesting strawberries, and by the way, we have been having a great year for strawberries and asparagus, our early summer arrivals. The chickens are at their peak of laying eggs, so lots of yummy custard do we have at home drizzled with this years maple syrup on it. When I was a kid, I used to love watching grasshoppers and crickets and finding Grandmother Toad. Tree frogs were harder to find, but bullfrogs were always in abundance. Such fun it was, too. Then, of course, there was always the brook across the street from my home back then, and there were deep spots here and there to just sink

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Planning In

By Karen Deasy, Zoning Administrator and Planner Construction season is well upon us. We will begin work on a variety of projects over the next few weeks. Paving will be scheduled in the following areas after receipt of bids: on Common Road, parking reconstruction at the Willey Building, and along Route 215 South. We thank you in advance for respectfully moving through these construction zone. Parking at the Willey building will be limited while the actual paving work is being completed. We will provide notice and updates as we begin construction and will post specific days when they are available. As we discuss transitions and change, Dave Pike from the Road Crew has indicated that he will retire as of January first. We would like to express our thanks for the endless hours of service he has committed to the Town. In the upcoming weeks, we will be posting

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The Cabot Chronicle Submission

The Chronicle welcomes letters written with length is recommended to be no longer than and length or returned to the author with suggestions mentary published in The Cabot Chronicle represent necessarily the opinions of staff. The Cabot Chronicle reserves the right to reject terial for our readers. Letters will not be considered companied by a phone number. We will gladly cation. The Cabot Chronicle is not responsible for Cabot Chronicle assume responsibility for claims services advertised on these pages. If you have editorial questions or would like -3338, visit our website, www.CabotVermont.org Letters and other inquiries can also be sent to: VT 05647.

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OMMENTARY

into and soak up the coolness on a super hot day. Never quite looked forward to the humidity, and I guess I still don’t, if truth be told, but I do love thunder storms, from the blackened and bruised clouds to the clap of thunder and the lightening ripping apart the darkened sky. I always look for rainbows afterwards. might You never know when you see one, and they are always a delight if you are lucky enough to see one. Always look for the rainbows, I say that pretty darn often but gosh darn it, it makes good sense. If you are always looking in the rearview mirror, you won’t see what is up ahead. Autumn will be on it’s way soon enough and we won’t have to deal with these darn bugs, and aren’t they awful? On that note, I suppose I will close with wishing you all a happy summer full of sprinklers and grilled veggies and just a parcel of fun, not to mention SAFETY! Merry faerie dust sent your way! Laura Lee Saorsa Smith fizgigdragon@aol.com

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Progress

the open road crew position. Our intent is to hire a new member beginning in November, providing for a smooth transition during our winter season. We will keep you posted as we begin this process. Our new equipment has arrived as well, thank you to everyone who supported us. The new John Deere Grader and excavator are on the road and in service. The Town of Cabot has received a grant to complete a leak detection survey on the Town water system. This work will be provided to the Town this September at no cost to the community. The new curtain drain completed last fall improved our wastewater flows this spring, eliminating the need to haul wastewater off site due to high flows. We are also implementing a series of recommendations from efficiency Vermont to help reduce utility costs at the Wastewater facility.

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Guidelines

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Act 46

(Continued from page 1) board would be made up of members from the former districts, each represented presumably in proportion to its population. These new districts are required to have a minimum “average daily membership” (or ADM) of 900 students, and may have one of the following structures: (1) operates one or more schools to educate students in grades preK/K-12 (2) operates school(s) to educate students preK/K-8, and tuitions grades 912 (3) operates school(s) to educate students preK/K-6, and tuitions grades 712 (4) operates no school(s), and tuitions grades preK/K-12 An “alternative structure” that is also allowed by Act 46 is a Supervisory Union of at least 10 students composed of multiple member school districts (each with its own board) that demonstrates that it can meet the law’s stated goals. As a strong push for smaller school districts to move towards merging into a larger district, Act 46 also includes provisions to reduce the Small Schools Grants and the “hold-harmless” protection of the calculation of a school’s number of “equalized pupils”. Both of these have been valuable supports for schools like Cabot with a small and/or fluctuating number of students. Without these programs in place this year, for example, the Equalized Homestead Property tax rate for Cabot would have been increased by 18%. Act 46 lays out a timeline for school districts to form one of the preferred or alternate educational structures described earlier. Voters in the merging districts have until November 30, 2017, to approve the new educational district or expanded supervisory union, and the new district or SU must be operational by July 1, 2019. The law also includes financial incentives for districts that merge together into a “preferred structure”. For districts that have a new, consolidated district approved by voters by July 1, 2016, and operational by July 1, 2017, the homestead property tax rates are reduced during the first 5 years that the new district is operating (reductions of 10,8,6,4, and 2 cents over those 5 years). In addition, if any of the merging districts is the recipient of a Small Schools Grant in 2016, that grant is continued as a “Merger Support Grant” to the new district indefinitely (unless the school of the grant-recipient district is at some point closed). Similar but slightly smaller incentives are provided by the law for school districts that vote to form a new enlarged district by November 30, 2017, and get that district operational by July 1, 2019. Those districts would still benefit from the Merger Support Grants, but the reduction of property tax rates would instead be 8, 6, 4, and then 2 cents over the first four years of operation of the merged district.

