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The Cabot Chronicle

September 2016 · 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 September 2016 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

Tom Sawyer In Cabot

A classic tale. Paul Wade saw these folks on his way to recycling, at work near the old lower Cabot store, and snapped the photo. We think Mark Twain would have been inspired.

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Sandy and Richard Ducharme

By Sarah Spletzer Welters

Sandy and Richard Ducharme, both in their sixties, grew up on dairy farms in Cabot. They went to school together, became a couple in high school, and are now married -for 45 years! Sandy designs and paints floorcloths and hand-hooked wool rugs. Richard is the owner and builder of Hillcrest Chairs, and builds dry stone walls in Vermont. If you are curious about Sandy’s and Richard’s work and want to know more, go to www.sandyducharmede signs.com and www.hillcrest chairs.com. I met Sandy and Richard on a sunny August afternoon at their home on Ducharme Road. The first thing I saw were the colorful patches of flowers in their garden, before Sandy and Richard allow me a tour through their home and individual studios.

Sandy, do you dye the wool for your handhooked rugs yourself? Sandy: I do, except for a few pieces that I find in the store, that I like for their patterns. I also mix most of the colors for the painted floorcloths myself. This art form was developed along the New England coast in the 1700s. It is important to me to use authentic colors from the different eras, especially when I use historic patterns or stencils.

I see that you have a lot floorcloths in use in your own house - do people ever have trouble stepping on them, because they look quite delicate? Sandy: It’s funny that you’re asking that! A customer who bought a floorcloth from me about a year ago told me that her family just recently started to dare step on it! People, indeed, get scared that they might ruin it by using it. But, it really can handle a lot. It is made from canvas that is used for sailboats, and it has six layers of acrylic finish on it. This one (she points at the floorcloth right at her entrance door) is a couple of years old, and it doesn’t even have marks yet, as you can see.

Making rugs and handpainted floor cloths can be seen as an art or craft. Where do you see yourself and your work on that spectrum? Sandy: I love being creative! I love being outside, I love flowers, colors. I am always doing something creative, whether it’s watercolors or making rugs - it’s simply a part of me! Whether it’s called art or craft is not so important to me, as long as I am creative.

There are a lot of motifs from nature in your artwork, especially flowers. Do you find inspiration in your own garden? Sandy: Oh yes! But not just there! We used to have a nursery. And whereever we go for vacation, I take pictures of flowers and other plants that I use for my artwork. We are both looking at a plant in front of us. The pattern on the leaves, that shows nearly square patches in different shades of green, reminds me of the pattern of Sandy’s latest hooked rug in progress that is lying right next to it on the couch.

Isn’t it funny how you see resemblance everywhere once you get involved with something? Sandy: Yes, and that’s what I love about being creative! You can’t look at things the same way anymore, once you look with an artist’s eye.

Sandy and Richard, both of you are taking part in the Open Studio weekends. Are they helpful to get exposure as an artist in Cabot, Vermont? Both: Yes! Richard: Yes, we get a lot of visitors and meet new customers in that way. Sandy: People love to see where it’s all made and they love to take a tour through our house and studios. They see that we, ourselves, are really living with our artworks and that we are making use of it in our daily lives.

Richard, are your customers from Vermont or out of state?

Richard: Both. We have customers in Cabot, from everywhere in Vermont and from other States; the Boston area, for example. Some people know about the chairs from our flyers, through the open studio weekends, or other customers. Others see our sign by the road and decide to drive by and take a look. The only problem with out of staters that come by spontaneously is that sometimes their cars are not made to fit my chairs, and it’s a lot of work to take them apart!

Do you two ever collaborate creatively? I have seen some chairs on your website that look like they could have been painted by Sandy…?

Richard: Indeed, those are custom made chairs for special occasions, like love seats or memorial chairs. Sometimes, people want a special image, and Sandy paints it for them.

Richard and Sandy Ducharme

Richard, I heard you don’t just make chairs, but you also build dry stone walls…. Richard: Yes, I have been doing that for years now! I started back in 1999. But, it takes years and years to develop the eye for it! I made the wall that you can see right when you come into Cabot, next to the Creamery; and the one behind the Willey building, for example.

Do you like puzzles? Making stone walls always strikes me as similar to making puzzles. Richard: That’s right, I do! It is actually similar. I sometimes work on it for twelve, fourteen hours a day, though.

That’s long. I can imagine it can be pretty meditative at times though is it? Richard: Well yeah, you can do a lot of thinking. My thinking is in looking for the next stone. Like you said, it is a puzzle. The secret to this whole trade is this: You have a hole, you need to fix it, need to fill it. So, you are looking for the next ten, twenty seconds for a stone that fits. If you don’t find it, you’ve got to move on to the next one! Because, when you pick up the next stone, the one you were looking for is right underneath that one!

What Are You Up To? Is brought to you by the Cabot Community Association. If you would like to suggest a Cabot resident to be highlighted in this monthly column , pleasemail [email protected] or call 563- 3338.

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Local Business Matters

By Ellen Cairns This month, we chatted with Greg Burtt, owner of Burtt’s Orchard in Cabot. A quick overview of the basics: Burtt’s has ten, acres with about 8,000 apple trees and 40 varieties of apples.

Cabot Chronicle: I’ve read that your parents started the farm in 1989 with cows and a sugaring operation, and that it was your idea to start the orchard. Why apples?

Greg Burtt: I wrote a business plan for my Senior Project (at Cabot High School) that included planting apples. I asked my dad if I could use some land that wasn’t that great to try it, and he actually said I should use some of the better land for it. I planted about 300 trees that first year.

CC: Do your parents still have the farm?

GB: Yes. When I’m not working in the orchard, I work on the farm- it’s about a 50/50 split on how I spend my time. We have 25,000 taps now. Before we moved to Cabot, my dad had a farm and construction business in western Massachusetts. He had 12,000 taps, which at the time was the largest sugaring operation in the state.

