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The Cabot Chronicle

April/May 2019 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the April/May 2019 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

Cabot Ambulance Service Is Not Going Away - and We Need You

First, I will clear up confusion and rumors about Cabot Ambulance. Cabot Ambulance is NOT going away! While we considered transitioning from a transporting ambulance service to a FAST (First Aid Stabilization Team) squad and contracting with another town for transporting ambulance service (at one point, a letter went to the select board, informing them we would do that), we have decided to remain a transporting ambulance service. I believe that, although we have not always been able to have a full certified crew for every call, it is a benefit to residents of Cabot to provide ambulance service for calls we are able to cover. A FAST Squad has members who can respond to the scene of an emergency (hopefully fast, and maybe sooner than the actual ambulance could arrive), and they can begin taking care of the patient on scene, but are not certified to transport the patient(s) to the hospital. An Ambulance Service is certified to provide emergency medical care up to a certain level of training and certification, and to transport the patient(s) to the hospital. If Cabot Ambulance was not certified as a transporting service, patient(s) could have to wait an extra eight to thirty minutes or more for the transporting ambulance service to arrive on scene (depending on where they originated). There have been some incidents where patient(s) have had to wait longer than normal for a responder to arrive on scene, or for the transporting ambulance to arrive, and I would like to extend sincere apologies to any who were involved or had to wait longer than appropriate for an ambulance. There are multiple reasons this could happen, including lack of sufficient trained volunteers in town and available, a dispatch mistake or miscommunication, dispatch having been given wrong information, no sufficient address/9-1-1 signs visible on houses and at end of driveways, Cabot Ambulance being on another call or unavailable and mutual aid a long way away. Unfortunately, part of the price we pay for living in rural Vermont is often having a longer response time for emergency services. I do not know exact times, but if you live in downtown Barre or Montpelier, you could have a six- to ten-minute response time for your emergency services, maybe quicker. However, if you live in more rural areas, such as Cabot, Worcester, Calais, and many other rural towns, your emergency services response times could easily be 15, 20, or even 30 minutes or more (even with everything working as it should). There are some calls that aren’t critical, where waiting the extra time isn’t a problem. There are, however, calls where every minute counts, and a delay like that could mean the difference between life and death. If we wanted a quicker response time most of the time, we could spend $200,000-$300,000 (ballpark estimate) per year, and have a full time paid ambulance service, with two certified crew members waiting in the station 24/7 for the next emergency call to come in. This does not seem financially responsible for a town that only averages 70 to 100 ambulance calls per year, and I doubt taxpayers would like to pay that. At $300,000, with roughly 1,500 residents in Cabot, that would equal about $200 per person per year just for the ambulance to be staffed, ready and waiting. If we also covered the town of Marshfield again as a transporting ambulance service, that would cut the cost a little, but not significantly. The only (or at least simplest) way for a small town like Cabot to receive emergency medical services in a relatively timely way and be financially reasonable is to have a local volunteer ambulance service, as we do. Over the last three years, Cabot Ambulance has responded and transported 74% to 84% of the emergency calls we had. For the other 16% to 26%, we had first responders go to the scene to begin patient care, but did not have a sufficient crew to transport the patient, and we called a mutual aid ambulance from another town. There have also been times when we had sufficient crew, but the patient was in critical condition or needed an advanced level medication or intervention out of our scope of practice, so we called for a “Paramedic Intercept”; sometimes this paramedic meets us on scene, and sometimes they meet us enroute to the hospital. So, that leads me to the next topic. The State Department of Health (and also the billing companies, such as Medicare & Medicaid) have certain minimum requirements for an ambulance crew to be able to transport. There are four primary levels of Emergency Medical Services training/certification nationwide, and these are: EMR – Emergency Medical Responder; EMT – Emergency Medical Technician; AEMT – Advanced Emergency Medical Technician; and Medic or Paramedic. An ambulance service must also be licensed at a certain level, so if the ambulance service is licensed by the state at the BLS (Basic Life Support) level, they cannot provide Advanced Life Support, even if one of their members is higher certified. Cabot Ambulance is currently licensed at the AEMT level, so even though I am a Paramedic, I can’t provide care at that level while I am working on Cabot Ambulance. That is why we sometimes call another Ambulance service, such as Barre Town, even when we have a full crew, if the patient needs medications or interventions out of our scope of practice. Also, we are required to have a certain minimum crew in order to legally transport a patient (state law). We must have at least two people, at least one being certified as an EMR or higher, and the other being certified at least at the EMT level or higher. The EMR can drive, and the person caring for the patient in the back of the ambulance needs to be at least an EMT. The ambulance driver could be CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) certified only, but you would still be required to have an EMR and an EMT on board in the back. So, having explained all that: We Really Need More Volunteers!! If we are to keep Cabot Ambulance going, we need your help. You should have a good driving record, and no significant or serious criminal record (we are required to do background checks). If you have any emergency medical training or certifications, that would be a big help, but it’s not a necessity. If you are willing and able to help, we will train you! If you live and/or work in Cabot, that is a huge benefit, especially the closer you are to our station where the ambulance is. However, you do not have to live in Cabot, as long as you can get to the station or emergency scene in a timely and safe fashion; some of our current members live in Marshfield. The more trained people we have available, the more likely we will provide a good timely response and be able to help one of our fellow citizens in their emergency. Also, there is a stipend. We currently offer a $50 stipend per person per call they respond to, traditionally paid annually around Christmas. If anyone would like to help, but is unable to volunteer, we also accept donations to help pay for our training and equipment! Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time, money, or other over the years to support Cabot Ambulance! If you have any questions, or to volunteer, please contact me at [email protected]. Cabot Ambulance was started in 1966 by Doctor Frank Caffin and his wife, Virginia Caffin, because someone DIED waiting for an ambulance from another town. Let’s not let that happen again!!

