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The Cabot Chronicle

February 2017 · Issue Record

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The community record for this issue of the Cabot Chronicle, extracted from the original pages. Reprinted with permission from the Cabot Chronicle.

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

In This Issue

By Representative Catherine

The 2017 Legislative session commenced on Wednesday, January 4, with members of the House of Representatives taking their oath of office, followed by the election of the Speaker of the House. Representative Mitzi Johnson of South Hero was elected to the post of Speaker. In her address, Speaker Johnson stated, “We owe Vermonters good, honest, and effective government,” and asked “the House to evaluate state government and prioritize what Vermonters most need to preserve the long-term health and wellness of our state.” Additionally, the Speaker outlined changes to the jurisdiction of some House committees. All forest policy, as well as parks and recreation, moved from the House Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources Committee to the House Committee on Agriculture; a new Energy and Technology Committee having oversight over IT (Information Technology) projects within the state was formed to join energy policy with telecom and broadband; and mental health policy was moved from the House Human Services Committee to the House Health Care Committee. Following Speaker Johnson’s remarks, House committee assignments were announced, allowing committee work to begin immediately. This year, I was appointed Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and will work with a committee of ten other members to create a 2018 budget proposal for members of the House of Representatives to consider for passage. The first task of our committee was to make needed adjustments to the 2017 budget in order to keep the budget in balance. The 2017 fiscal year budget running from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2107, was passed by the legislature last May. Vermont has a strong history of making the needed

The Chronicle welcomes letters written and length or returned to the author with not necessarily the opinions of staff. The Cabot Chronicle reserves the right accompanied by a phone number. We will The Cabot Chronicle is not responsible or services advertised on these pages. If you have editorial questions or would

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♦ PEACHHAM

(Kitty) Toll

adjustments to budgets to avoid deficit spending. Additionally, the Appropriations Committee is committed to following principles outlined in the 2016 budget passed by the House two years ago, to ensure sustainability of future budgets. These principles include: • Reducing reliance on one-time funding for base budget needs. • Bending the rate of spending growth and bringing the expenditure pressures in line with revenue growth to end the cycle of annual budget gaps. • Creating an ongoing expectation that Administration and Legislative proposals for budget changes and new programs contain a multiyear analysis of total costs. • Budgeting based on using less than 100 percent of forecasted revenue to build reserves. • Moving to a two-year budgeting cycle where the interim year is focused on program performance, results-based analysis, and evidenced-based program evaluation. On January 5, Governor Phil Scott delivered his Inaugural Address. Highlights of the Governor’s address included focusing on four major policy areas: combating the opiate epidemic; revitalizing Vermont’s approach to economic development; transforming the state’s education system; and building sustainable budgets. The Governor stated a commitment to achieve the clean water goals set last session in Act 64, to make additional investments in early education and higher education, and “to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for every Vermonter.” The Governor also referenced a projected gap between estimated revenues and expenses in fiscal year 2018 and pledged “not fill this gap by raising taxes and fees.”

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Addressing both chambers of the legislature on January 24, Governor Scott presented the executive branch’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2018. The House Appropriations Committee is now hearing testimony on the proposed budget and, to hear directly from Vermonters, the committee will hold seven public hearings around the state. On Monday, February 13, public hearings will be held in St. Johnsbury, Johnson, Williston, St. Albans, Rutland and Bellows Falls beginning at 6:00 p.m. On February 16, an additional public hearing will be held in the House Chamber from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Legislative committees have an online information page, enabling the public to follow the work of the legislature and key in on issues of interest. To find a committee page or to check the status of a bill, please visit: www.leg.state.vt.us. These are live pages, updated regularly, and include weekly agendas, documents, handouts and links to other useful information; or please contact me directly with your questions and concerns. Other helpful resources and information: The Office of the Health Care Advocate (HCA) helps Vermonters with problems and questions related to health care services and health insurance. Mike Fisher, the new Director of the Office of the Health Care Advocate, can be reached at

The Taxpayer Advocate, Jeff Dooley, can

emailing tax.taxpayeradvocate@ver mont.gov. The Taxpayer Advocate can be of assistance to taxpayers when issues are not resolved by other areas in the Tax Department. Additionally, taxpayers may contact the Advocate to seek extraordinary relief – which is granted if an action by the Department would cause a substantial hardship, irreparable injury, or long-term adverse impacts. Reminder - Homestead Declarations must be filed by the April due date (April 18 for this year), even if a taxpayer files

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hronicle

on extension. Please note, there is a late file fee for the Property Tax Adjustment Claim if not filed by the April due date. No Homestead Declarations or Property Tax Adjustment claims can be filed after the October due date (Oct. 16 for this year). To file a Homestead Declaration, taxpayers must complete Part A of the HS-122. To file both a Homestead Declaration and a Property Tax Adjustment Claim, taxpayers must complete Parts A and B of the HS-122 AND the Household Income Schedule, HI-144. As always, it is an honor to represent our communities at the State House. kittytoll@live.com ktoll@leg.state.vt.us

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EARLY or ABSENTEE BALLOTS:

The latest you can request ballots is the close of the Town Clerk’s office on March 6, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. The voter or family member may request an early or absentee ballot in person, in writing or by telephone. Other authorized persons may apply for the voter in person or writing. Following are the ways of voting early or absentee: (1) vote in the Town Clerk’s office before the deadline; (2) voter may take the ballots out of the clerk’s office for himself/herself and return in the same manner as if the ballots were received by mail; (3) have a ballot mailed to you, and mail or take it back to the clerk’s office before the election day or to the polling place before 7:00 p.m. on election day; or (4) if you are sick or disabled, ask the Town Clerk to have two justices of the peace bring a ballot to you at your home no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2017.

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Publisher is not responsible and agreement by advertiser to does not assume liability error appeared. $12.50

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Cabot Zoning Administrator & Planner

While spring seems far away, summer road projects are getting ready for bid. The last of Cabot’s major culvert projects identified as a result of the 2011 storms are in planning stages for construction this year - culverts on Porter Road and Danville Hill Road will be replaced with larger structures. The construction estimates are below our initial assessments, and, with grant funding from FEMA and assistance from Green Mountain Power, this work will be completed at a considerable cost savings to the Town. Summer work will also include paving on South Walden Road and 215 South, once approved by voters. We will be applying for a Better Roads grant again this year to help reduce costs associated with required culvert upgrades and ditching along Cabot Plains Road. This past year, we received $19,280 for the improvements on West Shore Road and 215 South. The Town’s Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP) is being revised. We have

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Dear Editor,

I’m always asking people to get more involved in the decisions being made at a local level in our town. I encourage people to show up at meetings and hearings. I don’t know if folks realize that I’m only doing this half-heartedly. I don’t expect people to want to go to these drawn-out affairs, nor do I truly believe that it will make any difference if you do or not. The fact is, I don’t know what any of us can do. The direction things are going in does not seem stoppable. For example, I’ve attended the newlyformed Cabot Budget Committee meetings since the summer. I’ve listened to the committee’s reports on their budgets, and sat through the Select Board’s formulation of next year’s budget. Still, our town tax bill will be going up next year, if the Select Board’s draft budget is approved. I thought I could have an ence on keeping the spending level, but it made no difference. Yet, I am doggedly determined to keep the light on local legal matters, and

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Notes

had the Red Cross out to verify that the Town has current shelter agreements in place, and are updating these documents with current information. If there were to be a situation requiring sheltering for residents, the Willy Building and the school gym are our two sheltering locations. The Red Cross will be providing us with information required to pursue grants for recommended updates for each facility. Currently, there is not backup generator power on site at either location, nor a shower at the Willey building, both recommended upgrades. The Planning Commission has finished the draft of the Town plan, and is looking for public comment; copies of the draft chapters are posted on the Towns web page and are on the posting board at the Town Clerk’s office. Comments can be dropped off at the Town Clerk’s office or emailed to Chuck Marian at 50ftofsnow@gmail.com. The plan will be presented to the Selectboard with final edits and response to comments in March.

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OMMENTARY

I will continue to attend meetings and send out updates when it seems like folks would want to know what’s going on - for what it’s worth. As frustrating as the process is, I still find it more entertaining than television! Happy New Year- Chinese New Year began on January 28, and welcome to the Year of the Fire Rooster! Cock-adoodle-do! Sincerely, Amy Hornblas

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A Poem About the Rooster:

I am alert Ready to take action The first on the scene The last to leave I take chances But I am precise I know where things belong I am orderly and fastidious Nothing escapes me I am always prepared I never give up or in I AM THE ROOSTER

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Cabot NEKWMD Representative

The Cabot Recycling Center, located on Sawmill Road in Lower Cabot, is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The Center collects a wide variety of materials for recycling and proper disposal. Trash is also collected for a fee. Please stop by the Center if you haven’t used it yet, and learn about the many waste disposal options now available in Cabot. One category of recyclables that continues to command high commodity prices is mixed paper. Newspapers, magazines and office paper, also called junk mail, are mixed together. This category of recycling includes catalogs, telephone books, glossy inserts and paperback books, as well as colored paper, white paper, wrapping paper and junk mail. Any color or type of paper can be in this category except brown Kraft bags and boxboard and papers coated with wax, foil, or plastic. According to the EPA, for every ton of paper we recycle, we are saving 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water and 463 gallons of oil. What happens to the paper you drop off at the recycling center? First, you sort your paper and put it in the correct container at the recycling center. The NEKWMD crew collects recyclables from Cabot once a week and

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OUNTRY

So here we are and the days grow longer and longer! light! February we YAY! I like the find out how much longer our winter will be, and it is the month of LOVE! I said it, LOVE! It is my hope that all of you are loved in some special way, no matter the circumstances. It is important to be loved, but just as important to love. It seems as though the more love you put out there, the more you get back; at least that has been my experience, and it seems to work for a lot of people I know, too. It would be so nice if the world could spin on love, but there are bitter wars and starvation, along with disease and abuse. If we can make our small corner of the world a better place, then I vote we do it, even if it's just a little thing. It is the little things that make the biggest changes. Peace is so important, but in order to have peace, you have to have love first. To understand, accept and love all others for who they are. To enrich each other and delight in the surprises we sometimes offer one another. I have loved and lost, and I still feel that to love again is the best way to go. To quote a movie I once saw, "'Tis a small heart that can only love one." I will fill my house with hearts and fairy lights for Valentines' Day, but really, we celebrate ever day with just the little things, saying I love you sincerely, even hanging a towel, ready for the bath, for your significant other can be something special. Making supper when the other usually does. Leaving notes everywhere of why you love your partner or your kids or whoever is important in your life.