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Will

Any district that chooses not to merge into either the preferred educational district of 900 students or the alternate supervisory union structure of 10 students must, according to this law, submit a proposal to the Vermont State Board of Education and the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Education by November 30, 2017, that spells out how it plans to meet the goals of Act 46 by its current or some other governance structure. If that proposal is not approved, then that district would have to pursue merging with other districts or be placed into a new district by the Vermont Agency of Education. The law states that the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Education will by June 1, 2018, publish a proposal laying out the new map of enlarged school districts and supervisory unions across Vermont, and will submit this proposal to the State Board of Education (SBE) for its approval. After reviewing the proposal, taking testimony, and gathering additional information as needed, the SBE will publish a final plan of realignment of school districts by November 30, 2018. These districts would then be in operation by the 2019-2020 school year. In an effort to curb school spending over the next two years, a provision was included in Act 46 that doubles (for the calculation of local property tax rate) any education spending above a set level of “allowable growth”. This “allowable growth” figure is a percentage above the previous year’s spending that is set by the State of Vermont according to a school district’s current education spending per pupil. The school district in Vermont with the highest spending per pupil now has an “allowable growth” level of 0% before additional spending is counted as double to figure the tax rate, while the district with the lowest spending per pupil is allowed by this law to increase its budget by 5.5% before incurring an added tax penalty. In our case in Cabot, our allowable growth rate for next year has been set as 1.12%. That means that if we increase next year’s education spending by more than $33,744 over our current level, every dollar above that will be counted twice in figuring the property tax rate. During the coming year, the Cabot School Board will host a number of community meetings to determine how to meet the requirements of Act 46 while providing the best education possible for the children of Cabot. An important step in that process is gaining a basic understanding of the law itself. In addition to this brief overview of Act 46, readers can find a more complete outline of the law posted on the Cabot School website at CabotSchool.org. If you have questions about Act 46 and its ramifications for Cabot School or the process we will use during the coming year to reach a decision on how best to move forward, please contact me or another member of the Cabot School Board. My email address is ctormey322@gmail.com.

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Cabot School Board Chair

On June 17 , Cabot School Board held the second community forum at CSPAC on the school’s facility needs and options for Cabot School in the future. In addition to questions about the two plans presented to meet the ongoing needs of the gymnasium and the “satellite buildings” built in 1971, a good deal of the evening’s discussion focused on the potential impact of a new law passed by the Vermont Legislature this spring, Act 46 (a brief overview of this law can be found on the cover in this edition of the Chronicle). This legislation pushes school districts across Vermont to form larger school districts of at least 900 students by 2019, with the intent of improving opportunities for students and gaining cost-saving efficiencies. For the benefit of community members unable to attend that forum, our Superintendent Nancy Thomas has put all the questions and comments raised at the forum up on the Cabot School website (CabotSchool.org), along with our best effort at providing answers to those questions. The passage of Act 46 has raised the question of whether Cabot will continue to educate all of its school-age children here in Cabot in the future, and that question has to be answered before further discussions of school renovations take place. We need to be clear as a community how many grades will continue to be taught here before we can

http://www.ridetheridges.net/

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Josephine Metcalf

Josephine Metcalf passed away on July 13 at the home of her daughter, Lucille Huttemann, along with many family members by her side. Josephine was born on Oct. 14, 1920, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Joseph and Leola O'Keefe. She ran her own cleaning business for many years and developed many close relationships with her clients. She so much enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.