CC: And I saw on Front Porch Forum that you're also growing cherries?

GB: Yes, we started with just six cherry trees, then planted another 60 in 2011, and then this year another 120. They are tart cherries, which are great for pies. We’ve had people come cherry-picking, and we’ll be expanding that. The cherry season is usually from the end of July through August, so it works well with apple season.

CC: If you weren’t farming, what do you think you’d be doing?

GB: I studied mechanical engineering (at UVM) so most likely that. But, I can’t see myself not farming, really. I was three when we moved here, so I grew up on the farm. I started working when I was 7 and worked about 30 hours per week. It was fun – I liked that I was doing something meaningful, to know I was helping. I worked so much on the farm that going to school was fun, too, because it was kind of a break from working.

CC: How many people visit the orchard each year? Do they come from all over, or mainly this area?

GB: Around 10,000 people- 3,000 – 4,000 customers plus kids and families. Most come from within a 45 minute drive, but we also get some foliage tourists.

CC: How many people do you hire during the season?

GB: Six part time, and one long-time full-time person. My wife, Stefanie, is a big part of the operation, as well. She does a lot of the planting, pruning, running the register. She also has become kind of an expert in the business-end of it

- and there’s a lot to learn about all of that.

CC: What do you like about having a business in Cabot?

GB: I just love Cabot, first of all. The involvement of neighbors and friends- it’s more personal to be part of the community. I’m involved with the mentoring program, and it’s fun when mentors and mentees come for the day to pick apples. I like getting to know more people in town, especially when you feel the support from the community. I think a lot about my impact on the community and how the business affects my neighbors.

CC: What’s your favorite thing about having the orchard?

GB: I’d say it’s the interactions with the people who come to pick the apples and bring them home. The rest of farming is more just about production. It’s great to see families enjoying themselves. This has become a special place to other people, not just me. People say “We’ve been bringing our kids since they were babies.” I love that we’re part of those traditions. I also enjoy that it’s really a lifetime of learning on the horticultural side.

CC: What’s your least favorite thing about it?

GB: The paperwork- just the typical business stuff you have to do. And the pests –like Japanese beetles- when you can’t find a good solution to them.

CC: When will you be open for picking this year?

GB: By the third week in August.

Local Business Matters is brought to you by Cabot Community Association. Ellen will be contacting local business people over the next few months. If you have a business and are interested in being highlighted or have other ideas you’d like to propose, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at 563-3338 or email Ellen@Cabot Vermont.org.

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COUNTRY COMMENTARY

Greetings and salutations, We have been harvesting and look forward to the canning and freezing of the fruits and vegetables of our labors. It was a great year for blueberries, and we have so many. We are thankful as always for whatever produce we are able to glean from our gardens. I am taking guitar lessons and am coming along. I can almost strum to the Unicorn song. It feels good when you can switch chords without looking, which is where I am just about. I love it, but I am a slow learner. Won't stop me from learning still just harder. Nothing worth having comes easy, I've been told. So it would seem. I have another milestone in life and became fifty-five years old. I don't feel it, though. I am a bit wiser for the years and experience, but still young at heart. I will never give up on my youthful attitude. It buoys me when things get a bit rough. Life is more fun, too, I think. The summer has gone by rather quickly in spite of the rain and sweltering heat, though it hasn't been too bad this year. I can hardly wait for the cooler autumn days with the extraordinary blue skies and the fragrant moldering leaves. Autumn is my favorite time of year. The cats are still tolerating one another and life seems good, but won't feel complete until we get the puppies. It seems like an unbelievably long wait, but am still so very excited. Any suggestions on puppy potty training? I want to get it right. I have heard crating is good at night and just keeping a close eye on them during the day. I have also been told that a consistent feeding schedule is helpful in the training. We did it all with Jade, but it was fourteen years ago... OY! I don't know how the cats will do with the puppies, but they will have to adjust, the wee beggers. Life is exciting to us, at any rate, and continues to be so. The herbal course has four more lessons left out of ten, and I have increased my apothecary considerably. I really recommend this course by Rosemary Gladstar to anyone interested. It is so worth it. My library of herbal remedies has increased, as well, and I have found all sorts of remedies to experiment carefully with. Well, happy harvest to one and all! Enjoy the last of the hot days, maybe by a lake or pond. We are so lucky to live in a State that has so many swimming holes. Well, I will be thinking of you when I am picking the last of my berries, and drinking lemonade off my deck after a hot day in the garden.

Enjoy life as much as possible!

Laura Lee Saorsa Smith The Cabot Chronicle reserves the right to reject letters that may contain at 563-3338, visit our website, www.CabotVermont.org or email us at

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CABOT ♦ DANVILLE ♦ PEACHHAM

By Representative Catherine (Kitty) Toll on the same day of the election. This law goes into effect for the 2018 Election Cycle. Additionally, Secretary of State Jim Condos has launched a new on-line voter registration system that enables voters to update personal information and to conveniently register to vote. To register to vote on-line visit: olvr.sec.state.vt.us. I encourage all who are eligible and are not registered to vote to take advantage of these new initiatives or to register in person at your local town clerk’s office. Early voting for the November 8 General Election begins September 23 and runs through November 7 at your town clerk’s office. Just stop by your clerk’s office and vote early or take your ballot with you.You can also contact your town clerk and request a ballot to be mailed to you. The last day one can register to vote in the General Election is November 2. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. It is an honor to represent our communities at the State House. I always appreciate hearing from you and look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.