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Center

transports them to the District’s Lyndonville facility, where they are further sorted and baled. Bales are aggregated and sold to processors, where contaminants such as plastic, glass or trash are removed. The paper is sorted into different grades. Bales of paper are sorted and warehoused until transferred to a mill for final processing. Once at the mill, large machines called pulpers shred the paper into small pieces, adding water and chemicals. This pulpy mixture is heated and the pieces of paper break down into fibers. The mixture is pressed through a screen to remove adhesives and other remaining contaminants. The pulp is spun in a cone -shaped cylinder to clean it and remove ink. The pulp is sprayed onto a conveyor belt where water drips through the belt’s screen, and the paper fibers start bonding together. Finally, heated metal rollers dry the paper. It is rolled up into large rolls, destined for many recycled paper products. The Cabot Recycling Center operates in conjunction with the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District (NEKWMD), a 49-Town municipal waste authority chartered by the Vermont Legislature. For more information on recycling in the Northeast Kingdom, visit www.nekwmd.org.

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OMMENTARY

Our dog is growing like a weed. He looks like a miniature dog now, rather than a puppy, but he still is a puppy, and has a lot to learn, as do all of us. It never stops, and if it does, then you are stagnating and need to do something different. If you have interests and hobbies, maybe you can join a group that you can share your interest with. It is so important to get out there and meet new people, create challenges for yourself. Life is too short to be at the end and say 'I wish I had done that"...just go out and do. Doesn't even matter what age you are, I have friends everywhere that write and draw and knit and do all sorts of things to not only keep busy but to stay connected. Staying connected is basic need. Sometimes we want to withdraw from the world, but in the end, the best thing to do is rejoin the world and participate in life. Really live, live without regrets and enjoy yourself guilt free, and eat chocolate once in a while. Oh, wait, that's just me; but whatever it is you want to do, go out there and do it, and most of all, go out there and risk your heart and love. Laura Lee Saorsa Smith fizgigdragon@aol.com

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Dude and Harry Thompson

I first learned about these brothers from my parents. My mom loved auctions and had a crush on the man with the derby hat, Albert May. We used to go to the Molly’s Pond auction house for wonderful Friday night entertainment. “And I am holdin’ a one-of-a- kind potty. This will keep you inside at night, so’s you can dump her in the outhouse in the mornin’. Who’s got a dollar bill for this

Before I was a teenager, Mom and I went to an auction at the Thompson’s, south of the Creamery but before the flats. At that auction, I learned first hand that they collected almost everything. For example, shortly after the auction, my father wanted a box-style wood stove. So, my parents bought one from the Thompson’s, with Dude showing them a bunch rusting in a field across the road from their house. As Dude was describing the stoves, my parents heard a thump and turned around to see Dude lying on his back, still talking about stoves without missing a beat. They said he might have had a wee too much to drink. Harry had the reputation of being a sharp wheeler-dealer. One story involved a couple from New Jersey that visited with Harry and picked out a few things to buy. I heard that the total came to less than $50. Then they wanted Harry to “throw in” the blue and white bowl on the kitchen floor, holding milk Dude and Harry Thompson for the Thompson cat. Harry told them the price would then go over $1,000. I guess Harry knew his pottery. Several years later, I had moved to Adamant and had a list of maybe a dozen items I wanted to buy, so I drove over to the Thompson’s. My list included size 12 high-top galoshes with metal clamp buckles, a pick, hoe, metal bucket, and other odd items I can’t remember. I went to their house first. Dude was sitting in a chair in his bedroom, cleaning a .45 semiautomatic handgun, with booze on the night table and a male, mongrel bluetick coonhound lying spread eagle on the bed on top of well-soiled yellow sheets. Quite a sight! Then Harry took me out to his barn and started to putter around, first on the lower floor, then the upper. Within twenty minutes or so, he found every single item on my list, including the pair of size 12 overshoes exactly! Now that’s first-class customer service! And he wanted less than a reasonable price.

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Girl Scout News

Cabot Girl Scouts have been busy learning, planning and having fun. They meet in two groups: the Daisies (grades K & 1) two Fridays a month. The Brownies and Juniors (Grades 2 – 5) meet two Mondays. In November, the older girls gave thanks to their families and our local veterans through celebrations and crafts. In December, both groups held Christmas parties. The Daisies made ornaments, watched a Christmas movie and played a rousing game of indoor tag. The Brownies and Juniors had a sleep over at Cabot School that included: cookie decorating, crafts, games and dancing. (see photo) January is Girl Scout cookie sale month. Initial orders should arrive the end of February. Additional cookies will be available until the end of March, and once again, the girls plan to sell cookies on Town Meeting Day. Both groups of girls have held tasting parties, so that they can accurately describe the choices to their customers (see photo). They have prepared and practiced for safe and knowledgeable selling. The brownies and juniors are learning about money and have set their budget goals for the year. They plan to give their donated cookies to the Cabot teachers and staff, and will make a financial donation to the Good Samaritan Shelter from their proceeds. For something fun, they are planning a summer trip to Santa’s Village. Girls are welcome to join girl scouts at any time. See www.girlscoutsgwm.org for registration details. For more infor-

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Kenneth A. Adams

Kenneth Allan Adams, 82, of Upper Hill Street Ext., Berlin, passed away surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at the Rowan Court Health and Rehabilitation Center in Barre. He battled numerous health conditions over the past several years, including four years of dialysis. His sister, Sandra Clark, also remained close by his side, as did his daughter and granddaughters of Florida. Kenneth was born on July 23, 1934, in Montpelier. He was the son of Kenneth G. and Evelyn (Stewart) Adams. Kenneth attended East Montpelier Graded School and attended Montpelier High School as part of the class of 1953. After high school, he entered the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 12½ years in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. On August 21, 1970, Kenneth married the love of his life, Jacqueline Bissonnette, in Berlin. He was employed at Hutch Concrete for several years. While on the job, he was injured and lost four of his fingers. Kenneth held other jobs throughout his life, which included 16 years of employment at the U.S. post offices in Barre and Montpelier. He was also employed as a local school bus driver. Kenneth became a member of the Catholic Church in 2010. His memberships included the Canadian Club, the VFW Post 792 and the American Legion Post #3, both of Montpelier. In his spare time, he enjoyed photography, farming, birdwatching, hunting, gardening, motorcycling, back road rides, talking on the phone and most importantly, spending time with his family. He was a jokester

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Winnifred A. Bean

Winnifred Alice "Winnie" Bean, 83, of Punta Gorda, Florida, and formerly of Cabot, died December 19, 2016, with her family by her side, in Port Charlotte, Florida. She was born March 12, 1933, in Calais, Maine, to Ervin and Alice MacDonald. Winnie spent her early years in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and Perry, Maine, before moving to South Ryegate, Vermont, and attending Cabot School. While attending Cabot High School, she met the love of her life, Harold "Red" Bean. They were married on March 23, 1952, and shared their lives for over 64 years. Mrs. Bean was a homemaker and state of Vermont employee while her husband was a truck driver. Since 2001, they have lived in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they have numerous friends. For many years, she was an active member of the Cabot School PTA, as well as the Cabot chapter of the Eastern Star. Her interests included family, oil painting, reading, her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She devoted much of her time and energy to her family.

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EMORIALS

and lover of life, bringing laughter and smiles to those around him - his most famous joke being "Don't squeeze my fingers." Kenneth was a hardworking, honest, reliable and sincere man who will be missed by many. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline Adams, of Berlin; his daughters, Maureen Adams and her partner, Ron Lackey, of Stowe, Tammy Cookson, of Cabot, and Jody Fewer and her husband, Jaime, of Barre Town; his son, Andrew Adams and his wife, Karen, of Cabot; his six grandchildren, Brock Cookson, of Cabot, Spencer, Camryn, Julia and Seth Fewer, of Barre Town, and Emma Adams, of Cabot; also great-grandson, Carter Morse, of Williamstown; as well as his daughter, Nancy McLaney, of Florida, and her daughters, Karissa Wright and children Kaden and Channer, and Lindsay Ermy and her husband, Danny, of Florida; his sister, Sandra Clark, of Barre Town; a sister-in-law, Thanna Adams, of Berlin; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Vaughn Adams; a sister, Brenda Bashaw and her husband, Art; his brother-in-law, Frank Clark; and a grandson, Logan Cookson. Kenneth's Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the St. Monica Catholic Church on January 14, 2017. Interment will take place in the Berlin Corner Cemetery at the convenience of the family in the spring. For a memorial guestbook, visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641; Rowan Court Health and Rehabilitation, Resident Activity Fund, 378 Prospect St., Barre, VT 05641; or St. Monica Parish, 79 Summer St., Barre, VT 05641.

Winnie is survived by her loving husband, Harold Bean; sister, Marion Clark; children Ralph Bean, Kim (Kevin) Woodruff, Terri (Dion) Carlyle and Scott Bean; grandchildren Tasia (Shawn) Benham, Kailey Carlyle and Nichole Woodruff; and her two precious great-grandsons, Oliver and Wesley. A private memorial service for immediate family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 1158 Veronica, Port Charlotte, FL. Tidewell staff provided wonderful care for Winnie and her family during her final days. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.charlottememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory of Punta Gorda, FL.