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Update

determine how much of our present campus needs to be renovated. Despite the present condition of the gym and satellite buildings, the School Board at its June 15 meeting made the decision to hold off on plans for renovations until we know how our school will be configured as a result of the requirements of Act 46. We want at this point to thank the community members and school staff that contributed their time over the past five months to serving on the facilities committee. That group looked at our current facility needs and developed two different renovation plans to address them; their work will form a strong base from which to develop a more specific proposal in the future. Act 46 requires that smaller school districts like Cabot hold discussions with neighboring districts to determine how the various goals set out by the law can be met. The Cabot School Board will be meeting with both Twinfield and Danville School Boards during the next month. In addition, we will coordinate a number of community conversations beginning this fall and extending well into the school year, to determine as a community the kind of education we value for our students and how best to provide it. We will get the word out on the schedule of those meetings in late August. Until then, please feel free to consult the Cabot School website or contact a member of our school board if you want more information or have questions.

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EMORIALS

She leaves behind her daughter, Lucille Huttemann (Arthur); sons Cecile Metcalf (Elaine), and Lyndol Metcalf (Patty); and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Cecile R. Metcalf Sr.; sons Lynsford Metcalf and Bertran Metcalf; daughter-in-law Donna Metcalf; and her aunt, Ruth Drown. She chose to donate her body to the University of Vermont for medical research purposes. There will be no service. Donations per her request may be made in her memory to Onion River Animal Hospital, in c/o the Janet Anthony Fund.

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Land from Current Use

The VT Current Use Program experienced several changes during the 2015 legislative session. Most notably are changes to how the land use change tax (LUCT) is calculated and the creation of an “ easy-out ” option for withdrawal of parcels or a portion of a parcel between July 1 and October 1, 2015, with a reduced LUCT liability. A property owner who elects to withdraw enrolled land during the “easyout” period is exempt from paying the first $50,000 of the LUCT. This LUCT relief is on a per-owner basis. Property owners who are considering the “easyout” are encouraged to remove multiple parcels, or multiple portions of parcels, and to submit all applications together. Applications for the “easy-out” program can be found on the Department of Taxes website under the “Property” section. Property owners who use the “easyout” are required to pay the full property tax to the town based on the full market value for the 2015 assessment. Land that is withdrawn using the “easy -out” cannot be re-enrolled for at least five years.

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Seeking Cabot

The Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) coordinates foreign exchange students, designated by the State Department to supervise foreign students in the U.S. to help gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. CIEE seeks good host families for a few students coming to Cabot for the 2015-2016 high school year. All types of families are accepted - kids, no kids, empty nesters, single parents, and so on. The main requirement is kindness and a willingness to learn about a foreign culture. Families who welcome a student will not only gain a new member, but will also learn about the world, its many values, traditions, languages, food, and more. CIEE students have the appropriate visa, medical insurance and pay for all of their own expenses, with the exception of food and utilities. Students are between the ages of 15-18. They will arrive in August on a ten-month program. If you are not in the position right now to host a student, CIEE would greatly appreciate your help in forwarding this along to your network of friends and family.

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FSL15019R1 - Boy. Diego Antonio is

a 16 year old boy from SPAIN: “Hello Host family! I am Diego Garcia, I am a very active and positive person. I am really excited to do this program because i think that knowing english is really important, for my future. One of my favorite things to do is to invent things so i think i would like to be an inventor or work with electronics as en engineer. I also really like sports, I have tried so many of them since i was a child. My favorite one is sailing but i really enjoy practicing any type of exercise. I am very excited about living a year in US and, i think that sharing this experience with a family its the best to get to know the real American culture and way of life.. When in the

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Changes

be developed or withdrawn would be prorated based on acreage. Beginning October 2, 2015, the portion of developed or withdrawn land will be valued separately as its own parcel. The rate to be applied to the land's value to determine the tax due is 10% of the full fair market value.

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New Annual Requirement for Own-

ers of Agricultural Land or Buildings On or before September 1 of every year, property owners of agricultural lands and buildings enrolled in the Current Use Program must certify in writing under oath to the Vermont Department of Taxes that all enrolled agricultural land and buildings continue to meet the requirements for enrollment at the time of certification. More information is to come from the Department of Taxes about the certification form and instructions.

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Violations

Starting July 1, 2015, the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM) will have the authority to direct the Vermont Department of Taxes to remove agricultural land and buildings from the Current Use Program when the land or buildings are used by a person who is in violation of the water quality requirements established in law, administrative rule or any permit or certification. Questions can be answered by contacting the AAFM's chief policy enforcement officer at 802-8281732.