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ICYMI ~ In Case You Missed It

…news about Cabot, local businesses and our neighbors

Congratulations to Lloyd Plumbing, Heating & Gas Service, LLC for receiving this year’s Efficiency Excellence Network Partner of the Year award, one of the eight annual Best of the Best awards, presented by Efficiency Vermont. “This year’s winners are achieving the highest levels of building performance in a state that boasts a statewide network of skilled and knowledgeable efficient designers, builders, and contractors,” said Efficiency Vermont Director, Rebecca Foster. “We are proud to support and celebrate Vermont’s building professionals, who are critical to our small state’s nationally renowned success in bringing the benefits of energy efficiency to all Vermonters.” _________________________________________________________ Cedric Alexander is interviewed for an article in a February issue of The Atlantic about the devastating effect ticks are having on Vermont’s moose population. “Climate Change Enters Its Blood-Sucking Phase - As winters grow warmer in North America, thirsty ticks are on the move” https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/02/ticks-can-take-down-800-pound-moose/583189/ ______________________________________________________ The Den is still getting lots of publicity, check out this recent article in the Burlington Free Press for a great story and lots of photos. “The Vermont shop where you can buy nails, chicken feed and a beer while listening to music.” htps : / / w . b ur l i n gt o n f re epres . co m / story /entertainment/2019/01/24/harrys-hardware-store-den-cabot-vermont-shop-nailsbeer-live-music/2605594002/_____________________________________________________________________________ What started in a single butter plant in Cabot in 1919 is now enjoyed by customers in all fifty states and over twenty countries around the world. The farm families who own Cabot Creamery Co-operative are celebrating their Centennial in style with new packaging for their award-winning cheeses. The new look for Cabot’s signature plaid honors the co-op’s proud past while looking to the future. Cabot’s award-winning legacy continues to grow, as shown in the results of the 2019 US Championship Cheese Contest where, among many other awards, they took home gold medals for Extra Sharp Cheddar, Medium Cheddar and unsalted butter. __________________________________________________________

After 52 years of serving the Cabot community, Cabot Emergency Ambulance Service will shut down this summer. VPR featured Cabot in this story, Lacking Volunteers, Small Towns Considering Closing, Merging EMS https://www.vpr.org/post/lacking-volunteers-small-towns-considering-closing-merging-ems#stream/0. After this was published, Cabot Ambulance reconsidered, and is working to maintain the current level of service (see cover story). _____________________________________________________________________________ Maelily Robison of Cabot and Ashley Larrabee of St. Johnsbury were united in marriage on July 14, 2018 at their home in St. Johnsbury. Maelily graduated from Cabot High School in 2013 and she is currently enrolled at Northern VT University. She is the daughter of Matthew Robison and Dawn Haycook. Ashley received her GED in 2016 and she is a selfemployed farmer selling raw cows milk. She is the daughter of Donna Robinson and Richard Larrabee. _____________________________________________________________________________ Cabot dairy farmer Walt Bothfeld was interviewed for an Associated Press article about the dairy industry, “Dairy farmers across U.S. cast wary eye on prospects for 2019.” https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2019/02/12/dramatic-rebound-dairyeconomy-not-horizon/2842670002/_____________________________________________________________________________ Glenn Goodrich and Goodrich's Maple Farm are featured in the WCAX story about preparations for the 2019 sugaring season. https://www.wcax.com/content/news/Maple-tree-tapping-season-underway- 505405781.html ___________________________________________________________ Chronicle readers know that Charlie Bothfeld turned 100 years old recently, but did you catch this “Super Senior” interview he gave on WCAX in January? https://www.wcax.com/content/news/Super-Senior-Charlie- Bothfeld-504814272.html

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

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CABOT ♦ DANVILLE ♦ PEACHHAM

by Representative Catherine “Kitty” Toll In April, both Cabot Creamery and Charlie Bothfeld were recognized at the State Capitol for 100-year celebrations. It is an honor to have introduced two Resolutions for consideration by members of the House of Representatives. Many were in attendance to celebrate with both Charlie and those representing Cabot Creamery. The 2019 Legislative Session is in the thick if its deliberations and decisionmaking, and appears to be on target for adjournment in May. Crossover week, which occurs in mid-March, is the deadline for House and Senate policy bills to complete the committee process in order to allow ample time for deliberations in the other chamber. The state budget and revenue bills are given an additional week to allow for proposals in policy bills. Please see my End of Session Report for an update on bills that have been passed or were considered before the final gavel for the 2019 Session. This report will be available in paper copy or online at www.kittytoll.com. For additional information on any bill or action taken by the House or Senate or standing committee, please visit: www.leg.state.vt.us. These are live pages and are updated regularly. Please contact me directly with your questions and concerns. [email protected] or [email protected] PO Box 192 Danville, VT 05828 802-684-3671 (Home) or 802-828-2228 (State House)

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Cabot Summer Theater Camp Showcases New Works

by Karen Mueller-Harder Cabot Community Theater plans to once again hold a week-long kids’ theater camp this summer, and welcomes new as well as returning thespians! There will be a morning session for younger kids, plus older kids who would enjoy rehearsing and performing a fun comedy, and an afternoon session for older actors who would like a deeper dive into acting skills and techniques. Suggested ages are 8-13 for the morning and 11-16 for the afternoons, but these can be flexible depending on maturity and experience. We are very excited to be working with two new scripts from acclaimed playwright Peter Floyd, who was interested in such a setting to try out some new work. The younger group will perform “How I Became the Nightmare Queen,” a comic fantasy about a girl’s adventures in the land of dreams. The play for the older kids is “Reunion,” about a group of cousins hanging out during a family reunion. All participants will have a chance to meet with the playwright, to talk about their experience working with the scripts, and to learn a bit about what goes into creating a play. In order to have more time for actors to learn their lines with less pressure, we plan to cast the plays before the camp begins, so we’ll have a pre-registration deadline for anyone who wishes to participate. We will be conducting a poll in April to help determine what dates would be best for the most people: watch for an announcement on Front Porch Forum, or email [email protected] to be notified when the poll is available. And, if you’re reading this while it’s still March: be sure to come see The Phantom Tollbooth March 29-31! There will be 7:00 p.m. shows on Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, and 2:00 p.m. matinees on Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31. Performances will be at the Cabot School Performing Arts Center, and admission is a mere $5 for people of all ages. For more information, call 793-5617. See you at the show!

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Planning Notes

The April Planning Commission meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to find out more about what is happening at Molly’s Falls State Park. Forests and Parks will be attending to provide an update and discuss plans for Molly’s Falls State Park at Marshfield Dam, we encourage residents to attend to be part of the discussion and to provide feedback to the Park service. The meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. at the Willy building April 4, 2019. The Planning Commission is also looking for feedback and comments from residents on the following two items:

One - what subdivision regulations in the Town of Cabot should look like, should Cabot residents have local review for projects under 10 acres in our town, and how should that process work through the Development Review Board. Two - ways to encourage and expand access in our community for affordable housing. The planning commission is looking for residents who may be interested in serving on a committee to explore and investigate options for improving affordability in our community. Residents who are interested should contact eitherChuckMarian [email protected] or Karen Deasy at [email protected].

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Homestead Declaration Due to State by April 15

Even when filing for an extension for submitting a 2018 income tax return, homeowners still need to file a homestead declaration by April 15 to avoid penalties. It can easily be done online at https://tax.vermont.gov/property-owners/homestead-declaration. In order to be eligible for a property tax adjustment to lower a homeowner’s property tax bill, a homestead declaration (HS-122) must first be filed.