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Marjorie L. Gendron

Marjorie Gendron, L. 90, "Buddy" of Forest Drive, Montpelier, died Monday, January 9, 2017. She was born in Walden, Vermont, on November 6, 1926, the daughter of Harry C. and Addie P. (Gochey) Searles. Marjorie attended schools in Walden and graduated in 1944 from Cabot High School. She married Louis J. Gendron on July 28, 1947, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, and they had two children, Cecile and Louis. Buddy worked for the former DeRonde Plastics on Berlin Street, Montpelier. Marjorie and Louis operated the Greaves Farm on the Northfield Road in Montpelier for 25 years and was a 50-year member of the Capital City Grange. She also worked at Vermont College café, Paul's (Redmond) Home Bake Shop and was the office manager for her son, Louie, at Gendron Concrete Co. Marge and Louie's lives revolved around their family and many friends. All of any age were warmly welcomed into their home. There were kind, encouraging words and always plenty of time for anyone stopping by. They were the best models of unconditional love and helping hands. They loved gardening together, playing cards and games of all kinds, hosting sugar-on-snow parties for family and friends and birdwatching. Mom waited expectantly for the hummingbirds to come each year. Mom was a wonderfully creative woman. Whether it was knitting, crocheting, braiding rugs, quilting or ceramics, she did all with much love and enthusiasm. She looked forward to the Gendron-Searles family reunions. She always made baked beans with maple syrup and a cake with peanut butter fudge frosting for the Searles reunion in

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Treasurer

The first blood drive was held in Cabot on Monday, January 16. It was a great success for a first attempt. We had a goal of 19-20 people and collected 22 out of 24 people. The Red Cross said that it was the “highest goal percentage blood drive of the day.” This was due to the many folks that came to donate Jack Daniels donating blood. We already have our next blood drive scheduled for March 27, 2017. The times for this blood drive will be from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m., and hope to see you then, plus many more. I

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EMORIALS

August. During her years, she made and decorated many wedding and baby shower cakes. She will be greatly missed by her daughter and caregiver, Cecile Gendron, of Montpelier, and her son, Louis Gendron and his wife, Judy, of Berlin, Vermont; her grandchildren, Margaret Gendron, of Washington, DC, and Lucas Gendron and his wife, Amy, of Montpelier. Three of the greatest joys in her life were her great-grandchildren, Cyrus James Gendron, Ira Joseph Gendron and Collette Ann Gendron. She is also survived by two special sisters, Olive Wilson, of Newbury, Vermont, and Donna Winchester of Los Lunas, New Mexico, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis, on November 5, 2008, and her siblings, Marion Godrey, Doris Ainsworth, Mary Rocheleau, Madeline LaPan, Robert Searles, Forest "Bun" Searles, Earl Searles, Gordon "Jack" Searles, Richard Searles, Roger "Duff" Searles, Lester "Beaver" Searles and an infant brother who died at birth. A memorial service was held Saturday, January 14. Burial will take place in Main Street Cemetery in Hardwick at a later date. In her later years as she lost her sight, she got great enjoyment from attending the VABVI, PALS group in centra l Vermont. She gained many new friends and support through this group. Donations may be made to the Vermont Assoc. of the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI), 60 Kimball Avenue, South Burlington, VT 05403. Marjorie's family would like to thank CVHHH, especially Natalie, Larry and Amanda, for the support they gave us so we could keep Mom at home. We also thank all our friends who helped, and Gail Trevitt and Cindy Cook, who helped with the caregiving. Online condolences may be sent to www.guareandsons.com.

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Elizaveta Glinka

Editor’s note: This information was gleaned from a variety of Russian news sources. Information concerning family plans for Vermont were not available at time of printing. Cabot resident and noted Russian aid worker, Elizaveta Glinka, 54, who is popularly known as Dr. Liza, was among the passengers of the illfated Russian military aircraft that crashed into the Black Sea on Christmas Day. The plane was on its way to Syria with 92 people on board. In a WCAX interview from Moscow via Skype, her husband, Gleb, said she was treated as an orthodox Mother Theresa. He said she brushed off the danger or the dirt. She had been reluctant to get on the plane, but chose not to take a train, wanting to return sooner because they planned to leave on a vacation together. The Russian government says pilot error or a technical problem were the cause of the crash, not terrorism. Earlier in December, Dr. Liza received a Russian award for human rights and charity work in Ukraine and in Syria. That's when she announced her plans to go to Syria to help with the huge humanitarian crisis the war there has produced. Dr. Liza planned to visit the Tishrin hospital in Latakia, which she visited six months ago. Dr. Liza was executive director of the Spravedlivaya Pomoshch (Fair Aid) charity fund, wrote Sputnik News in 2014. She began to be involved in charity work in 1999, when she started the first private hospice in Kiev, Ukraine. "Since the start of military activity in the southeast of Ukraine, however, Dr. Lisa has shifted gears, risking her life evacuating sick and wounded children from the war zone," Sputnik News wrote. When she received the award, Dr. Liza paid homage to health workers killed in Syria and in Donbass in Ukraine. "The main right is a right to life. In this challenging time, it is ruthlessly violated. It is very hard for me to see killed and injured children of Donbass, ill and killed children of Syria. We are human rights activists and we are apolitical. We are on the side of peace, dialog and cooperation with all people," she said, according to DNI Press. Dr. Liza became widely known in the early 2010s, when she began to help Moscow's homeless, a social group few cared about. Glinka’s involvement started out as a coincidence. At the time, the USeducated doctor was more interested in palliative and hospice care for terminal cancer patients. Glinka recalled her first work with the homeless in an interview with the Snob magazine in November 2012: “I was once asked to examine a homeless guy with cancer. I set off looking for him, but couldn’t find him. Instead, I found a whole town near [Moscow’s] Paveletsky train station where these desperate people lay in cardboard boxes and tried to keep warm. Some were missing arms or legs, some ill, some frozen," she recalled. "It was horrifying. I told them: I’ll come back next week, I don’t have that many meds for you right now." Glinka and her colleagues started coming to the Paveletsky train station every day with food, medications, and clothes

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February 2017 ~ page 5

for the homeless. The authorities, Dr. Liza complained, weren’t happy about it: The neighborhood was quite central, and Glinka’s food truck attracted more and more homeless people. Facing official opposition, she refused to give up, and moved the improvised kitchen to her office. Dr. Liza was there when Russians needed help. She fundraised for people who lost their homes in the unprecedented 2010 wildfires and during the notorious 2012 flooding in the southern Russian town of Krymsk. In 2014-2015, as conflict dragged on interminably in eastern Ukraine, she went there, too, returning to Moscow with sick, wounded, and scared children. “We human rights advocates have nothing to do with politics,” she said on December 8, while accepting an award from the Russian president. “It is very hard for me to see the dead and wounded children of the Donbass, the sick and dying children of Syria." She said her upcoming work would take her to Donetsk and then to Syria with a team of volunteers. Her next words proved prophetic: "We are never sure that we are going to come back alive – because war is hell. And I know what I'm talking about," Dr. Liza said. That same apolitical, non-partisan approach led her to board a Russian military plane heading to Syria December 25. She was on the Tu-154 aircraft because she was transporting medications for a children’s hospital in Syria. “A successful doctor, a beloved and loving wife, a happy mother, Liza didn’t have to fly to Syria a week before the New Year,” Katerina Gordeyeva, Glinka’s friend and a journalist for the Meduza news site, wrote in a Russian obituary. “She could have just organized the transfer of these medications. Her personal presence on the plane wasn’t necessary.” “She made miracles possible,” Boris Altshuler, a member of the Helsinki human rights group, told the Pravoslavie i Mir charity website. “She’s one of those rare people, immune to political discussions and arguments. She just goes about her business of helping people.” A funeral ceremony was held at the Dormition Cathedral in Moscow’s Novodevichy Convent. Several dozen people took part in the ceremony, including Head of the Presidential Human Rights Council Mikhail Fedotov. Glinka’s awards were laid beside her casket, along with wreaths on behalf of the Russian president, the minister of defense, the Human Rights Council and her family members. "We should carry on with her work because it is very important. We should feed the homeless, provide help for terminally-ill people, we should save and treat the children of Donbass. The charity fund established by Dr. Liza should continue to operate," the Human Rights Council head stressed. After the final farewell ceremony, a burial service was conducted at the Dormition Cathedral for family members and close friends to privately pay their last respects to her. A beautiful sand art film in memory of Dr. Liza can be viewed at https:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=HwyfeJvvTLA&t=3s. Glinka leaves behind her husband, Gleb, and two sons in the U.S. (who attended Cabot School), ages 30 and 25.

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Cabot are hereby warned and noti-

fied to meet at the Cabot School Gymnasium in the Town of Cabot, Vermont, on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at ten o'clock in the forenoon [10:00 A.M.] to transact the following business from the floor: [The polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M.] Art. 1. To elect a Moderator for the ensuing year. Art. 2. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot hear the reports of the Town Officers? Art. 3. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize payment of real and personal property taxes on November 16, 2017 by delivery to town hall postmarked on or before that date; and, Establish that overdue taxes will bear interest at a rate of one percent per month or fraction thereof for the first three months and thereafter one and one-half percent per month or fraction thereof from the due date of such tax pursuant to 32 V.S.A. >> 5136; and, Establish the amount of the penalty charged by the collector of delinquent taxes for payments made after the due date for payment to 8 percent of the tax collected pursuant to 32 V.S.A. >>> 1674(3)(A)? Art. 4. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot elect all Town Officers required by law, according to law?

The following Articles will be voted on by Australian Ballot and may be discussed on the floor except for Articles 5, 6, 7, and 8. Art. 5. To elect a Selectperson for a term of two years. [Australian Ballot]

Art. 6. To elect a Selectperson for a term of three years. [Australian Ballot]

Art. 7. To elect a Town Clerk for a term of three years. [Australian Ballot]

Art. 8. To elect a Town Treasurer for a term of three years. [Australian Ballot]

Art. 9. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $799,622.00 to defray the general expenses of the Town, with an estimated $209,000.00 to come from income and $590,622.00 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot]

Art. 10. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $18,522---included in the General Fund Budget (Article 9)--- for Organizations requesting Special Services Appropriations identified in the Town Report? [Australian Ballot] Art. 11. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot approve the sum of $90,000-- included in the General Fund budget (Article 9) --- for the purpose of undertaking Capital ImproveArt.

Art.

Art.

Art.

Art.

Art.

Art.