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HAN15010 - Boy. Beopryun is a 15

year old boy from KOREA, SOUTH. “Hello. My name is Beop-ryun. I like exercising, especially playing soccer and riding a bike. My specialty is skiing. I'm a student who is active and playful in school. I always take kindly to any strangers so I have many good friends. I often play outside with friends and make class atmosphere enjoyable with funny words. I'm satisfied with my school life, so I'm interested in a job 'Teacher'. If I become a teacher, I will surely lead students to right way. Because I love exercising, I want to be a physical education teacher. GPA: 2.90.” DND15003 - Girl. Laura is a 17 year old girl from SLOVAKIA. “Hello I am a sixteen year old, outgoing, fun-loving and adventure seeking girl from Slovakia. I love meeting new people and making new friends. As far as sport goes, I prefer winter sports and especially snowboarding, but I like sports in general. I love travelling so later on at the University I would like to study Tourism or something to do with Tourism and travelling. I love to try new food dishes and travelling. I don't have any siblings and have always wanted a brother or sister or both! GPA: 3.20.” For more information: email Virginia Doss at vdoss@ciee.org or call 207The CIEE website is: ciee.org/highschool/host.

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Cabot Church Repair

(continued from page 1) the supervision of the contractor, so that scraping will be safe, and we’ll try to announce a Painting Party date or two on Front Porch Forum and put a sign out front. “It would be great if there were some young people willing to help,” she added, “especially anyone who wants to do community service.” Church suppers are being held throughout the summer to fund heating costs at the church. This month’s dates are August 6 (pulled pork), and August 20 ( barbecued chicken), with take out at 5:00 p.m. and supper from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. A musical benefit with Isaac James and Friends is planned for September 27. Proceeds will go to the repair fund, to start on Phase Two of the project, which is scheduled for summer 2016.

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Management District

The Cabot Recycling Depot, located on Sawmill Road in Lower Cabot. is open every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Services provided by the Depot, including trash and metals collection, are open to all residents of Cabot and Marshfield, as well as neighboring towns. Information about recycling is available at the Depot. According to recycling processors, our contamination rates have dropped markedly over the past few months. That means we, and the other 48 towns in the Northeast Kingdom Solid Waste Management District, are doing a good job cleaning and separating out contaminants, especially for plastic containers. Keep sorting and swishing them out! Markets are strong for plastics labeled #1, #2, #3, and #4, which can be remade into plastic-based products. These happen to be the grades of plastic we accept at the Cabot Depot. All containers must be clean and smaller than 2 gallons. On the other hand, there is no Northeast market for #5 plastic. Containers labeled with the #5 recycling triangle are being landfilled by the processors. Actually, #5, #6, and #7 are not recycled. The number originated from the plastics manufacturers to keep track of different types of plastics, and #5, #6, and #7 do not have processing markets and are not recycled until further notice. Please check your plastic containers. Some plastic items cannot be recycled, but they can be reused, such as plastic Ag pots and trays made from #5. Much has been made of Vermont’s new recycling law, Act 148. For consumer recycling purposes, the bill bans the landfill disposal of Plastics #1 and #2, glass jars and bottles, aluminum and steel cans and aluminum foil, cardboard, mixed paper and newspaper. In Cabot, we already recycle these items and many more. Plastic bags labeled #2 and #4 only are recycled. We take batteries: Please keep Alkaline, Rechargeable, and Button Cells separated. There will be separate containers for each of these three types. Empty aerosol cans are collected. Why not take time this summer to look carefully at the containers your purchases come in. Can you: • reuse your higher quality plastic containers to extend their useful life, • reduce the amount of containers you buy in the first place, and then throw away, • recycle collectible containers at the local depot, • refuse to purchase packaging from companies that cannot commit to moving toward 100% recyclable? Recycling tip: The Depot can be a busy place, with many people bustling around, sorting recycled materials (great place to catch up with fellow townsfolk). Pre-sorting at home gives you quicker time to sort at the depot (and more time to visit). Ben Davis

Fire Department has 911 signs available at $10 per sign. 911 house number signs assist emergency services (police, firefighters, in locating the correct address in an emergency quickly when time is precious! to the American Heart Association, a delay of 5 minutes in receiving CPR in a case arrest reduces the survival rate drastically. These house address signs are to provide maximum visibility/readability and meet E911 emergency house sign

also help others (postman, UPS, Fedex, taxi, florist, etc.) that want to quickly identify street address. They are simple, attractive, durable and easy to read. If you yours on July 4, contact any firefighter when you are ready to have yours made.