What is the Vermont Homestead Declaration?

In Vermont, all property is subject to education property tax to pay for the state’s schools. For this purpose, property is categorized as either nonresidential or homestead. A homestead is the principal dwelling and parcel of land surrounding the dwelling, owned and occupied by the resident as the person’s domicile. All property is considered nonresidential, unless it is declared as a homestead. The education property tax rate levied on nonresidential property differs from the rate levied on homestead property. It is your responsibility as the property owner to claim the property as a homestead if you meet, or expect to meet, the following requirements:

 You are a Vermont resident  You own and occupy a homestead as your domicile as of April 1, 2018 You must file a Homestead Declaration annually by the April filing deadline. If you file after April 17, your municipality may assess one of the following penalties:

 Up to a 3% penalty if the nonresidential rate is higher than the homestead education property rate  Up to 8% if the nonresidential rate is lower than the homestead education property tax rate. If you file your declaration after the October filing deadline, your property will be classified as nonresidential. You then must pay the higher of the two rates, a penalty, and any additional property tax and interest due.

What is not a Homestead?

Property is considered nonresidential and therefore not a homestead if one of the following applies:

 Your property is leased for more than 182 days out of the calendar year.

 The property is used exclusively for a commercial, including rental, purpose.  The property is used for a second home, camp, vacation, or summer cottage. Property Tax Adjustment Claim

The Vermont Property Tax Adjustment assists many Vermont homeowners with paying their property taxes. You may be eligible for a property tax adjustment on your property taxes if your property qualifies as a homestead and you meet the eligibility requirements described in this fact sheet. The maximum adjustment property tax adjustment is $8,000.00 Who Is Eligible To File A Claim? In order to file a property tax adjustment claim, you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements: Your property qualifies as a homestead, and you have filed a Homestead Declaration for the current year's grand list You were domiciled in Vermont for the full prior calendar year

 You were not claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer  You have the property as your homestead as of April 1; and  You meet the household income criteria (see form for current year income limit). Learn more about how to determine household income at https://tax.vermont.gov/property-owners/household-income.

Due Date

Claims for Property Tax Adjustments are due by the April filing deadline. Those who file after April filing deadline must pay a $15 late filing fee, which will be deducted from the Property Tax Adjustment. Claims filed after Oct. 15 or incomplete claims will not be accepted.

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From page 3

Please note: Adjustment amounts calculated using the Property Tax Adjustment tool are estimates based on education tax rate information as of January 2018.

2018 Legislative Update: H.16 of the 2018 Special Session reduced the maximum eligible house site value from $500,000 to $400,000 for filers with household income under $90,000. The maximum eligible house site value for filers with $90,000 or more of household income was reduced from $250,000 to $225,000. This affected the adjustment for some filers. The Property Tax Adjustment Calculator has been updated to reflect these changes. The calculator is available at https://tax.vermont.gov/property-owners/property-tax-adjustment-claim.

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2019 Australian Ballot Results

Art. 8 - General Fund Budget

Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total Totals Article 21 - Ambulance

411 Yes 119 No

Write In Spoiled 45 Blank 575 Total Totals School Board Director - 2 Year Term Totals

474 Rory T. Thibault

76 Write In Spoiled Blank 25 Total 575 Art. 9 - Highway Budget

Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total Art. 10 - $139,000 Paving

Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total School Board Director - 2 Year Term Totals John C. "Jack" Daniels 403 Chris Tormey 149 Write In

Spoiled Blank 23 Total 575 Selectboard - 3 Year Term Totals Art. 11 - Sell Property on Route 2 Totals John L. Cookson Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total 478 Bernie Shatney

62 Write In Spoiled Blank 35 Total 575 Selectboard - 2 Year Term Totals Art. 12 - Sell Property on Old Route 2 481 Ruth C. Goodrich Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total 58 Write In Spoiled Blank

Total 36 575 Art. 17 - Zoning Ordinance Totals Yes Art. 13 - Faith in Action $2,500 Totals No Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total 406 Write In 136 Spoiled

Blank Total 33 575 Art. 18 - Zoning Ordinance Totals Yes Art. 14 - New Trails Committee Totals No Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total Art. 15 - Conservation Fund

Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total Art. 16 - Zoning Ordinance

Yes No Write In Spoiled Blank Total 401 Write In 152 Spoiled

Blank Total 22 575 Art 19 - CCIF Plan

Yes Totals No 419 Write In 136 Spoiled

Blank Total 20 575 Art. 20 - NEKWD

Yes Totals No 327 Write In 170 Spoiled

Blank Total 78 575 Totals

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Cabot Supports Pollinators

The Greater Cabot Working Landscape Network proposed a non-binding resolution at Town Meeting to make Cabot a pollinator friendly community. The article passed, and we thank the voters of Cabot for supporting pollinators! The committee’s next steps will be to create public resources to help landowners and community groups navigate the most effective ways that they can support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds. Please stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

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OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Anthony ‘Tony’ Parra Anthony “Tony” Parra, died in Grantham, NH on March 7. He was 88. The son of Italian immigrants, he was born September 13, 1930, a first-generation American in Brooklyn. As life unfolded, he worked his way from his parents’ neighborhood chicken market to a career in finance spanning four decades in the marble halls of Manhattan. His first job as a boy was to monitor the temperature of the ice at Rockefeller Center. A graduate of Manhattan College and Syracuse University, he was drafted into the Korean War. He worked hard and believed in the American Dream, which took him far. He was fluent in Italian and German, and loved everything Italian (especially opera and food!). Minutes before he died, he enjoyed a piece of Lake Champlain Chocolate. We will always remember his love for life, games, books, and travel, his generosity and how much he looked forward to our visits, his love for the best, and pursuit of a life welllived.

Mary Shattuck Tebbetts of Cabot died February 26. She was 82. She was the wife of the late Arnold Tebbetts. The two farmed together for more than 40 years before his death in 2001. Wildflowers were special to her. Dad always picked Marsh Marigolds for her on Mother’s Day.

Mary was a graduate of Lyndon Institute and the University of Vermont. She studied classics at UVM and taught Latin at Lyndon and Cabot Schools. She also was the former Cabot School Librarian. Mary loved antiques, gardening, wildflowers and nature. Mary also raced Saab cars in road rallies in Vermont during the 1950s. She leaves behind two sons and their families, Rollin Shattuck Tebbetts of Cabot and Anson and Vicky Tebbetts of Cabot. Mary was predeceased by her first son, Howard, in 2009. Mary also Frank Lawrence Thompson

Frank Thompson Memorial Service

Frank Lawrence Thompson's Memorial Service will be May 18, 11:00 a.m., at Eric R. Trombly Eric was born on March 14, 1979, and passed away on Saturday, March 2, Tony is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vicky Parra Tebbetts and Anson Tebbetts of Cabot, Vermont, and their children, Alden and Adelie Hope Tebbetts. He leaves two other daughters, Christine Parra of Grantham, NH, and Suzanne Anello and her family of Ansonia, CT. Tony was cremated, and a private family service will be planned in the spring.