Art. Dated Jack Ducharme, Shatney, This ing, Clerk

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Cabot

ments in the Willey Building and the Masonic Hall, to be paid for by a loan over five years that will increase Property Tax Rates by 0.99 per $100,000 of assessed value for the years 2018-2022? [Australian Ballot] 12. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $1,656,700.00 to repair and maintain the highways of the Town including summer, winter and special treatment, of which an estimated $1,135,300.00 is to come from income and $521,400.00 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot] 13. Shall the Town of Cabot vote to authorize a loan in an amount not to exceed $244,100, to be matched by $333,400 in State Highway Paving grants---included in the Highway Fund budget (Article 12)--- for the purpose of repaving the South Walden Road and Route 215 South? [Australian Ballot] 14. Shall the Town vote to adopt a July 1 through June 30 fiscal year, effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 as provided by 24 V.S.A. § 1683, with a six month transition year extending for the period January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018? [Australian Ballot] 15. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize the Town Treasurer to collect real and personal property taxes two times per year commencing in 2018 with the first collection for Town taxes occurring in August and the second collection for school taxes occurring in November? [Australian Ballot] 16. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot conduct the Town’s annual meeting on one of the three options identified below, understanding that the voting on all Australian Ballot Articles will take place on Town Meeting Day per 17 V.S.A. sub-section 2640: The first Tuesday of March which is the traditional Town Meeting day; or, The Saturday morning preceding the first Tuesday in March; or, The Monday night prior to the first Tuesday in March to correlate with the annual school meeting. Please vote for not more than one option. [Australian Ballot] 17. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District to appropriate and expend a budget of $755,527, at no expense to the Town of Cabot? [Australian Ballot] 18. To transact any other nonbinding business that may come before said meeting. 19. To adjourn this meeting. this 23 rd day of January A.D. 2017 Daniels, Chair, Ted Domey, Fred Michael Hogan, and Bernie Board of Selectpersons Warning was recorded before postAttest, Betty Ritter, Cabot Town warned torium, ing] at inform cles lian Art.

Art.

Art.

Art.

Art.

Art. legal voters of the Town of are hereby notified and to meet in the third floor AudiCabot Town Hall [Willey Buildon Tuesday, February 28, 2017 7:00 p.m. for a Public Hearing to the voters on the following Artiwhich shall be voted on by AustraBallot on Tuesday, March 7, 2017: 9. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $799,622.00 to defray the general expenses of the Town, with an estimated $209,000.00 to come from income and $590,622.00 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot] 10. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $18,522---included in the General Fund Budget (Article 9)--- for Organizations requesting Special Services Appropriations identified in the Town Report? [Australian Ballot] 11. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot approve the sum of $90,000--included in the General Fund budget (Article 9) --- for the purpose of undertaking Capital Improvements in the Willey Building and the Masonic Hall, to be paid for by a loan over five years that will increase Property Tax Rates by 0.99 per $100,000 of assessed value for the years 2018-2022? [Australian Ballot] 12. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $1,656,700.00 to repair and maintain the highways of the Town including summer, winter and special treatment, of which an estimated $1,135,300.00 is to come from income and $521,400.00 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot] 13. Shall the Town of Cabot vote to authorize a loan in an amount not to exceed $244,100, to be matched by $333,400 in State Highway Paving grants---included in the Highway Fund budget (Article 12)--- for the purpose of repaving the South Walden Road and Route 215 South? [Australian Ballot] 14. Shall the Town vote to adopt a July 1 through June 30 fiscal year, Art.

Art.

The

The

The

Art.

Adopted the day, record the on Respectfully Jack Ted Hogan, lectpersons Dated Attest: This Attest,

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hronicle

effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 as provided by 24 V.S.A. § 1683, with a six month transition year extending for the period January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018? [Australian Ballot] 15. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize the Town Treasurer to collect real and personal property taxes two times per year commencing in 2018 with the first collection for Town taxes occurring in August and the second collection for school taxes occurring in November? [Australian Ballot] 16. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot conduct the Town’s annual meeting on one of the three options identified below, understanding that the voting on all Australian Ballot Articles will take place on Town Meeting Day per 17 V.S.A. sub-section 2640: first Tuesday of March which is the traditional Town Meeting day; or, Saturday morning preceding the first Tuesday in March; or, Monday night prior to the first Tuesday in March to correlate with the annual school meeting. Please vote for not more than one option. [Australian Ballot] 17. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District to appropriate and expend a budget of $755,527, at no expense to the Town of Cabot? [Australian Ballot] and approved at a meeting of Cabot Select Board held on MonJanuary 23, 2017. and recorded in Received for the records of Cabot Town Office, Cabot Vermont Tuesday, January 24, 2017. submitted, Daniels - Chair , Domey, Fred Ducharme, Michael Bernie Shatney - Board of Se-

this 24th day of January A.D. 2017 Betty Ritter, Town Clerk Warning was recorded before posting, Betty Ritter, Cabot Town Clerk

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Select Board Report

The Selectboard (Board) wishes to thank the Cabot voters for having provided us the opportunity to serve our community in 2016. The Board considers 2016 to have been a very good year with many significant accomplishments. The move to the new Town Garage could not have gone smoother. Town Highway employees are now working in a safe, warm, and clean environment. Phase II of the Town Garage project, reconfiguring the old Town Garage site to mitigate future flooding in the north end of Town, will be completed in the spring of 2017. Project completion was delayed because of the time it took to obtain the necessary permits. The total cost for the Cabot garage is $1,258,500. The cost to the taxpayers is $113,562, spread over ten years, or $11,356 per year. We consider having completed this critically needed major project at such a low cost to the taxpayers is noteworthy and something to be celebrated. The Board established a budget committee this past spring, and the committee met throughout the summer and fall, reviewing year-to-date revenues and expenditures and laying the groundwork for the 2017 budgets. At these meetings, various functions of the town that comprise both the General and Highway Funds presented their 2017 budget requests. Attention to the Town budget has been a major focus of the committee throughout the year. Simply put, the budget is a plan identifying what the Town expects to do in the upcoming year and how much it will cost the tax payers to accomplish it. The 2017 General Fund operating budget is $799,622, as compared to last year's budget of $594,800, an increase of $204,822. $91,500 of this increase results from paying back half of the $180,000 tax reduction loan approved by the voters at the 2016 Town Meeting, and $90,000 will be executed if the voters approve Article 12. authorizing a bond or loan to undertake critically needed work on the Willey Building and the Masonic Hall. Other budget changes are spread over multiple line items and did not change significantly from the prior year. The 2017 Highway Budget totals $1,656,700, as compared to the 2016 Highway budget totaling $1,133,300, an increase of $523,400. The 2017 Highway budget increase results from the following projects, if approved by the voters: Article 14 in this Town Report authorizes the Town to issue bonds or a loan in an amount not to exceed $244,100, to be matched by $333,400 in State Highway paving grants, to repave the South Walden Road and Route 215 south. The impact on future budgets is identified in the 2017 Capital Budget, included separately in this Town Plan. Please note that neither the General Fund nor the Highway Fund budgets include any contingency funds, so that when an unanticipated cost occurs, it may very well result in a budget deficit. The projected 2017 Property Tax rate is 0.5388, up from 0.5316 in 2016. The GRAND LIST AND TAX COMPARISON 2009-2016 report included in the Annual Town Report provides an eight year comparison of Property Tax Rates. One reason Property Tax rates are not increasing even more in 2017 is because

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To Voters

the Town Listers have done such an outstanding job in bringing property assessments up to date. Robyn Hall, Jeanne Johnson and Jeff Gabrielson should be recognized, commended and thanked for the extraordinary work performed by them in 2016. Water rates in 2017 will remain the same as 2016, the third year in a row that rates have remained unchanged. Wastewater rates in 2017 will also remain the same as in 2016. Karen Deasy, the Water and Wastewater Superintendent, has done an outstanding job managing these two enterprise funds. The Selectboard established two working groups as a response to a meeting with the Vermont State Police after various citizens raised concerns about public safety issues in the community. The Public Security work group is focusing on how to better utilize the constables and also how to work with adjoining towns to expand patrols. The Public Safety work group is focusing initially on setting up a Neighborhood Watch. State Police will be back The Vermont in Cabot in January for a follow up meeting. All are welcomed and meetings will be advertised on Front Porch Forum. The new parking lot adjacent to the Willey building, purchased in 2015, has provided critically needed additional parking in 2016. Thank you, Mike Cookson, for selling this land to the Town, and thank you, Richard Ducharme, for having constructed such a beautiful wall. This new parking lot has been a great addition to the village. The Board is asking voters to approve changing the fiscal year from a calendar year commencing on January 1 to a fiscal year commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30, as is being done by municipalities around the state. One major advantage resulting from this change would be that the external auditors will have completed the financial audit for the previous fiscal year prior to Town Meeting. The financial audit would also be completed before the budget for the following fiscal year is completed, another positive change. Lastly, the Town budget will be approved before the fiscal year begins, something that is not the case now. The Selectboard asks Cabot voters to approve this Article on March 7, 2017. The Board is also asking the voters to approve collecting Property Taxes twice per year instead of once, as is currently done each November. By doing so, tax money will be payable in smaller amounts in two installments rather than in one lump sum. The Town may not have to obtain a tax anticipation loan to cover taxes due and pay the resultant interest that is an additional expense to the Town. While this change will result

Town Treasurer and Tax Collector, we believe that the advantages far outweigh any disadvantage resulting from this change. Accordingly, the Board asks Cabot voters to approve this Article on March 7, 2017. The Board wishes to thank Road Foreman Aldo Nunn and Road Crew Rusty Churchill and Sid Griggs for the high quality of work they performed in 2016. In addition to keeping the roads in excellent condition, they also completed multiple critical projects that are not generally visible to most of us, such as ditch clearing, culvert cleaning, brush-hogging and the like. They have made excellent use of the recently purchased grader. The Board also wishes to thank part-time employee Tommy Sicely for his excellent and very conscientious service, now that he is working throughout all five Vermont seasons. The Board also wishes to thank Betty Ritter for her work as Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. Under Betty’s leadership, the Town Offices are a welcoming and pleasant place to undertake the town’s business. We thank Michelle Leclerc for her outstanding service as Assistant Town Clerk and Assistant Town Treasurer. Michelle brings efficiency, pleasantness, professionalism and spark to Cabot. We are fortunate to have her working for our town. The Board wishes to thank Karen Deasy for her outstanding service as Road Commissioner, Town Planner, Zoning Administrator, Water and Wastewater Superintendent, grant writer, and project architect for the town garage project. Through grant writing alone, Karen generates tens of thousands of dollars each year, effectively lowering the property tax

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for Two Important

On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, Cabot voters will be voting by Australian Ballot on several budget items resulting from a petition recently passed by the voters. The official Warning that will be included in the Town Report for the period ending December 31, 2016, which will be available in mid-February, lists all of the Articles that will be voted on Town Meeting Day. In addition to voting on several budget money Articles by Australian Ballot, the Selectboard will be asking voters to approve the two following Articles.