[email protected] [email protected] PO Box 192, Danville, VT 05828 802-684-3671 www.kittytoll.com Vermont Voter Registration

Vermont has passed a number of measures that makes voter registration more accessible to eligible Vermont citizens. In today’s world work schedules, family commitments, travel and access to transportation are often barriers to becoming a registered voter and to voting. This year, the legislature passed H.458, a bill that automatically registers eligible Vermonters to vote when applying for a state driver’s license. Vermont is now the fourth state with such a law. Passed with virtually unanimous support, the law will streamline voter registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with a system that identifies eligible Vermonters and automatically sends their information to the town or city clerk for addition to the checklist. This law also enables license applicants to "opt-out" of voter registration. It is estimated that automatic voter registration could add between 30,000 and 50,000 new voters within the first four years of implementation. As of July 31, there are 449,772 registered Vermont voters. Last year Vermont became the 14th state to allow same-day voter registration. This law expands access to voting by enabling Vermonters to register to vote

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

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Cabot Farmers Honored 2016 Vermont Agriculture Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The Vermont Agriculture Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce the inductees for 2016. Recipients are chosen based on their accomplishments and significant contributions to Vermont agriculture. They are:

• Gordon J. Booth, Barre dairy farmer and legislator (posthumously)

• Anne C. Brown, Vermont Morgan Horse breeder and promotor

• Walter and Sally Goodrich, dairy farmers and acclaimed Jersey breeders

• Ralph McNall, dairy farmer and industry leader These nominees will be honored on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, during the luncheon at the Champlain Valley Exposition. Also during that time, the black and white photographs of the 2015 inductees will be revealed. These photos will feature Putnam Blodgett, Arthur Clifford, James Harvey, Governor Frederick Holbrook and Mariafranca Morselli. Family members and representatives from many agricultural organizations in Vermont will be in attendance as we honor these deserving individuals. Sixty-one photographs depicting sixty -three former nominees are on display in the entryway of the Robert E. Miller Building and can be viewed during the Fair, as well as throughout the year. We encourage Vermonters to visit the exhibition and remember the many contributions these folks have made to our industry. Nomination forms are available on the Exposition website (cvexpo.org) and can be made at any time. For more information about the event, please contact Jackie Folsom, Chair of the Committee, at [email protected] or 802-426-3579.

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Cabot Recycling Center Has Grown

By Ben Davis, NEKWMD Representative

This summer, the Cabot Recycling Center enlarged its operations. The current space was expanded back into the building, and the list of materials now being collected for recycling has grown. Some of the new items being collected are light bulbs of all kinds (no broken light bulbs, please), used motor oil, batteries of all kinds, hardcover books, and used tires. Tires are taken for a fee; a price list is posted at the center. A complete list of everything now being collected is available at the Center. A major change is the inclusion of electronics. Acceptable items are taken for no charge. Please be aware that storage space for electronics is limited. If you have a lot of electronics, plan to bring them down a few at a time. Note that coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, and irons are not considered electronic waste. Because the NEKWMD relies on major recycling markets to move collected materials, all items brought down must be clean and free of food residues. That means: please rinse your milk jugs, cans, and bottles. Plastics now being recycled are these numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 only. Containers must be 2 gallons or less. Tubs and automotive product containers are acceptable as long as they are completely drained of fluid. Note that vinyl siding, CD cases, VHS tapes, Styrofoam (or #6 of any kind), syringes and medical devices are NOT taken. These items go in your regular trash. Plastic bags must be labeled #2 or #4, including bubble wrap. Zip lock bags are not recyclable at this time. Newspapers, magazines and office paper, including junk mail, are collected together. This includes telephone books, paperback books, colored paper and wrapping paper. NOT included in this category are brown craft paper, boxboard, coffee cups, ice cream cartons, milk cartons, or metallic wrapping paper. Recycling Center attendants Anthony Russell and Dakota Coutu are on duty every Saturday from 8:30 until Noon to ensure smooth operation and to assist residents. They stressed that it is very important not to arrive before 8:30. Before then they are cleaning and setting up the Center. Please respect their need to prepare for the day. They are there to assist you.

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From page 3

Walter and Sally Goodrich, Cabot residents and long-time dairy farmers, will be honored at the Vermont Agriculture Hall of Fame on August 31. They will be joined by 19 family members and almost 150 other invited guests as they are inducted into the Hall. "It's been alot of fun talking with Sally and listening to her great stories about farming, cows, and how she met Walt," said Jackie Folsom, chair of the nominating committee. "The Goodriches certainly represent the type of folks in the agricultural industry that the Hall showcases - involved in their community, as well as their farm, pursuing innovative ideas and diversification of their resources." Congratulations!

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OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Roger J. Blouin Roger J. Blouin, 88, of Lepage Road, Barre Town, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at his home with his family at his bedside. Born in Graniteville, Vermont, on July 28, 1928, he was the son of the late Alvida and Elina (Crete) Blouin. Roger attended elementary school in Cabot and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, class of 1946. After his schooling he worked in the granite quarries. He later was employed at the Lane Machine Shop in Montpelier. His last employment was at LaCross Memorials in Barre where he retired, in 1990, after 44 years of employment. On April 22, 1950, he married Joyce Craige in St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Graniteville. They resided in Graniteville before moving to Barre Town. Roger was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre; the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Barre Cribbage League (44 years), and a member of the Horseshoe League, Cribbage League. Among his interests were, ice fishing, rabbit hunting, snowmobiling, gardening, and horseshoes, playing cards, and especially enjoyed dancing, but most of all he enjoyed spending precious time with his family and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. One of his favorite events was attending the Blouin family reunion every year. Roger was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather, and friend. Survivors include his devoted wife of 66 years of marriage, Joyce Blouin, of Barre Town; his children and their spouses: David Blouin and his wife, Beth, of Weare, New Hampshire, Bonnie Blouin and her husband, Moose (Bruce), of Barre Town, Ronald Blouin and his wife, Bonnie, of Websterville, and Raymond Blouin and his wife, Kathy, of Barre Town. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and spouses: Bryan Perry, of Williston, Vermont, Keith Perry and his wife, Vanessa, of Barre Town, Jamie Blouin and Kelly Benoit, of Barre, Caitlin Blouin, Matthew Blouin and Annalise Blouin, all of Weare, New Hampshire, Tyson and Beckie Blouin, of Williamstown, Jordan and Meagan Shea, of Barre, Katie Shea, of Arizona, and Natalie Shea, of Georgia; and five great-grandchildren: Leland Perry, Parker Benoit, Kailey Blouin, Bailey Shea and Mackenzie Perry. Also surviving is one sister, Pauline Redmond, of Montpelier, Vermont, as well as many special nieces, nephews and special friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by six siblings, Marcel Blouin, Denise Dufresne Lorraine Blouin, Fern Barnes, Rita Laperle and Rene Blouin. A Mass of Christian burial and celebration of his life was held August 13, 2016, in St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre, followed by burial at St. Sylvester Cemetery in Lower Websterville, Vermont. Contributions, in Roger's memory, may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre.