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ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

Spring is upon us, and with spring comes the possibility that Emerald Ash Borer has made it to Cabot. The VT invasives map in the last issue’s article showed how close the EAB infestation is to Cabot. As our temperatures rise in April and May, the flight season for EAB will begin again. During this period, from around May 1 through September 30, the EAB will continue the spread of its infestation in Vermont's Ash trees. The adult EAB are only ½” long, and will be up in the tree canopy during this time, so seeing one in flight is unlikely. It will be important to look for other signs of infestation in Ash trees. The exit holes which EAB adults make when leaving Ash trees are D shaped and approximately 1/8” in diameter. If bark is falling off Ash trees and galleries are present on the wood from the Larva, this is another telltale sign of EAB. As well, Ash trees begin showing signs of decline and stress that will became apparent about two years after infestation with EAB. If you see any of these on Ash trees in town, please contact the Town Clerk’s office so the Ash trees can be inspected to confirm if EAB is present in the Ash trees. The Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation Department is trying to slow the spread of the EAB. EAB will continue to move up to approximately two miles per year on its own. Unfortunately, EAB is readily moved from place to place in firewood, so take care not to move firewood infested with EAB. Cabot is currently listed as high risk for EAB, so firewood should not be moved to other non-infested areas from Cabot to prevent spreading. On another note, care should be taken when removing Ash trees from your property. When using chainsaws, please wear proper safety gear (PPE). Personal protection equipment includes a helmet, chaps, gloves, and proper work boots. Please do not attempt to remove trees near power lines if you are not properly trained and certified. Cutting a tree within ten feet of power lines is required to be done by a properly certified tree care worker or Arborist. Also Ash trees tend to be brittle and can crack or split when cut down. Please be careful, and please be observant for signs of EAB in our Ash trees as we move into the spring and summer months.

The message: keep sorting. Please rinse clean all containers and become familiar with the items that are recycled. Many items, especially hard plastics, are not recycled. Please do your bit to recycle what you can to reduce the load of landfill bound trash. For information on recycling at the Cabot Recycling Center on Sawmill Road in Lower Cabot, stop by. Hours are 8:00 a.m. until noon only every Saturday. The Center accepts recycling at no charge and household trash with a fee. An Attendant is present to assist you. Information on recycling in Cabot and other member towns is also available at the NEKWMD website, NEKWMD.org.

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Recycling in Cabot

Heading into 2019, Cabot and Marshfield are well served by the Cabot Recycling Center. The Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District, or NEKWMD, with 49 member towns, provides source separated recycling of a variety of containers and discarded packaging and products. Our clean, separated items—the ones we stack in the bins--are finding markets. We are doing it right. At the same time, global markets for single sort recyclables have nosedived, resulting in massive backlogs of “recycled” post-consumer waste.

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Cabot Girl Scouts

by Cecilia Gulka The newly established, Cabot Girl Scout Brownie troop sold cookies at Town Meeting this year, selling out very quickly. Thank you to everyone who supported their efforts. The girls are hoping to earn badges in story-telling, baking and camping. They also hope to participate in several state wide Girl Scout events. For more information leaves behind three grandchildren, Elijah John Tebbetts of Burlington, and Alden Cabot and Adelie Hope Tebbetts of Cabot. Mary is survived by her sister Sara Shattuck Moore of Dunedin, Florida. No service is planned now, but her life will be celebrated when the bluebirds are back, there is mint in the meadow and the buttercups are in bloom. Arrangements will be announced at a later time. Donations can be made in her name to the Cabot Public Library.

South Woodbury Church. Burial will follow with Military Service at the South Woodbury Cemetery. Lunch will be available after, at South Woodbury Church.

2019, at age 39. Eric was a resident of Cabot at the time of passing. Burial will be at a later date at the Eaton Cemetery in Marshfield.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 5 onward.

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CABOT COMMENTARY

Dear Editor:

I’d love to thank the voters of Cabot voting to keep Cabot School open. This school means a lot to me and most of the other students here. The education we’re getting here is not only extremely rigorous, but we’re learning the skills that we will need later in life, like team work skills, certain job paths like being an entrepreneur and communication skills. We have a young, exciting staff all around Cabot School, let’s do our best to make Cabot School amazing. Thank you, Brody Moran, School Board Rep, Freshman

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School Board Update

The board would like to express their appreciation to the Cabot voters that supported the Cabot School Budget for the 2019-2020 school year. The proposal to close the high school, Article 6, did not pass. Rory Thibault and Chris Tormey were re-elected to the board. At the March 11 reorganizational meeting, Sharon O’Connor was elected Chair and Lisa Olson was elected Vice-Chair. The state has assigned both Cabot and Twinfield school districts to the Caledonia Central Supervisory Union, and the Washington Northeast Supervisory Union will dissolve July 1. Our board would like to thank the tireless efforts of our Superintendent, Mark Tucker, our Business Manager, Christina Kimball, and their administrative staff. As the board navigates belonging to a new Supervisory Union, (Caledonia Central Supervisory Union), we look forward to exploring the opportunities to collaborate within this larger ecosystem and the advantages it can bring to our students and community. Our principal has already begun outreach to our neighboring schools, and we have three board members representing Cabot on the current CCSU board. We are excited for the work ahead.

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Cabot Scholar’s Bowl Team

Cabot has had a Scholars’ Bowl team for the past six years, my sisters were on the first team all the way back in 2013. This year, Cabot’s team has reached new heights - we won two awards for being a top scoring small school in Vermont, and qualified for the National Small School Championship in Chicago. We now have gained two trophies and the title of Vermont Small School Champion. More importantly, we’ve gained knowledge and competition skills. As captain, at the beginning of the year, I wasn’t sure we’d succeed. I had a large team, but I was the only one that had played Scholars’ Bowl before. Not only Secretary of Education Dan French was able to attend our February 11 board meeting. He was very generous with his time and noted that he has never seen such complex issues in his career as he does today. He took questions from our board and our community, and access to these, and all our minutes, can be found at the Cabot School Website (cabotschool.org). We had a very successful school-wide Celebration of Learning on the evening of February 21, involving all grade levels, where community members were able to explore offerings and exhibitions of learning campus-wide. Eighth grade parents provided soups in the cafeteria, and for all those lucky enough to attend the BBQ/Silent Auction held the weekend after Town Meeting, the 8th graders are ready for their Washington D.C. trip! A Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Gear Up grant has helped in the creation of a K-12 Math lab, currently run by Taeryn Robbins and a team of peer-tutors, on Monday afternoons. Our Cabot School Facebook page is a great place to check in for snapshots of farm visits, guest speakers, trophy winners, and museum visits. Upcoming events and exhibitions are posted on our Cabot School Website. Our School Board meetings are on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, 6:00 p.m., at the School Library. Community members are encouraged and welcome to attend these meetings!