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ARTICLE TO CHANGE DATE OF

FISCAL YEAR : Shall the Town vote to adopt a July 1 through June 30 fiscal year, effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 as provided by 24 V.S.A. § 1683, with a six-month transition year extending for the period January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018? [Australian Ballot] Several reasons exist to support this course of action to include: The school and town will be on the same fiscal year so the budgets will be concurrent; The voters get to approve the Town budget in March before the tax year that starts in July; No operating expenses are incurred before the budget is approved by the voters; External auditors will be able to complete the financial audit of the just completed fiscal year before the budget for the next fiscal year has been completed; Winter highway maintenance costs are contained in a single year budget cycle; The Town’s fiscal year will coincide with the state’s fiscal year. While the Selectboard will only have six months (July – December) of actual budget expenditures available when completing the budget in January for the next fiscal year, the Board does not believe this reason trumps the many good

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February 2017 ~ page 7

rate for everyone. The Board thanks Jo Guertin, who has retired as Cabot’s Animal Control Officer. Jo served in this position for many years, and we are grateful for her service to Cabot. Constable Will Ameden was assigned the position of Animal Control Officer on January 1, 2017. Lastly, we wish to thank all the Town officers and volunteers who contribute so much to the smooth functioning of our incredible community. Without all of you, Cabot would not be the wonderful community that it is today. We can never thank each and every one of you enough for all of your services to our town. The Board meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Willey Building, and we welcome your attendance. Each meeting begins with a Public Comment period, where we listen to your concerns about town issues. Your attendance is always welcome. Respectfully submitted: Fred Ducharme Bernie Shatney Ted Domey Mike Hogan Jack Daniels

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TOWN TO COLLECT TAXES TWO

TIMES PER YEAR : Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize the Town Treasurer to collect taxes two times per year commencing in 2018 with the first collection for Town taxes occurring in August and the second collection for school taxes occurring in November? [Australian Ballot] Here again, several excellent reasons exist to support this course of action: The advantages to the town and to the taxpayer of installment payment are that cash flow is smoother; Tax money is payable in smaller amounts in installments rather than in one lump sum; The Town may not have to obtain a tax anticipation loan to cover taxes due and pay the resultant interest which is an additional expense to the Town? A disadvantage to collecting taxes twice per year is that the Treasurer or

and taxpayers have more deadlines to meet (or miss). We believe the benefits to the Town, coupled with the benefit of allowing the taxpayers to pay their taxes in two smaller payments rather than in one lump sum, however, support the Board’s decision to pursue this course of action. Here again, we ask Cabot voters to approve this Article on March 7, 2017. And, please plan to attend the PUBLIC HEARING scheduled for TUES-

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Wednesday, 2/1

FREE Concert Series 7:30 p.m. Montpelier. Performance in the House Chamber of the Vermont State House. Presented by the Vermont Humanities Council. David Mills, poet and performer portrays Martin Luther King, Jr. providing biographical details of the civil rights leader's life and presenting his “I Have a Dream” speech and “Letters from a Birmingham Jail”.

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Jaquith Library Open House and

Friends Annual Book Sale 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Marshfield. Come to the book and bake sale and then visit the library for music, refreshments and kid friendly activities. Barnstar 7:30 p.m. Barre. Bluegrass traditionalists super group performing songs based with gloriously harmonized and raucous playing. Admission $25.00. For tickets call Barre Opera House Box

5:30 p.m. or Sat. 9:00 a.m.-12 noon.

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Wednesday, 2/8

FREE Concert Series Vermont Youth Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Montpelier. In the House Chamber of the Vermont State House. Hear some of Vermont's finest young musicians of the Vermont Youth Chorus and members of the Vermont Youth Orchestra string section perform works from yesterday and today.

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Tracking

Workshop 3:00 p.m-5:00 p.m. Greensboro. Join nature mentor Erik Gillard for fun times learning about animals in winter. Through games and stories, learn to identify by their tracks and what they leave behind. Will start with a healthy snack and have time writing and drawing in your journals. (extra dates 16 and 23). Greensboro Free Library. Please register at greensborokids@gmail.com or by calling library

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Gathering,

5:00-7:00 p.m., CSPAC. Join us for presentations about the 5/6 Mystery unit, High School X-Day, and Cabot Community Theater, followed by free dinner and dessert in the cafeteria. Fun activities for young kids will be offered in the gym during the presentations. More info at: cabotschoolcommunity.org

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Wednesday, 2/15

FREE Concert Series The Barre City Rock Chorus 7:30 p.m. Montpelier. In the House Chamber of the Vermont State House. Join the Vermont Historical Society for an evening celebrating the music of the 1970s, you will definitely want to sing along to the tunes of the popular culture of the late 1960s to the early 1970s.

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Thursday, 2/16

Coming Full Circle : One Woman's Journey through Spiritual Crisis 6:30 p.m. Cabot. Carol Noyes' memoirs describing how she found her way out of the maze of bipolar disorder and learned to create a balanced life. Snack served. Willey Building. Let's Talk Film . “Black America Since MLK: and “Still I Rise” 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Craftsbury Common. This film embarks the journey of last 50 year of African American history. After the film, there will be discussion and refreshments. Sterling College Common House.

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Krazy Jake Comedy Show 8:00 p.m.

Barre. Maine based comedian, 20 years of action, producing and directing experience. New challenge stand up comedy. Jake was a regular performer with New England Comedy Icon Bob Marley. High energy flavored humor, charming and hysterical storyteller. $18.50, $15.00 seniors over 60. For tickets call Barre Opera

12 noon-5:30 p.m. or Sat. 9:00 a.m.-12 noon. Spaghetti Dinner 5:30 p.m-7:00 p.m. Cabot. There will be local musicians to lift up spirits and time to visit family and friends. On the menu at the Cabot United Church spaghetti with sauce (meat and vegetarian) garlic bread, tossed salad, desserts. Suggested donation accepted. Come and stave off the cabin fever blues.

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Vacation Art Camp/Pirates. 9:00 a.m.-

4:00 p.m. Montpelier. For kids ages 7-12. History legends, art and skits. Make your own Pirate garb. Come to T.W. Wood Gallery for three days of pirate art camp fun! Learn about pirates, how they lived, who they really are, what happened to them and why there are modern day pirates. Led by artist and educator Janice Walrafen. 8:30 a.m. drop off. $175.00. March 1 parents and friends come to a closing performance 3:00 p.m.

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Budget Requests

As a foundation for voters to consider the 2017 budget requests for maintenance and improvements to the Willey Building, the Willey Building Committee (WBC) offers the following: A 2010 Energy Study demonstrated the need to plan for a serious energy conservation program and suggested steps necessary to safeguard the integrity of this valuable town asset. The WBC appreciate the support previous Town Meetings have given to implement the plan. Because of that support, in 2013 the roof was replaced and foam insulation was installed in the attic. In 2014, the windows were replaced with new energyefficient units and cellulose insulation installed in exterior walls. Gutters were added and grading of the driveway and parking area diverted water away from the foundation. The front door and side lights were replaced with more energyefficient units, and the entry was painted in 2015. These projects greatly improved comfort for visitors and those who serve our community. It also reduced energy consumption. In 2016, to ensure that this important town asset will continue to serve the community far into the future, the WBC requested funding for the repair of exterior walls damaged by snow, ice, and water infiltration at the front and back of the Willey Building, as well as exterior painting of all four walls. Other priorities intervened and funding was not available. The committee has, therefore, renewed the request again this year. Unfortunately, inflation and possibly further deterioration has made it necessary to add approximately 5% to the previous estimate. Therefore, $6,300 is estimated for the repair of the siding and $39,000 for painting. Turning to the interior of the building, last year’s request also included funding to refinish the auditorium floor, now worn down to bare wood in large areas, as well as the stairs and the balcony. The WBC renewed the request this year to avoid the much greater expense of later having to replace the flooring. The updated estimate for this work is $ 19,000. The 2016 budget request also included minor repairs – sealing a leaking roof valley above the back entrance, replacing mismatched and broken tiles in the backentrance lobby, installing signage at the front and back entrance, sealing the unused chimney to reduce heat loss, and installing a more efficient water heater. $6,000 was allocated for these purposes. Other unanticipated events prevented their completion, including repairs to the heating system in the Town Office and

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Has Your Correct

The elected Cabot town auditors announce that the 2016 Annual Report of the Town Officers for the year ending December 31, 2016, and the Annual Report of the Cabot School District for 2016 -17 will be complete and mailed to the registered voters of the town of Cabot, one per household, on February 17, 2017, or shortly thereafter. Reports are mailed to the address on file on the voter checklist. Please inform

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Willey Building

the auditorium, addressing fire code requirements for lighted exit signs in the Town Clerk’s office, and replacement of elevator components. Given that the minor repairs originally budgeted for 2016 could not be funded and that additional items requiring attention have already been identified, $10,000 has been requested in this year’s budget for such small projects. Much of the work done in prior years, listed above, was funded by a $77,000 loan. Repayment of that loan will add $ 8,300 to the 2017 budget. What remains to be done in 2018 and beyond is refinishing the other Willey Building floors that are also worn down to bare wood, and energy efficiency upgrades, such as the replacement of an old boiler, replacement of window air conditioners with interior models and/or heat pumps, upgrading windows in the basement offices and repairs to the entrance to

With an eye to the celebration of the Willey Building centennial in 2021, the Committee has prepared a preliminary plan for enlargement of the stage and other improvements to facilitate daytime showing of films and other presentations and to enable the resumption of stage performances in the auditorium. We expect this to be funded mostly with grants and local fundraising starting in 2018.

been asked to assist with this project. Our assessment is that projects for which funding is requested in 2017 represent the peak of the restoration of the Willey Building and the Masonic Hall. Therefore, it makes sense to borrow the funds needed. This will spread the cost to minimize the effect on the tax rate in 2017 and take advantage of historically low interest rates, as well as avoid the higher cost in the future from the effect of inflation and more extensive repairs that could result from delays in addressing the problems. Since the advantages of wellmaintained and attractive town facilities benefit all future residents, it is reasonable that they also contribute to the upkeep via loan repayments. We hope this information provides a good foundation for the voters of Cabot to consider the 2017 budget requests put forth by the WBC. On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, please vote YES on Article 11 to fund these badly needed repair projects in the Willey Building to ensure that it will serve Cabot residents for many years to come. Willey Building Committee Brad Alexander, Fred Ducharme, Ben Dunham, Niels Larsen and Bill Wheeler

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Mailing Address

the Town Clerk’s office of any changes in mailing address. Additional copies can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office after February 20. The full report can also be read on the Cabot Town website at www.cabotvt.us.