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By Kathleen Hoyne

for Cabot Connects The third annual Cabot Ride the Ridges bike/walk/run to benefit the Cabot Connects mentoring program will be held Sunday, September 13. There will be a family-friendly 10 kilometer bike/walk/run and more challenging 30K, 60K, and 100K rides, all on scenic dirt roads around Cabot and Peacham. The 100K ride will start on the Cabot Common at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 60K at 9:00 a.m., the 30K at 10:00 a.m., and finally, the family 10K starting at 11:00 a.m. We are proud to have Woodbelly wood-fired pizza again, as well as gourmet cheeses from Cellars at Jasper Hill, Kingdom Creamery ice cream, Switchel, Burtt’s apples and cider donuts, Sweet B’s bakery items, and cookies from NECI, making this one of

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By Gary Gulka

This is a quick review of a recent document prepared by the VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation entitled Voluntary Harvesting Guidelines for Landowners in Vermont . It is available on their web site: http:// fpr.vermont.gov/forest/your_woods along with other useful resources. The Guideline s is a good read with quick tips and good overview information on ideas and practices that will help you make sound decisions on how to care for and sustainably manage your forest or woodland, small or large. The Guidelines can be useful both to landowners enrolled in Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal Program (Current Use) and those with smaller woodlands that might be thinking about harvesting timber and improving their land for wildlife habitat and sustainability. Beginning with a chapter on Preparing for Your Harvest, the Guidelines mention

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Town Garage

The Cabot Town Garage project continues to proceed steadily. In July, the Town received four bids to construct the town garage, with the low bid received from Lajeunesse Construction, Inc. at $1,076,000; the high bid came in at $1,205,502, with the other two bids in between. However, as the budget to construct the garage portion of the project only totals $900,000, the Selectboard, along with members of the Town Garage Working Group, having been working with Lajeunesse Contruction to "value engineer" the project to bring it in at budget. Steps being considered to allow this to happen include eliminating the locked storage area, reducing the size of the salt shed, eliminating the emergency generator, and several other smaller changes. It remains the goal of the Selectboard to have a construction contract in place soon so that actual construction can commence in August with a November

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- Sept 13, 2015

the best events in Vermont for excellent local food. We are incredibly grateful to the many sponsors who make this event possible – especially to our main sponsor, Cellars at Jasper Hill. Many thanks also to Kingdom Taproom, National Life Group, North Country Federal Credit Union, Hunger Mountain Coop, Washington Electric Coop, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Concept 2, and Union Bank. Special discount rates are available for Cabot residents: $10 per person or $25 per family. Food only tickets for friends and families of riders will be available for $5. These rates are available if registered by Sept 6. For more details and registration information, see the Ride the Ridges website at www.ridetheridges.net or email info@ridetheridges.net See you Sunday, September 13.

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Guidelines

the free service of county foresters to help you get started and the next step of developing a Forest Management Plan. It also provides valuable advice on choosing a consulting forester and logging contractor and pitfalls to avoid. There are sections that address regulations you should be aware of, protecting soil health, and enhancing biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Although the document can seem somewhat dry reading (65 pages of text, no photos or graphics), it provides a good overview of all the factors to consider in small and large timber harvesting operations. A large advisory committee and technical committee contributed to the document’s content which lends a greater degree of credibility to the effort. The extensive and up-to-date resource guide at the end, with most resources available on line, makes for easy follow-up for more detail on topics of interest.

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Update

completion date. We remain confident that we can make this happen. Betty Ritter, Karen Deasy, Jeff Gabrielson, and Jack Daniels met on July 21 with the CDBG-D/R grant administrators to discuss grant execution and grant compliance requirements and hopefully the $700,000 CDBG D/R grant agreement will be executed in early August; we are almost there. Last, on July 17, the Town received the Construction Permit from the State resulting in ALL permits now in place for this critically important project. That alone is a significant achievement; thank you Karen for making this happen. Lastly, thank you everyone for your support of this project. Respectfully submitted - Your Cabot Selectboard Ted Domey, Fred Ducharme, Jeff Gabrielson, Bernie Shatney and Jack Daniels

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Wildlife Management Practices August 8