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 6 onward.

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Cabot Mentoring Co-Hosts “ACEs” Event Wednesday, April 3

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is now understood to be one of the leading causes of health issues, from heart disease and cancer, to substance abuse and depression. But there is good news! When we identify and address our ACEs, we can improve our health and well-being, and reduce the rate of ACEs in the next generation. Kim Pierce of Plainfield Health Center has worked on the topic of ACES for 30 years, and created the “Faces of ACES” documentary to share this hopeful message. To help start the community conversation about ACEs, Cabot Mentoring will be hosting a FREE event centered on the topic of ACEs. To RSVP for the event, please use the easy RSVP form on Front Porch Forum, or email [email protected]. This event is co-sponsored by Cabot Mentoring, Twinfield Together Mentoring, and the Washington Northeast Supervisory Union. We hope you can join us for an evening of food, education, and discussion, and become part of the healing movement in Vermont.

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Cabot Community Education Fund Application Deadline May

by Frank Kampf The Cabot Community Investment Fund encourages Cabot residents to apply for a grant under the Community Education Grant Program. The fund provides grants to eligible youth and adults pursuing postsecondary education, continuing education and training, and professional development. Individual grants may support, in whole or in part, the payment of tuition and fees for degree programs, courses, seminars, and workshops, as well as the purchase of books and/or equipment required for educational activities. Eligible recipients must be Cabot residents for a minimum of twelve (12) months prior to the May 1 application deadline and who will be Cabot residents on the award date at Cabot High School graduation in June. The application packet is available at the Town Clerk’s office, the Cabot School Principal’s office, and on-line at the Cabot Town website.

Complete applications must be postmarked on or before May 1 and mailed to the CCIF Committee at P.O. Box 125, Cabot VT 05647.

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~ APRIL ~

Monday, 4/1

APRIL FOOL'S DAY Wednesday, 4/3 Central Vermont Job Fair X 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Barre. Barre Auditorium. Matching job seekers with employers.

Advance Care Planning Presentation 7:00-8:30 p.m. Marshfield. Have you done your advance directive yet? Find out how at Jaquith Public Library, free admission.

Mid week Movie 6:00 p.m. Greensboro. If Beale Street Could Talk rated R of the early 1970s Harlem era. $5 suggested donation at Highland Center for the Arts.

"Faces of ACES" 6:00-7:30 p.m. Cabot. Please join Cabot Mentoring and Twinfield Together for a documentary and discussion of Adverse Childhood Experiences with filmmaker and community panel. There will be childcare and free dinner. Cabot School CSPAC building behind high school building.

Friday, 4/5

Poem City 7:00 p.m. Montpelier. An evening of poets and dancers narratives of racial injustice, social inequality and equity. Imprint a message of peace and hope, $10 admission. T. W. Wood Gallery.

Saturday, 4/6 Stories from Space at Fairbanks Museum. 10:00-11:00 a.m. St. Johnsbury. For ages 0-5. Science educator Mike Ressler will read stories of space and then all will make a space-based craft.

Choromondo Sings for Child Haven

3:00 p.m. Hardwick. A cappella group of nine NEK and Quebec women. $15 donation, Hardwick Town Hall.. More information call 802-533-2379.

Vermont Scholastic Chess Championship 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Berlin. Open to all grades K-12, preregister 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tickets call 802-223-1948, $12 per player. Games start 10:00 a.m. Berlin Elementary School, 372 Paine Turnpike.

Sunday, 4/7 Big and Messy Art Space at River

Arts 10:00 a.m.-noon Morrisville. Lots of art materials for children ages 2-5 to explore and create. $5 for first child, $3 each additional child. Parking located front of River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant Street.

The Best of Second City 7:00-9:00 p.m. Greensboro. Tickets $25, Seniors 20% off, Student $10, call box office 802-533-2000 or highlandartsvt.org.

Thursday,

Recite, Read or Tell. 5:00-7:00 p.m., Hardwick. Poem, Spoken Word, Song Poetry night. Buffalo Mountain Food Coop, 39 North Main Street.

Friday,

Big Arts SPA Happening 7:00-9:00 p.m., Barre. The Annual BASH helps to raise funds for Studio Place Arts education and exhibit programs. $15 advance $25 day of event. Light refreshments, cash bar, art work displayed, silent auction, live music from Blue Fox, Gold Tooth Gator and Sally Fox trio. 201 North Main Street. Call FMI: 802-479- 7069.

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Cabot Select Board Shifts Gears & Is Making Changes

Fred Ducharme, the new chair of the Cabot Selectboard, is excited about the changes taking place with new members coming on board. “Things are headed in the right direction, we want all the people to know we are willing to do what we can to make the changes needed to help our community”. Ruth Goodrich, Vice Chair, has taken on the job of water/wastewater management at no charge to the town. “It’s going to be a bit interesting learning the job with sugaring season right in the middle of things,” says Ruth. She brings years of business and negotiating experience to the job. John Cookson has taken on the job of Road Commissioner at no charge to the town. He’s committed to supporting the road crew and finding ways to be productive and save the town money. “We want the people of the town of Cabot to know their voice is being heard, we are listening and we want to see positive changes that will help our town,” he says. If you’d like to meet Ruth and John, your new Selectboard members, come to our next meeting on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the Willey Building, and you’d be welcome to ask questions and participate. It’s time people know that they can come to a meeting and we are listening to them. Everyone is welcome and will have the opportunity to express their views on topics important to them. We encourage townspeople to step up and help serve the community. One person can’t do it alone, but if we all work together, we can make Cabot a vibrant place. We would like to invite our youth to become involved, as well. We invite them to set up audio/visual equipment to record the meetings to be uploaded to the website. This would be a wonderful service to the community and provide a learning experience for them. We, as a board, want the people of Cabot to know we hear you. We want you to know we will do our best to serve this town and all the people in it. We want your input, your support and to earn your trust and respect. Let us know what you want, how we can change things and make things better in our community. Respectfully, Cabot Town Selectboard

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Cabot Trails Update

By Andrew Gilbert The Cabot Trails Committee would like to express their appreciation for the support the town showed at the March town meeting. We all look forward to developing outdoor recreational opportunities and resources in town. All our meetings are public and we encourage visitors. They are typically held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Willey Building. If there are changes, they will be posted at Town Hall, on the Town website and to Front Porch Forum. We are currently engaged in a planning and assessment activity, with the support of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. As part of this, we will be conducting at least two public information and input sessions. The first of these will be this spring and will be noticed as we get closer. We look forward to getting as much public input and ideas as we can to work through what will work best in Cabot. Finally, we are currently six members and ideally would add a seventh. It’s pretty low key and the time commitment is not onerous. But the more input and views we have, the more successful the effort is likely to be. If anyone is interested, please contact myself, Andy Gilbert ([email protected]) or the Town Clerk.