Robert A. Miller Robert Arden Miller, 83, of West Road, Barre Town, died unexpectedly Thursday, August 11, 2016, at his home. Born November 7, 1932, in Cabot, he was the son of Harry A. and Edith (Martin) Miller. He attended South Barre schools and Spaulding High School in Barre. On July 20, 1952, he married Sylvia J. Lawrence at the Miller Homestead in Barre Town, where they spent their married life. Sylvia died July 19, 2002, at her home. Bob was a longtime dairy farmer and a beloved school bus driver for the Montpelier school system. He will be well remembered for raising corn and distributing it to many local grocery stores. He adored his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, friendly and helpful to all whether family, friends or strangers, and we will always remember that. Bob was a longtime member of the South Barre and Montpelier Church of Christ and several health support groups. Survivors include his son, Richard A. Miller and his wife, Billie Sue, of Urbana, Illinois; and three daughters, Dorothy Miller and her partner, Randy Wade, of Santa Barbara, California, Sally Black and her husband, Joven, of Montpelier, and Jane Benoit and her husband, Edmond, of Barre Town; as well as ten grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Sylvia, and brothers Willard and Harry Miller. On Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at the Miller Homestead in Barre Town, his life was honored and celebrated under the direction of his son, Richard Miller, and grandson Ryan Miller, both ministers of the Church of Christ. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Rd., Barre, VT 05641. For a memorial guestbook, visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com.

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Rescuing the West Hill School House

Above: West Hill School building in 1975, the beginning of restoration by Cabot Historical Society volunteers. L-R Charles Carpenter, Susan Carpenter, Thelma Walbridge and Sharon Spaulding.

By Barbara Carpenter

Recently I found an old photograph of the West Hill Schoolhouse. Richard Spaulding was behind the camera in this picture taken in summer, 1975. Really?? The schoolhouse looked that bad?? No, actually, it had looked even worse only a short time earlier. Soon after the New Year, in January ’75, Mary Tebbetts telephoned me. She said the CHS (Cabot Historical Society) ought to DO SOMETHING to recognize the U.S. Bicentennial, so a few people met together in the Cabot library. They decided that the restoration of the old schoolhouse at West Hill would be a worthy project. Another meeting took place in February, but, although it was publicized in the newspaper, on the radio and in a newsletter to members of CHS only eight people showed up. They were: Irma Perry, Helen Wheeler, Debby Earle, Leonard Spencer, Betty Lovely, Marie Thompson, Mary and me. The CHS had the grand sum of $500 available to spend on the project, but at the March town meeting, the Select Board agreed to turn over the ownership of the old building and the four square rods of land it sat on to the CHS. The night of March 22 was frigid and the roads icy, but this time 40 people came to a CHS meeting in the church vestry. Mary Tebbetts had set two long tables for a “family style” meal. People ate baked beans made with maple sugar and salt pork, and thus fortified, plans were made. A second issue of the Cabot Bicentennial News was composed. Stencils were typed at the Town Clerk’s office and mimeographed at the Creamery. An inspection of the building by Charles Carpenter, Elton Walbridge, Richard Spaulding and Blanche Lamore reported conditions better than expected. Many years before, the Town had opened up the east wall, put up a roll door and moved in a road grader. The heavy, old machine broke through the floor. Another roll door was put on the front of the building so that snow fence could be stored in the vestibule and in the old cloakroom. The cloakroom wall was torn down. However, some thoughtful person put the original old door overhead in the rafters. It was in good condition and is still in use Below: West Hill School 2016. Post restoration.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 4 onward.

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Planning Notes

By Karen Deasy Zoning Administrator and Planner

Asset Management – The Town has received an asset management grant to inventory and map the Danville Hill water line, the oldest service line on the system, and complete an asset management plan for our water system. This will allow us to manage expenses and budget for replacement costs for major components to the system. This work will be completed this fall and incorporated into the capital budget for equipment replacement.

Water system consumer confidence

report. Cabot residents directly connected to the Town water system received with your bill last month a copy of the water system consumer confidence report. This is a yearly report that indicates the water sample reports from our annual testing completed by Utility Partners as they monitor our water system. For those not on the Town water system who would like a copy of the report, there are copies available at the Town Clerk’s office, or you can call and request a copy. The test results indicate the highest level recorded for a variety of metals and minerals, as well as monthly Coliform testing, the range of levels recorded are also indicated, and at the end of each column is a number that indicates a level that, if detected, requires action by the community. Please note our lead test results are at a zero level. As a proactive measure, we have also inspected the few residences that are either new or on older water system connections, to confirm that the service entrances from the Town system are copper. If any residents have questions on the testing results, please contact the office directly.