Cecilia Gulka Lynn Jones Jeannie McCallum the nance Hall, (WBC)

previous projects the rior 2014 serous which systems, walls floor was Work main new walls. the rainwater facilitating food in

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Budget Requests

As a foundation for voters to consider 2017 budget requests for mainteand improvements to the Masonic the Willey Building Committee offers the following: As in the case of the Willey Building, Town Meetings have supported to improve energy efficiency and maintenance and integrity of the inteand exterior of the Masonic Hall. In a new steel roof was installed. A drainage problem in the basement, houses the building mechanical was fixed. On the main floor, the were spray foamed and the main restroom upgraded. The parking lot improved with exterior lighting. continued in 2015 to re-wire the floor and replace the lights, install ceiling tiles, and finish and paint Funding in 2016 added a gutter on south (parking lot) side, diverting away from the foundation and rainy weather offloading of for the Food Shelf operated by Faith Action.

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LISTERS VACANCIES

The Cabot Town Clerk has been need to be filled effective March 7, 2017. from the floor at Town Meeting. One second position is for a three-year term. considered for either of these two positions, Ritter. While there is no application town would appreciate hearing of your wish to be considered to become a Lister.

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Tasks

(not all listers required to undertake all ♦ Schedule, conduct and document inspections ♦ Download and document homestead ♦ Edit values of Grand List ♦ Record Property Transfers to update ♦ Manage Change of Appraisal Notices with changed values ♦ Learn and meet state-imposed deadlines ♦ Current Use: Edit enrolled parcels and withdrawn acreage Work is conducted in town office with begins in March at various locations around pay and mileage reimbursement, but no

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Masonic Hall

To ensure that the building will serve Cabot residents for many years to come, funding is again requested for the addition of a gutter on the north side of the building, estimated at $2,500, and for exterior painting of the badly deteriorated west and north walls at an estimated $11,000. The peeling paint in these areas will accelerate deterioration and creates an eyesore at that entrance to the village. A further $1,000 is requested for unanticipated minor repairs. The Willey Building Committee has recommended borrowing to fund this project, as we have done for the Willey Building projects. (See related article.) Looking beyond 2017, the floors should be refinished and the wood flooring in the kitchen replaced with a sheet material for easier cleaning. On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, please vote YES on Article 11 to fund the muchneeded Masonic Hall and Willey Building repair projects. Willey Building Committee Brad Alexander, Fred Ducharme, Ben Dunham, Niels Larsen and Bill Wheeler

notified that two Lister vacancies will Both Lister positions will be elected position is for a one year term and the If you have any interest in being please contact Town Clerk Betty process for these two positions, the interest before Town Meeting if you Also, please feel free to contact the to learn more about the job of Lister.

to learn sketching software public

Use program a valuable bonus

tasks, but the team is responsible for all):

exemptions from the State

Grand List and Grievance Process for Parcels

April-December and calculate values for enrolled land

some field work. Mandatory training the state. Listers receive hourly benefits.

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By Sarah Spletzer Welters

In my home country, Germany, we have a saying: “ Das Glueck dieser Erde liegt auf dem Ruecken der Pferde. ” - “The happiness of this world can be found on the back of the horses”. Paul Ruta (57) might know more about this. Paul offers sleigh rides with his own horses around his land in lower Cabot. He moved to Cabot in 1997. After his divorce, he was looking for a village farm that was close to the main road, and found what is now Black Horse Farm. On a cold Sunday afternoon, we are taking a sleigh ride with Paul and his two Percheron horses, Babe (6) and Jesse (7). Wrapped up in blankets, ten people fit comfortably in the big sleigh. As we ride through the winterwonderlandish fields of lower Cabot to the sounds of bells ringing, two snowmobiles pass us by in the distance. For a moment, it’s as if two time periods exist right next to each other. I am amazed by how fast the ride feels at times and how much weight the team of horses can pull together! After the sleigh ride, Paul invites the whole family into his farm house kitchen for some hot chocolate and stories. The interview turns into a family business, with different generations of Welters asking questions.

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Paul, how many sleighs do you have?

I have four different sleighs in total, all for different purposes. One is the one you just rode in, it fits ten people and I have built it myself over a couple of years. One is a smaller one for romantic rides for two or four people. And one is for logging - my horses are really good in the woods, pulling wood. I also use them a lot in mapling season.

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We are having a good winter for

sleigh rides this year. Do you ever give carriage rides with your horses in the summer season? Oh, yes, I do weddings and other events. I have this vis-a’-vis carriage, in which two couples face each other, that I use a lot at weddings. I was thinking about different loops … we could go over West Hill Pond Road, the bridge on Sawmill Road, by the recycling place…

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Do they make dual use sleighs/

carriages these days? Oh, yeah, there are carriages that can have sleds or wheels attached! Or both at the same time, where the wheels basically come out of the sleds, once you hit a road with no snow! It works with hydraulics. And then, in places like South Carolina, for example, with little to no snow in the winter, people still want a sleigh ride for Christmas. So, they have these “sleighs” that look exactly like mine, but instead of sleds, they have tiny wheels underneath, like rollerblades, basically.

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Did you grow up with horses?

No, but my grandparents had a dairy farm in Montana, and we stayed there for the summer. I remember like it was yesterday my mother saying: We need a horse here! And, then, one of my uncles was dropping off this really calm horse and I got to ride it all summer! Having a horse, that was cool. And when I moved to Vermont, it seemed like all neighbors around us had horses, and I thought: I could have a horse, too! For $500, I could have a horse! And I tell you, I am one of the few people that bought a horse without ever reading a book about it! Not one single book! Everyone laughs

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to? Paul Ruta

right? You need to get at least two together. They are herding animals, they need a fellow horse. And not a goat or cow - another horse . So, don’t even think about getting only one, if you do, I will, like. reject you on Facebook or something! laughs No, seriously, if you want to get a horse, get two and just start small. Even ponies can often carry an adult. Not for a hundred miles, of course, but for shorter rides.

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Horses are quite expensive to have,

right? The food alone, I can imagine how much do your horses eat every day? Those horses are eating a bale of hay a day, each. Like, a 40-pound bale. Paul gets up and shows us a flyer of a horse auction …And here is where I bought my horses. Eastern Ohio, it was a six-dayauction with thousands of horses!

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Wow, thousands?! That must be over-

whelming. How did you choose? I decided beforehand that I would only bid on two teams, and that would be it! And so, you go there early, you look through the barns, and then you drive the horses to see for yourself. And, I was actually riding them, too. And, of course, it’s not like I am interested in all thousand horses. There are single horses and teams, over-the-road-horses, and then there’s ponies, and mini’s. So, there were probably just over a hundred teams that I looked at more closely, and I bid on two of them. It was quite an epic trip, I slept in my car on the way there and back. And at the auction, itself, you see all kinds of folks. Everybody pulls in with their own buggies. And here I meet an Amish guy with his own cell phone. Paul changes his voice to a different accent : “I will call my brother, he might have a team of horses for you!” I met so many people, and basically looked though the barns for days - until I found my horses.

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Do you appreciate

horses over people? Oh no! No, I really can’t say that! But I feel like, in my lifetime, there has been this thing, a change in how people feel about their cats, dogs and other pets. Almost like, instead of having a kid - you have a dog, now. No, but horses are just easy to get along with and they’re fun to work with! If you would like to book a sleigh ride with Paul Ruta, you can call him at 802-

Farm on Facebook. What Are You Up To? Is brought to you

you would like to suggest a Cabot resident to be highlighted in this monthly column, please email Lori@CabotVer mont.org or

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Michelle Delaney

This month I talked with Michelle Delaney, who is a personal trainer and the owner of Trinity Recreation Club (TREC). It was great motivation to get started on my own personal fitness goals for the new year! I also learned that Michelle makes her own brand of Kombucha called Kingdom Harvest.

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Tell me a bit about your business-

how did you get started? I have been a personal trainer since 2009. My background is in natural resources- I used to work for Forests and Parks. My passion is outdoor education and health. I do classes with a large focus on resistance training and muscle building, three mornings a week. Most people can do the cardio part on their own, whether it's walking their dogs, skating, skiing, running…. The muscle building part does not come as a natural part of everyone's day, and as adults, we don't tend to do it, but it's so important. Studies show that the average person loses 30% of their strength between 50 and 70 years old. The other piece we lose is balance and stability, which leads to more falls and more chances of injury. If we continued to play as children do - climbing trees, hanging on monkey bars, etc,, we would be all set, but most people do not. My favorite piece of advice is to continue to play. Besides boot camp, I work one on one with people to design their own fitness programs, incorporating their personal goals.

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How many people do you generally

work with? About 8-12 people at any given time. My goal, when I work with people individually, is to help them find something they enjoy so that exercise is not seen as a chore. I would think the New Year is pretty busy, with lots of people making resolutions to get in shape. Is there a busy season for personal training, or is it pretty consistent year-round? There's definitely a push after the New Year; it starts to even out around May or June. But I do have a core group who are committed throughout the year. Where do you do most of your work? Mostly in Cabot, but I will go to people's houses and work with them there. The people who are doing one on one prefer that. I tend to stay close to home, since I don't charge for traveling, and I try to keep it as affordable as possible for people. Two years ago, I received a UDAG grant to form a school-community partnership. This funding provided townowned equipment shared between TREC and the school, with the aim of improving fitness community wide. Additionally, I’ve contributed $15,000 of TREC-owned equipment to the partnership. The high school gym program is based on lifetime fitness, and the kids design their own fitness programs using a combination of TREC, UDAG and the school's equipment. So, it is a benefit to the school, and I also see it as a benefit to the people of the town, to have a centrally-located place to take fitness classes. If I had to rent a facility, the cost of the classes would have to be much higher. When I'm there doing

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Matters

classes, the gym is open for people to work out. Funds from the Open Gym hours are split between the school, for equipment maintenance, and TREC, for staffing the space. That's good for people who want to work out but not take a class. It's a pretty nice set-up now - it's small but it has most of the things that are in a typical gym.