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In Search of Vernal Pools

Well, springtime is upon us and the snow is receding for the summer…we hope! Sap is running, birds are returning and our local amphibious chorus is lulling us to sleep. This is the time of year when vernal pools or ponds develop up here in the North Country. The clatter of spring peepers and wood frogs that you hear is often coming from small temporary pools in the forest or the fields that hold the springtime snow melts and spring rains for a relatively short time. They occur on depressions in the bedrock landscape where the spring melts have no exit and consequently hold the water, sometimes late into the spring or summer. These ephemeral pools, as they’re also called, are critical mating habitat for the local population of amphibians, including wood frogs, spring peepers, spotted salamanders, red spotted newts, blue spotted salamander and the Jefferson’s salamander (not all of which are residents of Cabot). They can also be hosts to fingernail clams, fairy shrimp and other invertebrates that the amphibians feed on. Vernal pools can be as small as your kitchen table or big as a pond. At my place, I have regular mallard duck visitors that feed in the pools, as well. The pools are usually a good clean water source for many other birds and mammals. As most people are aware of by now, our amphibian populations are constantly at risk from the environmental pressures we place on them. Like the spring migrations that cross the roads attempting to reach their historic mating pool, or the toxic pesticides and herbicides that are used in yards and gardens that run off into the pools, ponds and lakes, or the loss of this habitat to development. Populations of amphibians worldwide are equally threatened by pandemic viral and fungal infections that may be related to environmental issues. Many of these amphibian species return to the same mating pool year after year, and many of these wet areas are seasonal vernal pools. New awareness of the importance of these ponds has triggered interest in mapping and locating the pools before they are damaged or gone all together, as is the case in some areas of the country. The Vermont Center for Ecostudies (https://vtecostudies.org) has been working to map vernal pools in the state of Vermont for a number of years, yet there are many gaps in their data on pond confirmation. The Cabot Conservation Committee is hoping to carry out an ambitious project to inventory our natural resources in Cabot over the next few years. This natural resource inventory will be useful to everyone in town, from the individual landowner to the planning committee. A critical portion of a complete inventory is mapping significant wetlands, so, when you walk through the woods this spring, watch for that wetland, pool, or even puddle that wasn’t there last fall. There is a good chance that it is host to one or several of the amphibian species we’ve mentioned here. If you have a wet area on your land that you’re curious about, and you think it may be a vernal pool or a significant wetland, let us know. Send your reports or questions about vernal pools to [email protected] and we will add it to our registry.

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From page 11

As readers know, the CCA bought the building in January 2018. The building is in very poor condition so the answer to the site’s next life is not an easy one. The Economic Development Workgroup of the CCA spent the past year investigating one possible new use of the building that did not materialize. The Preservation Trust of VT made a site visit in February to begin a review of the historic merits of the building. Next steps include developing a grant application to the VT Community Development Block Grant Program to engage assistance in evaluating the building’s current condition and determining costs of rehabbing or replacing the structure. The CCA continues to consider options and dream about what would be the best use of this site in our village center, if you have any ideas call or email the CCA.

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From page 11

The CCA was asked by some town leaders to help coordinate the festivities for July 4 this year. At an initial meeting, the event’s usual players – church, library, school, fire department and others – discussed past year’s efforts and started to dream big about the 2019 celebration. We are entertaining ideas for new activities and welcome all Cabot community groups and businesses to consider being part of the event. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, April 6. Call the CCA for details if you are interested in attending the meeting or participating in the event.

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From page 11

. On Town Meeting Day, Cabot voters approved a resolution making the town “Pollinator Friendly.” Pollinators are necessary to help grow food and flowers. But pollinators like bees, butterflies and bats are declining, and that could mean trouble for everyone. The Greater Cabot Working Landscape Network spent the last year educating locals about pollinator health. The nonbinding resolution won't be enforced and won't cost taxpayers any money, but the committee hopes Cabot residents adopt pollinator-friendly practices, like cutting back on pesticide use and mowing less often to allow wild plants to flower. For information about the next Working Landscape Network meeting or to join the e-mail list, contact the CCA.

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From page 11

The Cabot Community Fund (CCF) [not to be confused with CCIF, the Cabot Community Investment Fund! (formerly UDAG)] allows the CCA to support community-based projects and events that further the mission of the CCA. There are funds still available for this fiscal year to support projects implemented by non-governmental organizations, that are not capital investments and are not used for personal or business gain. The CCF grant application can be found at https://www.cabotvermont.org/cabot-community-fund-ccf/. The CCF is funded by the generous support of the Cabot Creamery and other donations.

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Cabot Community Service Award 2019

To celebrate the valuable contributions made by many people to our community, the Cabot Select Board and the Cabot School Board are soliciting nominations for the 2019 Cabot Community Service Award. This award will recognize a Cabot resident whose contributions of time, talent and energy over a number of years have had a significant positive impact on Cabot school and/or the larger Cabot community. Previous recipients of this award have contributed to the strength and vitality of our community in a variety of ways: through coaching, mentoring, organizing and helping with community-wide activities, and serving on various boards and committees. If you know of an individual welldeserving of this award, please send a letter of nomination that describes their contributions, to either the Cabot School Board or the Cabot Select Board at the addresses listed:

Cabot Select Board Fred Ducharme, Chair c/o Town Clerk’s Office Willey Building Cabot, VT 05647 Cabot School Board Sharon O’Connor, Chair c/o Cabot School 25 Common Road Cabot, VT 05647

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Joe’s Pond Ice Out Ticket Sales Close April 1 Ice Out Update

Some changes took place in 2013. The site for the pallet and flag was moved, and the old electric alarm clock, showing signs of age, was replaced with a special weather -proof clock. That was also the first year tickets could be purchased on line. People all over the United States and some from overseas play the game. Proceeds after expenses are split, 50/50, between the winner(s) and Joe’s Pond Association (JPA). The JPA share is used to fund an annual free fireworks display to celebrate the Fourth of July. There’s no exact science for winning the Joe’s Pond Ice-Out Contest – only Mother Nature knows how each spring will turn out – so everyone has an equal chance of picking the correct date and time to win about $5,000.