A seminar for landowners in Hartland will discuss improving land for wildlife and forestry through the federal Farm Bill. A free seminar for landowners entitled "Managing your land for wildlife and forestry, a guide to U.S.D.A. Farm Bill Programs" will be offered on Saturday, August 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cobb Hill Cohousing Community Room at the Hartland Four Corners. The seminar is offered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, and the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Staff from all three agencies will provide participants with an understanding of forestry and wildlife practices related to Farm Bill programs available to landowners. They will review the process of developing a forest management plan, controlling invasive species, and enhancing food and cover sources for wildlife, as well as funding sources that are offered through U.S.D.A. for this work. "With more than 80 percent of Vermont's land in private hands, landowners can do much to promote sustainable forestry practices and improve habitat for wildlife," said Mary Beth Adler, wildlife habitat technician for Vermont Fish & Wildlife. "The programs we will highlight can give landowners the funding and skills they need to improve the health of their forests and provide food and cover for wildlife." The morning will be spent on presentations and discussion. The group will head out after lunch for a field trip to see management practices in action on the Cobb Hill lands, which have been enrolled in Farm Bill programs for several years. The walk will highlight wildlife habitat and forest management practices that have been completed and others that are in progress. Participants are encouraged to preregister by emailing Mary Beth Adler at marybeth.adler@state.vt.us or call 802-

and dress appropriately for the weather and to guard against ticks.

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A Backcountry Retreat for Adventurous Women

Vermont Outdoors Woman is sponsoring a weekend retreat for adventurous women 18 years and older at Jackson’s Lodge in Canaan, VT on September 18-20, 2015. Fall foliage will be in full swing as classes are held in the woods and on the lake. With over 40 classes taught by passionate and experienced instructors, campers choose from a list of popular classes that include: Mountain & Road Biking, Firearms (Muzzleloader, Handgun, Rifle and Clay Shooting) Marksmanship & Safety, Healing Capacity of Trees, Fly Fishing, Wild Plants, Archery, Kayaking, Birding, Wilderness Survival, Nature, Maple Sugaring, and Panning for Gold. New classes this year include: Birding Brousseau Mountain, Gourmet Outdoor Cooking, Wild Gourmet Mushrooms, Birding the Averill Ponds, Cheese Making at Home, Nature Journaling, Reflective Writing, Introduction to Filipino Martial Arts, Primitive Weapons and Knife/Tomahawk Throwing and more. Between classes there will be ample free time to explore or just relax on the sandy beach, and the evening campfires are always popular. Don't miss the opportunity to receive affordable outdoor education in a stressfree, supportive environment. Cost for the weekend program is $370. Discounts are available for daily drive ins, camping, mother/daughter teams, military families and girlfriend groups of three or more. Sponsored in part by Jackson's Lodge, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Vermont Outdoor Guide Association and Waitsfield Telecom. We are also accepting new sponsors. Total cost is $370.00 pp, includes lodging, meals & classes. You can send in a deposit of $100 to save your spot in choosing classes or pay your entire fee when you send the registration form. First come, first served. Class descriptions: www.voga.org/ Fall_Doe_Camp_Courses.htm. Create your own schedule: www.voga.org/Fall_Doe_Camp_Sched ule.htm. Registration form: www.voga.org/ Fall_Doe_Camp_registration_form.htm. Each registration and deposit is numbered as it comes to the office and attendees get their choice of class in that or-

risburg, VT. 05473-0010.

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Thursday, 8/6

Kava Express (Rock and Soul) Summer Concert Series 6:30 p.m. at the gazebo on Old Schoolhouse Common, Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield. Bring your chair, blanket, food available for purchase. Church Supper. Take a night off from Cooking! 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Come to a cooked meal of pulled pork served with salad, rolls, dessert and refreshments at the Cabot United Church. Adults $10.00, Children 12 and under $5.00. Take outs at 5:00 p.m.

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Peacham Acoustic Music Festival

Concerts, dancers, workshops, jam sessions and instrument petting zoo. Concerts by local bands too numerous to mention. Dancers all weekend Contra, family dance, Cajun and Morris dancers for all to join in. Camping, craft fair, family tent and great food. Contact

of bands or www.pamfest.com for schedules of each days. You do not want to miss this event!!

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Film

Night. 7:00 p.m. Jaquith Public Library featuring a 1991 film. Two high school doofuses totally follow their archetypal hero's journey as they challenge many aspects of their lives then usher in a golden age of peace and goodwill and win the battle of the bands. PG rated.