Better Roads Grant. For the third year in a row, the Town has received a Better Roads Grant. This funding is being utilized to upsize structures and replace culverts that are failing, consistently wash out and cause erosion issues near brooks and streams. The program has expanded this year to include major road stabilization projects and opportunities for Towns to develop erosion control plans. We will utilize this funding to replace three culverts on West Shore Road and reconstruct the headwalls, and two culverts on Route 215 South. Under the new stormwater permitting, the Town will be required to inventory potential erosion points in Town on the Town road system. These erosion points are identified by slope and proximity to water, and we are required to develop measures to improve these locations. If erosion is not an issue, this information also will be recorded, indicating measures used to prevent erosion. Best management practices will be shifting to encourage water to filtrate next to our roads where possible, limiting and or eliminating ditching, removing culverts where unnecessary, and making our road system less prone to washouts due to heavy rain events and flooding. A big thanks to Aldo, our Road Foreman, and our Road Crew, Rusty and Sid, as they work through the new requirements, altering management techniques to meet the new requirements, make our roads better and community safer.

Please note also that regular household trash is collected at the Recycling Center for a fee. For more information on recycling, or for information on hazardous material disposal, please check the waste district’s website at www.nekwmd.org. If you have questions about special items to dispose of, please call the district at 1-800-734- 4602.

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Cabot Fall Foliage Turkey Supper

Serving at 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

On the menu: Roast Turkey and all the fixings, Salads, Desserts, Coffee, Iced Tea, Lemonade.

$12 adults and $6 for under 12. Reservations recommended: 802 563-2715.

Call early to guarantee a place at the table.

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Annual Harvest Supper

5:30pm. ~ $10 for adults, $5 under 12.

Menu - Red Flannel Hash, Baked Beans, Ham, salads, Desserts and Beverages. Supper will be followed by the annual auction of garden produce and baked goods

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 7 onward.

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From page 8

The 2016-17 Girl Scout Registration Night will be held on Thursday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cabot School Library. Cabot Girl Scout troops welcome all girls, including homeschoolers and girls from other schools and towns. This year, we hope to have troops for Daisies (grades K-1), Brownies (grades 2-3) and Juniors (grades 4-5). When you join a girl scout troop, “you’ll get together with friends to play games, sing songs, go on field trips, explore the outdoors and earn badges as you learn to do all kinds of things.” (GSGWM website) Older girls can participate in girl scouting as independents, as program aides with the younger troops, through short term programs or online virtual troops. Parents can register their daughters online at any time at www.girlscouts gwm.org. If you are re-registering, you will need your login and password from last year. If you are new to Girl Scouts, you will be asked to set up an account before you can register. On September 8, we will have computers available to assist you with this process. The annual registration fee is $30. This can be paid directly online with a credit card, or you can bring a check or cash to the registration night. Financial assistance is available through the Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains. If you are using Cookie Dough earned from the 2016 cookie sale, you will need to fill out a paper registration form to be mailed in with your Cookie Dough. We also need parents to help out with Girl Scouts in Cabot as chaperones, drivers and assistants at meetings. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Cecilia Gulka at 563-2284 or [email protected] or Darci Herdling at 917-3882 or [email protected]. Come join us September 8 and find out what Girl Scouting is all about!

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Kingdom Animal Shelter

By Helen Morrison Look at this very sweet boy! His name is Max. He is one-in-amillion...get it?.Max-amillion! He is a very big boy, and has a beautiful, tawny, long haired coat. Max is flame point Siamese. He seems shy at first. But he loves to be petted and combed. And when you do, he purrs and comes forward and head butts your face and gives it a little love lick. He has blue eyes that are -.you guessed it - a bit crossed. Max would need a quiet, gentle home.

Come to meet Max at Kingdom Animal Shelter, 1664 Memorial Drive in St. Johnsbury Center.

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TOWN OF CABOT

Office

US Senator Cris Ericson Democrat Votes Progressive Votes Republican Votes

19 Write in 1 Scott Milne 114 Patrick Leahy 169 Write In Spoiled Blank 1 0 8 178 3 0 16 78 1 0 1 2 0 21 Congress Peter Welch Write In Spoiled Blank 0 2 5 0 132 Governor Matt Dunne Cris Ericson Peter Galbraith 17 Sue Minter H. Brooke Paige 4 Write In Spoiled Blank Bruce Lisman 31 Phil Scott 104 88 3 0 12

21 Wardinski 0 Randy Brock 99 51 Boots 1 0 2 Lt. Governor Kesha Ram Shap Smith David Zuckerman 117 Write In Spoiled Blank 0 8 2 0 6 0 32 Treasurer Richard Dunne 38 Beth Pearce Write In Spoiled Blank

Jim Condos Write In Spoiled Blank Doug Hoffer Write In Spoiled Blank 126 1 0 32

153 3 0 41 144 0 53 0 2 6 0 131 Secretary of State 0 2 1 Dan Feliciano 76 1 0 1 3 0 134 Auditor 1 0 60 Deborah Bucknam 91 Attorney General T. J. Donovan 118 H. Brooke Paige 41 Write In Spoiled Blank

Francis Brooks 67 Ann Cumings 113 Ashley Hill Anthony Pollina 129 Write In Spoiled Blank 0 38 0 2 3 0 43 State Senator William Doyle 114 66 2 0 214 1 0 5 4 0 293 State Representative Kitty Toll Write In Spoiled Blank Craig Vance 101 177 1 0 19 6 0 30

Marc Poulin 86 0 2 High Bailiff Write In Spoiled Blank 9 0 188 1 0 51

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CABOT VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS 2016 SOCCER SCHEDULE