Past Chairs of the Ice Out Contest:

1988 – 2003 Don Walker 2004 – 2008 Dave Parker 2009 – present, Diane Rossi and Jane Brown

Past Winners, Dates and Times Year Winner Town and State Date Time

1988 Edward Bird

1989 Bob Kerschner

1990 John Reilly

1991 Scott Lazare

1992 Charese McSheffrey

1993 Ray Strousos

1994 Jerome Bolkum

1995 Tom Buzzi

1996 Nancy Potter

1997 Ralph Bissell

1998 Andre Jenny

1999 Gilles Moreau

2000 Tammy Hatch

2001 Kay Scott

1:44 a.m.

Stephen Bean, Charlene Zabek Various 4:18 p.m.

9:45 a.m.

3:25 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

3/11/2019 - We have a report from an ice fisherman who said the ice is between three and four feet thick.

Tickets are $1 per ticket except when you use your credit card to buy tickets online. In that case, you must buy 10 tickets, and the total cost for the 10 tickets is $10. Do not enter the same date and time on more than one ticket. If you select the same date and time more than once, only one of your same dates and times will be valid in this contest.

As of 7/1/2018 through 4/1/2019, use any of the following methods to get 2019 tickets: Print Tickets Online ($1 each) : https://www.joespondvermont.com/ticketprint4.php Email JPA for Tickets ($1 each) Purchase Tickets Online ($10 - must buy 10.) Available beginning 3/1 : https://www.joespondvermont.com/datepicker8.php OR:

West Danville VT

Sun City FL

Barre, VT

Lido Beach NJ

Barre VT

Barre VT

Barre VT

Kent OH

Plainfield VT

Walden VT

Montpelier VT

East Barre VT

West Danville VT

St. Johnsbury VT 4/

5/

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5/4/01 You can get 2019 tickets at our outlet stores. The list of outlets is as follows: Be sure to fill out each ticket stub carefully with your name and address so we will be able to contact you if you are a winner. Return ticket stub(s) with the proper amount of money to: JPA, P.O.Box 111, W Danville VT 05873. Tickets must be in or postmarked on 4/1 at the latest (tickets can be submitted on 4/1). Good luck - and thanks for playing the game!

TOWN

West Danville Hastings Store

Danville AVAILABLE AT Marty's 1st Stop, Barrel to Bottle, Azalea Sun Caplans, Natural Provisions, Aubuchon Hardware

Thurston Auto, and The Tower

Dente's Market, Barre Optical Walker Volkswagon, and Yankee Clipper Barber Shop Natural Provisions Plainfield Hardware DATES AVAILABLE

7/1/18 through 4/1/2019

3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019

3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019

3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019

3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019

3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019

3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019 2002 N. Mason, Jeff Temple 4/

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Bonita Springs, FLA 4/

St. Johnsbury, VT Swanton, VT Barre, VT Montpelier, VT

St Johnsbury VT Lyndonville VT Barre VT Swartz Creek MI Cabot Village Store, Harry's Hardware 3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019

Cabot Visitor Center & Tours

Corner Stop-Inn Shop 7/1/2018 through 4/1/2019

3/1/2019 through 4/1/2019 2003 Brodie Frazier

2004 Janet & Richard Hazen

2005 G.D. Lanois

2006 Pam Desrochers Frenchie Cutting Lucille Dente

4:45 p.m.

Roxanne Gorham Joe Kelly Don Rogers 5:25 p.m.

East Montpelier, VT

South Hero, VT NOTE: in the event of equipment failure, the iceout committee will determine the time of iceout.

The Ice-Out Game and How it Grew

The Joe's Pond Ice-Out Contest is a result of cabin fever. In the 1980's, Joe’s Pond summer resident Jules Chatot, often visited his camp in the winter or early spring to ride snowmobiles, play cards and socialize with friends and family – it was like "deer camp" in the dead of winter, or "spring break" with snow, March blizzards and muddy roads. The weather was a favorite topic of conversation when Jules and his friends went to West Danville for morning coffee at the Joe’s Pond Country Store or to pick up supplies at Hastings Store. Someone would always ask, "When do you think the ice is going out?" To make life more interesting, wagers would often be made. When money was involved, Jules kept track of each guess in a pocket size notebook – and collected $1 for each bet. He was president of the Joe's Pond Association in 1987, when he and his buddies got the idea to turn the rapidly expanding friendly game into a real contest. Every year the ice went out a little differently, so they had to be creative in how to be fair about establishing an actual date and time.

After considerable discussion and innumerable ideas, they settled on a simple, lowtech control system that has been in use for over two decades: they placed an already well-used electric clock on Homer Fitts' deck, tethered it to a cinder block wired to a wooden pallet placed about 100 feet or so out on the ice just off the fishing access by the Fitts's camp. That was it. The clock was checked twice daily in the a.m. and p.m., and when the block went down, the clock was disconnected, stopping at the "official" ice-out time. Whoever guessed closest to the date and time the clock stopped won the contest. That first year, April of 1988, there were only a few hundred people in the game. In 1990, 1500 tickets were sold, and Jules's daughter, Judy, set up a database to replace the shirt pocket notebook. The ever increasing database was turned over to a paid “data specialist” in 1994. The game has grown steadily over the years, and now there are well over 12,000 entries each year.

2007 Dr. Bob Marshall

2008 Janet Egizi 2009 Ash Desmond

2010 Bill Barber

2011 Karen Brouillette

2012 Judy Lavely

2013 Gary Clark

2014 Kelsey Phillips 10:21 p.m.

2:46 p.m.

10:17 p.m.

5:25 p.m.

8:46 a.m.

Bill Brochu 10:06 a.m.

6:14 p.m.

5:04 p.m.

2015 Mary Numa

2016 Pamela Swift

2017 Emily Wiggett 2018 Michael S. Cody 11:27 a.m.

Richmond, VT

St Johnsbury, VT

Websterville, VT

Danville, VT

Barre, VT

Iowa City, IA Springfield, MA

West Haven CT

Barre, VT

North Danville, VT 4/23/17 Barre, VT 04/16/06 3:20 p.m. 5/1/07 4/25/08 4/20/09

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4/24/13 4/

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4/12/16 4:32 p.m.