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Friday, 8/21

STAR PARTY 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of observing under clear evening skies (fingers crossed) using our collection of portable telescopes out on the lawn. Observe and discuss with amateur astronomers , adults and kids . Please park at the school lot and bring red lights. Open to the public. Northern Skies Observatory 336 Bayley Hazen Road, Peacham.

site www.nkaf.org. Jaquith Public Library, Old Schoolhouse Common gazebo, Marshfield 6:30 p.m. Bring chair or blanket, food available for purchase, along with books and silent auction items.

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hronicle

MANY MANY MANY THANKS THANKS THANKS FOR FOR FOR A AA A GREAT GREAT GREAT

CABOT CABOT CABOT SUMER SUMMER SUMMER CAMP CAMP CAMP SEASON SEASON SEASON

Thank you to Michelle Delaney, Dave Creighton and the Cabot Recreation Committee With Scott St. John, Cabot School Food Director For working together and providing a summer full of good, healthy fun and great meals all summer long

Camp 11-14 year olds: Foreground: Ethan Socks, Jonah Socks. Background: Milo Centers, Brody Moran, Coach Mike Jarvis.

Mountain Bike Camp: front Mia Preston, Leo Parlo, Jonah Socks, Lucia McCallum; middle Ethan Socks, Billie O'Connor, Leader Kathleen Hoyne; back, Blue Christensen, Leader Mark Bromley.

Hip Hop Camp: Summer Hoffman, Hailey North, Lorelai Bastress, Petra Basketball Camp 11-14 year olds: Foreground: Ethan Socks, Jonah Socks. BackLalomia, Camryn Hoffman, Emily Fuller, and Instructor Gala Morse. ground: Milo Centers, Brody Moran, Coach Mike Jarvis.

Lacrosse Camp: Front row left to right: Riley Burak-Dunham, Mia Preston, Alec Moran, Brody Moran, Reese Fuller, Emily Fuller. Back Row left to right: Assistant Coaches Cam Codling and Ronnie Patterson, Lucia McCallum, Evan Fuller, Assistant Isabel Maine-Torres, Coach Aaron Fuller.

Soccer Camp: Camper Charles Berry, assistant coach Matthew Lehoe, coach Michelle Delaney, camper Madalyn Covey.

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By Rita Copeland, Executive Director

Might you be interested? Twin Valley Senior Center is looking for senior men and women who want to learn about basic cooking skills, nutrition important for this age group, including reading and understanding food labels. We know there are men and women in our communities who may have lost a partner who prepared most of the meals, done shopping, etc. TVSC is considering classes by a registered dietician to cover these subjects. So, if you are interested, please call the Center at or email Twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net. Class sizes would be small, and if there are enough interested people, we would hold other sessions, as well. Please contact us if you are interested so we may start making plans.

The Cabot Historical Society is looking for Pie Festival on October 17. We appreciate baskets, oddities and collectibles. All proceeds maintenance, acquisition and preservation someone pick up your donation, email Julie Ackermann

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By Roland (Slim) Payne

It is summer and it feels like it - the heat is on. I went to cut flowers off the giant hog weed on Elm Street, and someone had already cut them off. I don’t know who, but thanks. This seems to be a good growing season for trees, but not so much for gardens. The small maples on Lower Walden Road at the picnic area are doing well - all but one that died this spring. It looked good and leaved out, but then dropped its leaves, and that's it. I went and looked at it and found the problem - lawnmower damage. It took the bark off all the way around it, a few inches above the ground. Looks like last year’s damage. The tree had a great root system, at least twice as much as I expected, but it needed food, and with the bark gone, it could not get any and starved. I have not heard anything about progress on the road to the town forest.

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ENIOR C ENTER

The evening classes of Tai Chi are not taking place because of lack of interest for that time of day, however, this is a very important set of gentle exercises, and we want to start classes up again in September. We are not sure what time outside of our currently scheduled classes would be the best for folks who want to attend. We would appreciate hearing from you if you have interest and suggestions for the classes. All ages are invited. On August 5, Green Mountain Gator Boys Band will be at the Center playing and singing for seniors and the community. 12:15 p.m. We will have lunch at (age 60+ $4.00 suggested donation; all others $5.00). We welcome you to come for lunch and join in the fun from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. August 12 is foot clinic day. Also, on August 12 at 1:00 p.m. we will have the second presentation on Alzheimer’s. The presentation will take place at 1:00 p.m. Feel free to join us for lunch at 12:15 p.m. As promised, a second Flea Market will be held Saturday, August 29, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. TVSC will rent the six-foot tables for $25. TVSC will not have items for sale, but will sell hamburgers & hot dogs. Reserve your table

valleyseniors@myfairpoint.net. date to reserve a table is August

Silent Auction donations for the Cabot Last 21.