DATE DAY GIRLS TIME BOYS TIME OPPONENT HOME/AWAY

Burke Mtn 8/24 * WED 3:30 PM 5:00 PM Academy

8/30* TUE 4:00 PM Twinfield

9/3 SAT 11:00 AM 1:00 PM Sharon

9/8 THURS 4:30 PM -----

9/9 FRI -----

9/10 SAT 11:00 AM -----

9/12 MON -----

9/14 WED 3:00 PM 4:30 PM So. Royalton

9/16 * FRI ----

9/16 FRI 7:00 PM -----

9/19 MON 4:30 PM -----

9/20 TUE ----

9/27 TUE ----

9/30 FRI 4:30 PM Craftsbury

10/3 MON 4:00 PM ----

10/4 TUE -----

10/6 THURS 3:00 PM 4:30 PM Twinfield

10/8 SAT 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Blue Mountain HOME

10/11 TUE ----

10/12 WED 4:00 PM -----

10/14 FRI 4:00 PM Twinfield

10/18 TUE 4:00 PM Rivendell

10/22 SAT 11:00 AM 1:00 PM Chelsea

* Scrimmage. All game dates and times are subject to change. Game times on Sat 9/3 may be boys at 11:00 and girls at 1:00. For up to date game information, please visit the athletics calendar at Cabotschool.org For all inquires, please contact Cabot Athletic Director at 563-2289, ext 222 or [email protected] HOME

AWAY

HOME

HOME

AWAY

HOME

AWAY

HOME

4:00 PM Christ Covenant HOME

AWAY

HOME

AWAY

HOME

AWAY

Blue Mountain AWAY

4:00 PM Williamstown HOME

HOME Winooski 4:30 PM Sharon

Chelsea

4:30 PM Danville Winooski

Winooski 4:30 PM Hazen

4:30 PM UCA 4:00 PM Whitcomb

Whitcomb HOME

HOME

AWAY

AWAY

AWAY

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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

DONATE BLOOD The American Red Blood Draw. Tuesday: September 6, 2016 Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm Place: Twin Valley Senior Center RELAX! Blood donation is a simple and very safe procedure, so there is nothing to worry about. Walk-ins are welcome or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767) to set up a time. In this manner, you jump to the front of the line.

FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY September 23 is Falls Prevention Awareness Day. The National Council on Aging’s Falls Free Initiative encourages community members to participate in activities that raise awareness of falls to help prevent them. Therapists test your balance and provide education and resources for year-round prevention. Information on how to develop events on balance, falls, and exercise is provided. TVSC will once again be hosting its annual prevention day for anyone who wants to participate (see below). We hope you will take advantage of this free event and have a Fall Risk Assessment. No appointment needed. TVSC will be hosting Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for all community members. Anyone is welcome to stay for our luncheon, which is served at 12:15 p.m. We suggest a donation of $5.00 (age 60+) and all others $6.00. Please bring your family member, friend or neighbor for this very important program. If you have questions, feel free to call 223-3322.

FELDENKRAIS CLASS A new six-week session of the Feldenkrais class, with Paul Erlbaum as instruction, will be coming up soon. The first session was very successful and well received, and we have been asked to hold another session. Feldenkrais is a program designed to promote body and mental well-being by conscious analysis of neuromuscular activity via exercises that improve flexibility and coordination and increase ease and range of motion. If you are interested in taking part in this class, please contact Paul Erlbaum at [email protected] or [email protected]. Paul can also be reached at 802-249-0861 or the Center at 802-223-3322. There will be a free introductory class and $35.00 for six-week course.

WRITING CLASS I am very happy to say that I have connected with a terrific gentleman by the name of Jonathan Black who has been writing most of his life. Jonathan loves being able to help clients express themselves through writing. He has been teaching classes and has writing groups at Project Independence and has been speaking with people at Twin Valley Senior Center. Jonathan gives class members topics to write about, then discusses it with members of the class. His groups are lively and interesting, participants come away feeling much better about themselves, their abilities to communicate, and their relationships with others. Sessions last one hour and there would be a $25 charge for a six-week course. We will hold an introductory session, day and time to be announced, if you are interested in participating in this writing group. Please call 223-3322 or email me at [email protected]. If we have interest then we would like to start classes right after Labor Day. Your suggestions of the best day and time to hold classes will determine when the class should be scheduled. So, please contact me as soon as possible.

SENIOR CENTER SUPPORT September 17 please visit Twin Valley Senior Center booth at Old Home Days in Plainfield. We are reaching out to let you know about your Senior Center and what we are about and what we have to offer. There will be literature handouts, volunteers to answer questions and we will also be holding a raffle to help benefit the Center. Hope you will stop by! Twin Valley is still in need of Volunteers to help with our Meals on Wheels prep work. There is no cooking involved. Volunteer to help learn how to package, label and pack the meals into the transport bags from which the meals are delivered to our home-bound clients. You can volunteer 1, 2 or 3 days a week, which would consist of one or two hours at a time. Consider becoming a back-up delivery driver for one of our routes, as well. This small amount of your time makes a big difference helping us, and you will find it very rewarding. Your time can be flexible, as we are more than willing to work with you on scheduling. Watch for upcoming information on a dinner fundraiser for the Center on September 25.

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FROM THE CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in the Summer Reading Program – On Your Mark, Get Set… Read! 2016. We had a tremendous turnout with 60 area youth participating and 27 youth challenging themselves by joining the Thousand Page Club. Altogether, we estimate Cabot youth have read over 2,141 books throughout the summer – we are so proud of you! We still have unclaimed prizes and coupons for free ice cream for those who have completed their goals. Special thanks to the Friends of the Library – Sandy Atkins, Mary Lou DeLacy, Janet Westervelt and Janet Whitlock - for another successful July 4 book sale, generating over $700 for the Cabot Public Library. Thanks to Ethan and Jonah Socks for their help carrying many loads of books. Thanks so much to Megan Walker for bringing the library’s children’s books to area day care centers and Camp Laughing Turtle. Thanks to all who came out and joined in the summer programming. The library offered 11 special programs with a total of 33 adults and 74 children participating. Children especially enjoyed the kite-making and making clay dragons with local artist Mazie O’Connor. We are so grateful to be one of six Vermont libraries chosen to receive the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s (CLiF) Rural Libraries grant. This allows us to choose over $2,000 worth of high-quality children’s books for the public library, $500 in new books for the school library, a total of four storytelling presentations at the elementary school, brand new books for all children birth-grade 6, and a $250 mini grant to support a special initiative in our public library. Thanks to all the students who have made the Pathfinders group so successful for many years. Any interested youth wishing to continue this group are welcome. Come in and check out our new children’s picture books, thanks to a generous donation from Kristi Jemtegaard. We were also able to purchase the entire Harry Potter series on CD as well as many other audiobooks and new adult books, so please check out what’s new at the library.