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Any interesting stories?– without

naming names, of course. Probably my favorite - I worked with a young lady who wanted to lose weight. She was well over 300 lbs. The thing that most people don't think about is how strong people carrying a lot of weight are, at least in their leg muscles. This girl had tremendous strength in her legs. upbringing had a lot of unhealthy Her eating and shame around her weight, but once she started knowing what to do, she latched onto it and did an amazing job.

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What's your favorite thing about do-

ing business in Cabot, and having your own business in general? Part of the drive for me was finding something I loved to do and could work around raising my daughter. As far as working in Cabot- there's nothing available near here, so to provide an opportunity for people in Cabot to work out is important to me. The other piece I really love is running camps for kids in the summer. We do kayaking, hiking, swimming, and also have a zip line, slack line, a climbing wall- a mini Tough Mudder kind of thing. That's definitely my favorite thing. The camp is called Mud Warriors. There are four one-week sessions for different age groups. I also offer camps for kids in winter for soccer, that are focused on individual skill training and development of strength and agility.

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What's your least favorite thing about

having your own business? I can't think of anything- I really like being self-employed. What do you do in your free time? Free time? I've done a lot with the Recreation Committee and mentoring. I'm passionate about being outdoors- I have three dogs and I do skijoring with them. I garden. I play, referee, and coach soccer. I am the president of the Northeast Kingdom Warrior soccer club. I have a second business called Kingdom Harvest. Right now, I brew three recipes, around 10 12 -ounce bottles a month. It's sold at the Cabot Store, Buffalo Mountain, and Hunger Mountain Co-ops - about twenty places. made locally It's the only kombucha that's from chaga mushrooms. It's all harvested and organic. I got into brewing chaga kombucha because I am really interested in natural remedies and nutrition. As a personal trainer, we need to take continuing education each year, so I have taken specialty courses to fill that requirement and have endorsements in nutrition, endurance, and strength. Right now, I am studying to test for a cancer recovery endorsement. Local Business Matters is brought to

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 or email

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Grant to CCA to Restore

Cabot clock workings

recently received a $2,500 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation’s Small and Inspiring grant program. The CCA submitted the application in October for the project, titled It’s About Time, which helps support the cleaning and restoration of the Town of Cabot’s Howard tower clock located in the United Church of Cabot on the Common. “The CCA is grateful that the Vermont Community Foundation has partnered with us to help honor a piece of history that has belonged to the town for many years,” said CCA Executive Director Lori Augustyniak. “The volunteers on this project are happy to be able to use their hands and engineering knowledge to work for the town in such a tangible

Last year, some residents decided to find out why the bell strike on the town clock had stopped. They discovered that a cable was out of alignment, but when that was corrected, the problem persisted. strike The next culprit was a worn counting mechanism. Rather than buy a $600 replacement part, the team of volunteers successfully made the new part themselves. The team was hooked and wanted to further the clock’s restoration, but an estimate of $17,000 from a tower clock restoration specialist forced the group to re-think the project. They found the solution in Cabot volunteers, who the specialist agreed to supervise for a much lower estimated cost of $5,000. Besides restoring a town asset, this project is an opportunity to educate

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the Town Clock

youth and adults in Cabot about the town’s history in general and the clock’s history in particular, and for community members to get a much closer look at the clock for-the first time since 1888, when the clock was installed. Through its Small and Inspiring grants program, the Community Foundation hopes to help foster the spark and hope that keeps Vermonters healthy and happy by finding and supporting projects where a small grant can make a big difference. The remainder of the funding for this project will be provided by the CCA. The CCA is a Vermont 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to enhance the quality of community life for those residing, doing business, and visiting Cabot. Community members who would like

and folks just interested in the restoration process will be able to read about it in The Chronicle and watch videos of the work on the CCA website, cabotvermont.org. The Vermont Community Foundation is a family of hundreds of funds and foundations established by Vermonters to serve their charitable goals. It provides the advice, investment vehicles, and backoffice expertise to make giving easy and effective. The Foundation also provides leadership in giving by responding to community needs, mobilizing and connecting philanthropists to multiply their impact, and by keeping Vermont’s nonprofit sector vital with grants and other investments in the community.

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TO VOTE:

There is no deadline to register to vote. will be able to vote on the day of elecYou can register prior by visiting the Town Clerk’s Office or going online to Registration will be at the Town Clerk’s office on any prior to the election between the hours 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Registration will be available on Day during the hours the polls are which is 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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By Roland (Slim) Payne

Here we are, mid-January, and a crazy winter. One or two storms a week and rain with each one, then some snow, -20° to 50° in a day’s time. You can’t get used to it, so you can be comfortable out in it. Oh, well, you get what you get with the weather. This month, I will talk about the connected forest in terms of wild animals of the northeast U.S. – New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, Canada. The animals that are impacted are moose, bear, deer, coon, fox, turkeys, all the way down to fish and, yes, even salamanders. These animals and fish and reptiles need to be able to move freely to find food and habitat, to find mates and breeding areas. Fish have to get upstream to spawn; they are stopped by dams, and all of them need to move to live free and move freely, the same as humans. We must get to work, school, shopping, etc. You get the picture. The problem is there and getting worse. Big lots getting broken into small lots, houses and factories and roads being built, all these things break up the connection of the forest.

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Cabot United

The month of February can be tough to get through. Whether the groundhog sees its shadow or not, we in the northeast kingdom know we’re not going to see spring for a while. This is the time of year many suffer from the Winter Blues. The Cabot United Church decided something must be done. Therefore, they will be serving a spaghetti dinner at the church on February 18 from 5:30 to

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Great Music Coming to St.

Levitt Foundation announced the 2017 Levitt AMP winners. Congratulations to St. Johnsbury, VT, one of 15 communities that will be funded. Catamount Arts will present the Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series on Dog Mountain, a bucolic, dog-friendly spot in the center of a former industrial area. The series aims to build bridges across socioeconomic divides, provide cultural access, and restore community

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T REE W ARDEN

Some of the people working on this are Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the Nature Conservancy, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, Vermont Coverts and many others. These connections are a benefit for nature, but also important for people. Connected forests are a boon for hunters and outdoor recreationists, as they are for the maple and wood products industries, a cornerstone of our economy. By maintaining and restoring nature’s connections, we are helping all of us who live here – people, animals, plants – to thrive.

The hunting camp in the remote hills of the Northeast Kingdom was situated precariously atop a 300’ cliff. Hunters, most from out of state, were strapped into a huge wicker basket, and the guide hauled on an old, ragged rope that ran through a pulley, until the sportsmen reached the top. As one hunter stepped into the basket to begin the ascent, he asked anxiously, “How often do you replace the rope?” Replied the guide, “Whenever the old one breaks.”

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Church News

7. There will be local musicians to lift up folk’s spirits and time to visit with neighbors and friends. The menu will be Spaghetti with sauce (meat and vegetarian), garlic bread, tossed salad and desserts, as well as coffee, tea and juice. The cost? A donation is all that is needed. Come and stave off the blues for an evening. (see ad on page 9)

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Johnsbury’s Dog Mountain

pride compromised by poverty and unemployment. Congratulations to these distinct communities on winning $25K each in matching grants to present their own Levitt AMP Music Series—10 free outdoor concerts featuring high caliber entertainment in a broad range of music genres. Stay tuned for details on upcoming Levitt AMP concerts and performers!

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Author of Merlin’s Veto: Chronicles

of The New Merlin. Did you know that Apis mellifera is the scientific name of the common European Honey Bee? At this moment, my honey bees are snug deep in their hives, doing their best to keep warm. We've had some pretty cold temperatures lately, and I suspected that, after the summer drought, I'd end up having to keep a close eye on the ladies. True to form, some midwinter problems have arisen. Because of the stress that a number the hives were under, due to the lack of nectar foraging this fall, I've lost some of my hives. This is an unavoidable, yet depressing, part of the agricultural landscape. Sometimes things just don't go well and success or failure rests solely in the hands of Mother Nature. No matter how hard I try, losses are inevitable. Once I discovered the dead hives, I realized that I had to take a different track. After working through some very crusty snow and several hours of intense shoveling, I managed to dig out a trail from my bee yard into the greenhouse. With the hives strapped onto a dolly cart, I dragged them inside to give them a better chance at staying warm. Lo and behold, after all that work, the weather changes again, and suddenly we’re having temperatures in the low 40s, for the moment. Whatever the temperature is outside, the greenhouse will always be warmer. Needless to say, the ladies were quite happy with this new arrangement. They're flying around inside, bumping into the plastic, and seem to be fairly disoriented. It looks as though I will have to put some wire

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2016 Deer

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says preliminary numbers show 16,160 deer were taken during Vermont’s 2016 deer hunting seasons. Reports from big game check stations indicate hunters had successful deer seasons in 2016, taking 3,447 deer in archery season, 1,438 in youth season, 7,725 in rifle season, and 3,550 in muzzleloader season. The 16,160 deer brought home by hunters yielded more than 3 million meals of local nutritious venison. “The legal buck harvest of 9,968 was 19 percent more than the previous threeyear average of 8,372, and the highest buck harvest since 2002,” said deer project leader Nick Fortin. “Harvest numbers increased during all four seasons, and the total harvest of 16,160 is the second-highest since 2002. “The increased harvest was primarily due to the exceptionally mild winter of 2016 which allowed more deer to survive. Additionally, the department issued nearly twice as many muzzleloader antlerless deer permits this year to provide more harvest opportunity and to limit population growth in some parts of the state.” The primary goal of Vermont’s deer management strategy is to keep the deer

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Apiary

mesh over the holes to keep them from getting out. Once again, Christmas and New Year's blew past far too quickly, bringing with them strong cold winds up here on Danville Hill. We've had snow storms, ice storms and now rain. Even with winter tires, I've had to dig myself out of snow banks and be pulled out far too many times, already, this winter. And it looks as though in the coming weeks we'll have some unseasonably warm weather. Beekeeping is becoming a strange way to measure my life. My thoughts and concerns have settled into a distinct awareness of weather patterns and how they will affect the ladies, and consequently, my business. This may be selfish of me, but I'm hoping for an early spring. I dream of warm sunny days with my elbows up to hive inspections and the smell of green grass. This spring, Anthony will be teaching a season-long beekeeping apprenticeship course. Also, try some local raw honey. If interested in details go to www.theshamanstouch.com/.