Apple small antique pieces, hand-made items, gift go to benefit Cabot Historical Society activity. For more information or to have at hardware@fairpoint.net

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By Helen Morrison

for Kingdom Animal Shelter On Caledonia Street, it had been a long and hard winter, with deep snow and biting winds. Jack and Silver had found shelter in a dilapidated shed attached to an abandoned house. Their “people” had moved away and left them there to fend for themselves. A few kind -hearted souls left food out for them. It was a struggle for Jack and Silver, to stay warm, to stay alive. They huddled together; they gave each other comfort. Jack looked after Silver; he protected her. As the winter began to warm and move into Spring, a woman in the area realized that the shed looked more and more precarious. She called the Town Officials. They told her that the Town had plans to demolish the shed. The cats would be afraid when the big equipment came; they would hide in the shed. Others who cared about Jack and Silver came to help. Traps with food were set. First Jack and then Silver went into the traps for food and were caught. They were taken to a home where they had their own room, a temporary home. Both found solace in each other. They cuddled; they slept together. They knew each other and that gave them comfort. Jack and Silver were given their shots; they were neutered and spayed. They came back to their “home”. They were tested. Both were healthy and vibrant. But Jack, a beautiful one year old all black male,

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By Mike Clark, Camp Director

Big Hosmer Soccer Camp will be held August 3-7 in Craftsbury. This is year 36 and the excitement of the U.S. Women’s World Cup Championship Title will be celebrated. Each camper receives a ball and a World Cup featured camp shirt. There is still room available for boys and girls age 7-17. There are six age groups and goalies can attend their own training, with two goalie coaches, that will specialize on the skills unique to their position. The day camp runs from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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By Karen Mueller-Harder

Cabot Community Theater is branching out next year--we will undertake not just one, but two performance projects, directed by two young people who did such a great job in our New Directions Showcase this spring. Details are still being worked out, but here's a sneak peek at our plans: We will mount a performance of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Cabot's own Megan Walker. This charming comedy is a jewel among plays, and much be-

Front porch forum has been a great resource to communicate on the proposed all ordinance in Cabot. Sign up, see what your saying, and voice your thoughts.

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Love Story

was FIV+. Small grey Silver tested negative, but she had a bad limp. She was x-rayed. Luckily, it was only a sprain. Now, in this glorious summer, they are together, comfortable companions, best friends. Jack is wonderfully friendly, playful, loves to be petted, brushed, talked to. His FIV+ status is of no risk to anyone, as long as he doesn’t go outside nor get into any fights with other cats. Silver is safe with him. She is his friend. Silver is very, very shy, not sure who to trust, except for Jack. She trusts Jack. And Jack looks after her, as he has always done. Jack would be able to show Silver that humans can be trusted too. He would be able to show Silver the way. And here is the happy ending we are hoping for...that someone will give Jack and Silver a home where they can be together, where Jack will give Silver the confidence to trust humans by showing her how he trusts them, where someone will give Jack all the attention he so wants, and where that same person will have the patience to help Silver come out of her shell and learn to love a human. They have each other to feel safe. It is time for them to have a human who can give them a loving and patient home where they can be together and both begin to love a human. If you would consider bringing Jack and Silver into your home, or you know someone who might be interested, give

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Camp in Craftsbury

Fifteen coaches include head coaches that have High School Varsity or College coaching experience. All players with varying skill levels and experience are encouraged to attend. Coaches plan their skill and game sessions with the goal of improving individual skill, field awareness and developing game strategies in an enjoyable and competitive atmosphere, with plenty of game play. A greater love and understanding of the game is our focus. Registration forms can be accessed on the website www.townofcraftsbury.com on their calendar of events or by contacting Camp Director, Mike Clark, at

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Coming Year

loved of audiences everywhere. Auditions will take place in the fall, with dates announced in next month's Chronicle. Performance dates will be sometime in the late winter or early spring, in CSPAC. We will also sponsor a theater improvisation workshop series open to actors of all ages, directed by Maggie Palmiero. This group will meet regularly for a number of weeks, culminating in a performance of some sort. Watch for details in upcoming issues of the Chronicle.

Cabot residents can also sign up for

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← From the Cabot Chronicle