Programs Playgroup – Tuesdays – 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – starting back up on September 6 For children up to 5 years old, meet on the 3rd floor of the Willey Building. Bring your own ride-on toy and snack if you wish. Stay for Library Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. For more info, contact Cas eyClifordatsew [email protected].

Pokemon Club – Saturdays, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. All are welcome – bring your own cards if you have them, but not necessary. Call Ethan Socks for more info at 563- 2073.

Meditation Group – First and Third Wednesdays, September 7 and 21 – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Daria Babbitt has been teaching meditation for over 25 years and will introduce different meditation techniques designed to reduce stress. There will also be time for discussion about various healing techniques and inner spiritual growth. This workshop is open to all and donations are gratefully accepted.

Intro to Beekeeping – Anthony Pauly – Thursday, September 8 – 6:30 p.m. Beekeeping has been a part of human civilization for over 7000 years and is an art that brings nourishment to all via pollination & enjoyment. Topics covered will be honey bee facts, the honey bee life cycle, parasite control, swarm mitigation and more. For more info, visit www.theshamanstouch.com or call Anthony at 802-324-5769.

Cabot Old Time Contra and Square

Dance – Saturday, September 10 – 7:30 p.m. Starting back up with a new season of dances! This dance series consists of monthly dances on the second Saturday of the month September through May. All are invited. Music will be provided by David Carpenter and friends and the caller for September will be Karen Mueller-Harder. The dances are taught and are easily learned by young and old. There is a small suggested donation to help cover the cost of the caller. For more info, please call David Carpenter at 802-426-3225 or email [email protected].

Tai Chi for Health and Wellness - Thursdays 5:00- 6:00 p.m. – 8 week program starting September 15 Tai Chi has been widely documented to offer enormous benefits for both physical and mental health. Tai Chi helps with your balance and concentration and is often considered a moving meditation. This set is derived from the classical Yang style in a simplified way and can form the basis for further practice and more advanced study. Each class will also include a posture from the qigong 8 pieces of brocade. Stretching and strengthening will also be part of each session. Classes are offered by Marsha Kameron. Classes are free to the public, though suggested donation of $5 per class is welcome. It is requested that no outdoor shoes be worn on the wooden floors. Bare feet or clean indoor shoes are suitable. Advance registration requested. Call Marsha at 802-424- 6088 or [email protected].

Community Book Group – Wednesday, September 21 – 10:30 a.m. Cabot Community Book group generally meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month. This month’s selection has yet to be determined. All are welcome to join in! Copies of books will be available in the library.

Fall Foliage Festival – Tuesday, September 27, 1:30 p.m. Join David Carpenter for a variety of fiddle tunes and Vermont history, including stories about farming in Vermont and making maple syrup.

Yoga with Alicia Feltus– Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30pm – returning in October Alicia’s training is Integral Hatha Yoga. She blends yoga, breath, relaxation, aromatherapy, affirmation & reflexology! All ages and levels welcome – contact Alicia for more info 802-563-3220 or [email protected].

Thank You!

Thanks so much to Jim Goodrich for helping out with computer updating and troubleshooting, and to Tim Walker for help with the air conditioners. Many thanks to Billie O’Connor for her expertise and time updating the website. Thanks so much to Tomalyn Johnson, Lisa Olson and Beth Wade for keeping the library running so smoothly while I was away this summer. Thanks, as always to the group of volunteers who manage to find the time to help with the many projects that pile up - Lorelai Bastress, Mary Lou DeLacey, Susan Dineen, Kristi Jemtegaard, Linda Gabrielson, and Beth Wade. Finally thanks to all the Library Trustees - Erica Burke, Stef Burtt, Linda Gabrielson Jeannie McCallum, Beth Wade who do countless behind the scenes support and work to help keep the library on track. Many thanks to Isabella McCallum for another year of help with various projects as student advisor to the Library Trustees – your ongoing help is so appreciated.

See you at the Library!

Kathleen Hoyne

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Are you interested in supporting and promoting

-opportunities for community economic development in Cabot?

-a working landscape in Cabot? -a thriving arts scene in Cabot? -a vibrant local newspaper in Cabot?

There are lots of great ways to get involved in the local community.