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Seasons

herd stable, healthy and in balance with available habitat. “Maintaining an appropriate number of deer on the landscape ensures deer and the habitats that support them remain in good condition and productive,” said Fortin. “This year’s harvest clearly demonstrates how productive our deer herd can be.” Each year the department operates biological check stations during deer hunting seasons to gather information on the age, sex, field dressed weight, antler characteristics, and overall health of Vermont’s deer herd. In 2016, biological data were collected from 1,830 deer examined during the two-day youth season and November rifle season. To provide additional data, hunters submitted more than 2,700 teeth from bucks harvested during the rifle season. Fortin adds, “The effort made by hunters and many of our big game reporting stations to collect teeth during rifle season will greatly improve our understanding of Vermont’s buck population.” The 2016 report on deer hunting seasons with final numbers will be on Vermont Fish Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) in early February.

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Almost “Saint Nick”

Nick is a gorgeous four-year-old orange boy in need of a quiet home. Nick is a favorite of many of our shelter volunteers. Nick would do best in a calm and peaceful home, being an only cat, or with a female cat who is very laid back and gentle. Nick loves to bask in the sun, and lie on the top level of his cat tower, where he can look out the window and watch the birds and the goings-on in the yard next door. At his times of playfulness, Nick loves his crinkly tunnel and chasing toys. And Nick especially loves to play in boxes. He also can be a wonderful lap cat and enjoys being petted. He is very good about letting you know when he has had enough. Nick came to us as a stray over two years ago. We believe that, at some time in his past, Nick may have been mistreated. Based on this possible mistreatment that Nick experienced, he will take extra time settling into your home. Dur-

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Winter Weather

Please be aware that our area is predicted to have severe cold which will affect animals in our care with temperatures way below zero. It is very important to provide the right care to help them get through it as safely and comfortably as possible. Be sure to provide livestock with draft free shelter. If you don’t have heated waterers available for them, be sure to check on water frequently and replace frozen water with lukewarm water. Companion animals should be kept indoors as much as possible. need to eliminate, make the If they time outdoors as short as possible, because their feet can be frozen in a short time if they are short haired. They do make special boots for dogs, but if they are not used to wearing them, they may refuse to walk

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Shelter

ing any transition to his new home, Nick may get upset and would likely display some behaviors that will require patience and understanding. But that patience and understanding will be wellrewarded with the wonderful and affectionate cat that Nick can be. Won't you consider giving this sweet boy a chance to settle into a comfortable new life and be safe and loved with you?

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and Animals

with them on. I would strongly suggest short frequent outings, rather than a long walk. For short haired breeds, I would suggest they wear a warm coat or dog blanket that covers their body. Some of my favorite winter products are Weather Beater dog coats, because they go on over the head, then a piece goes between the front legs and taches to the back of the coat. They ease of movement and provide a protection from the cold. atallow lot of

I also always have a jar of Musher’s Secret on hand to protect their feet from severe cold and icy conditions. It is made in Canada and is used by people who race or use sled dogs for personal recreation or racing. April Frost Animalvisions.org

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Senior Center:

As Director of your local senior center, I am writing to urge you to please vote for the Twin Valley Seniors Center request for appropriations from your town on Town Meeting Day. The Older Americans Act does fund critical services that keep older adults healthy and independent, and does support services like Meals on Wheels and senior centers with transportation, etc. However, the OAA is the backbone of services for the elderly but has been financially stagnant for a long, long time. The over-60 population keeps growing, and inflation, as well. Your support to your local senior center not only benefits the seniors in our communities, but it will also save taxpayer dollars by reducing premature nursing home placement, prevent hunger and malnutrition, help control chronic health conditions, prevent isolation, and provide a social gathering place where activities and meals can be enjoyed with others. The OAA budget has hit senior center Meals on Wheels programs hard by placing a freeze on meal reimbursement. Once the number of meals reaches the contracted total (TVSC amount for 2016 was 10,579 and 2017 will be 10,586), any overage above those meals will not receive any reimbursement. Since October 2016 (Fiscal Year began) we have already served 2,688 reimbursable meals, with nine months left to go in this fiscal year. We do not want waiting lists, as we feel you need our service so you can return from hospitals, nursing homes and rehabs and stay in your own home. The volunteers and staff at TVSC work hard to bring the programs and help to preserve the health and independence of our community seniors. We once again are asking you, as a resident and taxpayer of your town, to walk hand in hand with us to take care of our senior residents and keep them in their home in their community. We sincerely appreciate and want to thank you in advance for your vote of support on Town Meeting Day. We wish you good health and happiness in 2017. At this time TVSC would like to say a special thank you to Jeanne Johnson for her third year of support for our yearly Blizzard Bags for our home bound meals on wheels clients. Each year TVSC puts together a bag of non-perishable foods and delivers them to the homebound residents. This is done yearly by TVSC in case we are unable to get to the home to deliver meals. The drivers do communicate with their clients if we are unable to make a delivery, to check on their well-being and see if they are okay and have everything

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C ENTER

they need until we can return. The shopping and planning for making the Blizzard bags was not only expensive, but difficult to process with limited staff and volunteers. However, our Guardian Angel, Jeanne Johnson of Cabot, said she wanted to purchase for our program the meals already to go. For three years Jeanne has done this and there is no way to tell her how appreciated it has been, and this year is no exception. Our appreciation to you for your caring and support for our senior population, and please know it makes a huge difference with preparing the Blizzard bags. For the past few years, the Roy Hart families of Marshfield has done a family collection of money at Christmas Time. With the collected funds, family members shop for nonperishable food items. They secure these items, fill large Christmas bags and donate to the Twin Valley Senior center to share with our meals on wheels clients and congregate seniors at the center. We cannot express the joy that this gesture by a group of family members at Christmas time brings to these people who may or may not have any holiday recognition. Again, Hart family, you should be very proud of yourselves for thinking of others and sharing. I know, at TVSC, we think you all are super special and so happy to help us with our senior residents in the six towns we serve.

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GET HELP WITH YOUR TAXES!

AARP and Twin Valley Senior Center are again offering free tax service at the center. Anyone can have their taxes prepared by these trained AARP professional tax people, as long as your taxes do not include business, rental income, etc. There is no charge for this service, but donations to TVSC are always welcome. We are taking appointments

early to make sure a spot is reserved for you. Any questions you may have can be called in to the same number.

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JUST SING IT OUT!

Starting on January 29, TVSC will be hosting John Harrison, who will offer choral singing lessons. John is well known for his teaching at Twinfield High School and directing local choirs within Washington County. If you have a love of country music, then John Harrison is just the one that can help you shout it out. The courses will be held at the center on Sunday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. weekly until ten sessions have been completed. The price is $50 for adults and $25 for age 10 to 18 years. We encourage younger people to join us. Who knows, we may just come up with a famous classic country chorus! Contact Susan Crampton

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Wednesdays, February 1 and 15,

6:00–7:30 p.m. Meeting on the first and third Wednesdays 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.

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Dance – Saturday, February 11,

7:30 p.m. 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. The dances are taught and are easily learned by young and old. The contra and square dances are traditional Vermont and New England social dances that have been danced for many generations in the town halls, barns, and kitchens around Vermont. The music is provided by piano and an assortment of fiddles, mandolins, guitars, and the occasional surprise instrument. Musicians are always invited to sit in and join with the fun of playing traditional dance tunes. There is a small suggested donation to help cover the cost of the caller. For more info, please call David Carpenter at 802-

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TVSC BOOK CLUB

The Jaquith Library of Marshfield would like to sponsor a Book Club for the Twin Valley Senior Center. Kathie Alyce, who is now a member of the library board , is bringing this event to the center. We have scheduled our first organizational meeting for Friday, February 10, from 1-2:00 p.m. The first meeting will be about reading materials and seeing where our interests lie. There is no cost to becoming a member, but the Jaquith does need you to become a member of their library, if you are not already. Again, there is no fee for this, just a membership information form to fill out on the 10th. Joining the Jaquith Library will

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Thank You!

Thanks so much to Anne Miller for her program on Growing Your Own Seeds. The continued volunteer help is very much appreciated – thank you Lorelai Bastress, Austin Deasy, Mary Lou DeLacy, Susan Dineen, Vicki Palmer and Beth Wade. Much gratitude to all the folks who help with regular ongoing programming: Daria Babbitt, David Carpenter, Alicia Feltus, Jonah and Ethan Socks.

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Story Hour at 11:00 am NEW TIME

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

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See you at the Library!

Kathleen Hoyne

help them to collect as many copies of the current reading selection as needed. The Jaquith Library will provide the books and will bring them to the Center prior to the meetings, so that the members will have plenty of time to read. The first scheduled meeting is February 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. Book clubs are very interesting to participate in. Members all read the same book and then discuss it. Please contact Alyce at 4263384 or email alyce@waterfallquilts.com if interested in joining this class. Rita Copeland, Director Twin Valley Senior Center

iors@myfairpoint.net

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Invites You

Karen Mueller-Harder and Cameron Mueller-Harder at the piano (left). Adelie Tebbetts rehearsing a song (right). Willy Wonka will be performed in CSPAC March 31-April 2 The Cabot Community Engagement Group is hosting a community gathering on Saturday, February 11, from 5:00 7:00 p.m. in the Cabot School Performing Arts Center, that will highlight a few of the many exciting projects taking place on the Cabot school campus and in the community, followed by dinner and dessert. The presentations will include the fifth and sixth grade students, who will share their enthusiasm in the recently completed Mystery and Forensics study. The students will recapture exciting aspects of mystery writing and forensic science. High school students will review the work and projects explored During their X-Day activities block. Past activities have included mountain biking, modern dance, and the Limes. Current options include knitting, photography and wood shop. Come enjoy some of the work in progress and hear about how these classes have become enriching experiences. As a final and tantalizing treat, we will be given a sneak peak at the muchawaited Cabot Community Theater’s production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Director, Karen Mueller-Harder and members of the cast will talk about the rehearsal process and give us a behind-the-scenes look into the imaginative world they are creating. Karen and company will also share some history about the Cabot Community Theater. During the presentation, activities will be organized for young children in the school gymnasium, including a Valentine's Day crafts table. Dinner and dessert will follow the presentations. All are invited to attend! Hope to see you there!

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← From the Cabot Chronicle