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Cabot School Board Update Act 46

During the past month, the school boards of Cabot School, Danville School and Twinfield Union School have decided to form a “706 Committee”. The goal of that committee will be to determine if and how forming a consolidated, single school district will be beneficial to the students and communities of Cabot, Danville, Marshfield and Plainfield. The 706 Committee will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cabot School Library. These committee meetings are open to the public, and all interested community members are encouraged to attend. The committee’s representation is based on student enrollment numbers in the three schools: as a result, there will be two representatives from Cabot, four from Danville and five from Twinfield. Ry Hoffman and Chris Tormey will serve as the Cabot members. Should the committee find in its discussions over the next several months that there would be sufficient benefit in merging, the committee would draft a plan laying out the details of how this new, consolidated district would operate, as well as how it would serve to better meet the needs of the students and communities involved. Small school districts across Vermont have been required to research the value of consolidating as a result of Act 46 passed by the Legislature in 2015. According to the language of the law, its specific goals are to, “encourage and support local decisions and actions that:

Provide substantial equity in the quality and variety of educational opportunities Lead students to meet or exceed Vermont State Educational Quality Standards Maximize operational efficiencies through greater flexibility to manage, share, and transfer resources, with the goal of increasing districtlevel student-to-staff ratios Promote transparency and accountability Are delivered at a cost that parents, voters, and taxpayers value.” If the 706 Committee comes out of its discussions with a plan for consolidation, that plan would have to be approved by the Vermont State Board of Education, as well as by the voters in the districts involved before July 31, 2017. Should the 706 Committee fail to reach agreement on a consolidation plan, or should a plan be produced that does not appear to be in the interest of our Cabot students and community, the Cabot School District would have the option of developing an alternate proposal (by which Cabot School District would meet the goals of Act 46 by continuing as an independent district). This proposal would be submitted first to the Vermont Secretary of Education for possible inclusion in a preliminary statewide plan, which would then be submitted to the State Board of Education for approval. During a discussion at one of our meetings in May, all of the members of our board expressed reservations about joining into a larger district. If a consolidated district were formed, Cabot as the smallest town would have a much diminished voice in how our Cabot students are educated, as well as in the cost of that education. However, we decided in the end that it would be worthwhile to continue the discussion with our neighbors to investigate if and how consolidation could benefit our students, rather than rejecting the notion entirely and petitioning the State Board of Education to remain an independent district without looking at other options. The meetings of the 706 Committee will be critical in determining how the students of Cabot will be educated in the future. It’s likely that the group will continue to meet through the fall and early winter. Although only two of our board members will serve on the committee, we will be having discussions about the progress of the 706 Committee as a feature of our regular board meetings, and will also post updates on the Cabot School website, as well as in the Cabot Chronicle. We encourage all Cabot community members to attend the 706 Committee meetings and/or regular Cabot School Board meetings, or alternately to contact any board member to remain informed as this very important process continues. Chris Tormey Cabot School Board

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Cabot School’s Community Engagement Team Takes Huge Step Forward

By Dave Schilling, Principal

As students and teachers get ready to return to school on September 1, a newly formed team is hard at work, crafting a new type of program designed to better facilitate communication between the school and community, and help students find authentic learning opportunities right here in their own back yard. Initiated with a grant from the Nellie Mae Community Foundation and Great Schools Partnership, this team is working to build a strong bridge between school and community. The mission of the grant is to ensure that communities are not only informed about their local public schools, but also actively engaged in the educational process. The grant language goes on to warn that “authentic community engagement is not “marketing” or “public relations”—it’s an ongoing, participatory, inclusive process that ensures diverse voices and perspectives are heard and considered when important decisions are made about our schools and children.” The Cabot team has truly taken this challenge to heart, crafting a variety of activities and plans to better engage community members in the direction of our school. Last year, three introductory events got us off to a great start. Cabot School hosted screenings of two nationally known films, “Beyond Measure” and “Most Likely to Succeed”. More than 50 community members attended each screening, and joined us for a delicious meal, as well as lively and spirited discussion about the films’ content. Beyond Measure shines light on schools that are rising above America’s trend toward lengthy achievement tests by creating more active, student-centered, and engaging systems to show academic progress. Most Likely to Succeed looks at schools that are prioritizing efforts to educate whole children, through activity -based and experiential learning, as well as student voice and leadership in their own educational process. The final community engagement team event of the year was the Spring Fling BBQ, presented in late May. More than 100 folks showed up to sample the delicious fare of Cabot’s own Back Road BBQ and see presentations of student learning, including art exhibitions, original music composed and played by the Limes, and the final exam performance of the Contemporary Dance class. Cabot’s new (and State Champion) Ultimate Frisbee team was also on hand to provide a hands-on demo of their sport. Looking to next year, our engagement team, led by Tamara Feldman, Rebecca Nally, Angela Ogle, and Lynn Lehoe, is again raising the bar, and crafting plans to further implement the inclusive, participatory process envisioned by the grantors. The team is currently working on a system of community-classroom partnerships, as well as partnering with 9th grade student Billie O’Connor to create a website that will showcase all of the engagement work and increase communication opportunities between school and community. Our first event for the year, including the website launch, will be an allcommunity BBQ on Saturday, September 3 at 4:00 p.m. at the recreation field. This will follow our first soccer games of the year, with the Varsity girls’ and boys’ teams playing Sharon Academy at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. respectively. We hope to see you there!

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ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

By Roland (Slim) Payne

Hot, humid weather, and lots of it. I didn’t used to mind it, but now, it takes a toll on me, so I work some, then take some AC time to get cooled off, then do a little more. Giant Hog Weed just doesn’t stop growing. I cut flowers off in July and by the tenth of August new shoots had grown up from nothing to three to five feet tall, and had flowers again. So, I went back and cut them again. The plants on my property were going to seed stage, so I bagged them and sent them to the landfill, hopefully they get buried deep. Bush Honey Suckle – if you have some you want gone, now is the time to do it, from late August to early October, the cut stump method. Cut the bush from 3” to 6” above the ground and put full strength Round Up on the stump. It doesn’t take much, just a few drops. I use a plastic mustard bottle because it’s yellow (easy to see) and I put a little red food coloring in it so I can see the ones I have done, because, if you have a big clump, you will miss some or do them more than once, because Round Up is clear. I know I have written about this several times, but still get asked what to do quite often. It looks like turkeys have had a good year. I have seen a lot of hens with six to twelve chicks, and the chicks are getting good-sized now. It will be back to school soon, so go crack the books and have fun. NOTE: Be sure to mark whatever you put Round Up on so anyone will know what it is, and keep away from children.

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