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The Adventures of Woody Woodchuck

by Frank Kampf Episode 3 Woody was holding onto his paddle so tight, his knuckles were turning white inside the neoprene gloves. The canoe was slamming into one standing wave after another, and each time the bow of the canoe was disappearing from Woody’s sight. Each wave was splashing up into his face with such force that he was glad to have his sunglasses, otherwise he would be blinded by the water. There was so much noise from the rapid, all the shouting from Murray, his boat mate, was not audible. But Woody finally figured out that he had to jam his paddle into each wave and help the canoe over the crest. The group followed the guide canoe as it zig-zagged through the canyon, avoiding the big holes that could easily swallow canoes. They had been going for what seemed like hours, but was probably only ten minutes, when Woody began to relax and have fun. It was like riding a roller coaster with a log flume on each drop. He now realized he would make it through the rapids of Canyon Four, and his confidence grew in leaps and bounds. The rapids began to peter out as the river widened at the exit of the canyon. There was still a lot of day left to paddle, and it wasn’t until late in the day when the guide paddled into a long beach. Once beached, normally, everyone would pull out their personal gear, carry it back into the woods and set up their tents. But this time, the canoes had to be emptied of water by pump and sponge. There was at least two inches of water in the bottom of Woody’s canoe, even with the full length spray skirt. Everyone slept well that night, and the next day the group was packing up the canoes when a woodland caribou suddenly appeared on the banks of the river just 100 feet away. Everyone froze and tried to slowly get out their cameras to take a picture of the majestic creature. Woodland caribou are a rare sighting, and unlike their brethren in the Arctic, they do not travel in large herds. The caribou had a drink of water and slowly wandered back into the brush to disappear from sight, but never from the memories of everyone present. The group was in good spirits as it set off down river in anticipation of the adventure ahead. There was a short paddle before the group beached and hiked through the woods and up onto a sheer cliff overlooking the river. The guide began to explain how to navigate the most difficult rapid on the river, the “Figure- Eight” rapids. Looking down, Woody could see its namesake. The river took a 90 degree left as it flowed directly towards the cliff they were standing upon, and then passed through a narrow canyon for about a ¼ mile. The flow of the river created two eddies on either side of the bend, flowing in opposite directions, forming a figure-eight. The only path through the rapid was to paddle straight down the middle of the standing waves and directly at the cliff they were standing upon. Then to turn at the last minute and paddle like hell so you didn’t hit the wall. The guides would go first, and with the confidence from the previous day, Woody and Murray volunteered to go second. The guides demonstrated the path through the rapids and made it look easy. Now it was Woody and Murry’s turn. They settled in their canoe, tightened up the cinch strap on the spray skirt around their waists, and departed from the shore. Approaching the standing waves, Woody thought this would be a piece of cake, since the waves were smaller than in Canyon Four. But, as they bounced through the waves, Woody couldn’t take his eye of the cliff wall they were barreling towards. Murray was yelling “Not Yet! Not Yet!” Woody was growing concerned because the wall was fast approaching. Suddenly Murray yelled “Now!” and Woody, with all his might, reached out and used a draw stroke to swing the front of the canoe into the turn. The wall was mere yards away at this point. There were boils and whirlpools all around the canoe as it groaned to make the turn. Suddenly, a whirlpool opened beside the rear of the canoe as Murry tried to paddle. It sucked the back of the canoe down and to the right. Murray was pulled out as the canoe quickly rotated and the gunnel hit Woody on the left side. He was flipped upside down with the canoe and disappeared from everyone’s sight. Murray, having been pulled out of the canoe, immediately popped up next to the canoe, but Woody was nowhere in sight. The guides were quickly paddling up river to get to the now-capsized canoe, which looked like a red whale bobbing in the water. Deanna, a member of the group, was watching from the cliff above and began yelling “Woody! Woody!”

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TWIN VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

4583 U.S. Route 2 P.O. Box 152 East Montpelier, VT 05651 Thank you, thank you to everyone who attended their town meeting and showed support for the Senior Center. Every year we request Town Meeting appropriations from town taxpayers. This year, of course, was no exception, and some towns were asked for an increase because resident participation has risen, which is great news. The increase may be from Meals on Wheels, attending the center or other events. Take the AARP tax clinic, which starts in February and ends in April. This is a free of charge service and serves any low income resident, and not just seniors. Look at the wonderful volunteers that deliver to the homebound meals, newsletters, pet food and whatever else Rita needs to have delivered. They use their own vehicles on our roads, pay for their gas and do a check on the homebound out there in our rural communities. At Twin Valley, we do not charge annual dues and we do not charge for healthy living exercise classes. We do, however, charge basic fees for Art, Yoga, Meditation and other extra workshops. The reason for not charging dues is simple. Yes, it would bring extra income for the center, but it would not bring into the center the most vulnerable population we are trying to help. These people would not get the benefits of exercising, socialization and nutritional meals. They probably would be isolated at home, which is not good for their health as they age. Bus to door service is available for anyone to come to the center. The bus and center is handicapped accessible. The elderly population does not receive extra income to allow for anything outside the necessities needed month to month. I encourage Veterans to come to the center and engage with others, either playing cards or just reminiscing about your service to our country! Please call me anytime at 802-223-3322 and speak with me about all that happens at your local center.

With so many options for wildlife viewing, it helps to keep a calendar of which activities happen when. Here is a snapshot highlighting the best times for our top 10 viewing opportunities.

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CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS

by Kathleen Hoyne, Librarian

Happy spring! It’s been a busy winter at the library, and we’re gearing up for a fun, busy spring and summer. We’ll be getting in all of the new DCF books (Dorothy Canfield Fisher – a Vermont award created to honor excellence in children's literature) specifically geared for grades 4-8, and all the new GMBA books (Green Mountain Book Award) geared toward teen readers. We’ll have plenty for all age groups for your spring reading pleasure, but if there’s something in particular you’re looking for, come in and we’ll do our best to get it for you. If you have any questions about the free audio/ebooks through Listen Up! Vermont or Libby (the new app for this program), come in and we’ll show you how it works

– we are here for you! A hearty welcome to our new trustees

– Angela Ogle and Kurt Steinert - and thank you to our continuing Trustees Linda Gabrielson, Jeannie McCallum, and Beth Wade. Your ideas and help are invaluable. A special shout out to our many youth volunteers, specifically Billie O’Connor, Lorelai Bastress, James Mangan, Bobbi Joe Neddo and Mekiah Smith, who have been helping with computer work, shelving, book processing, etc. – Thank you - the library would be a mess without you!

Ongoing programs include: Story Hour with Beth Wade – Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Kundalini Yoga with Nikki Krysak – starting back up mid-May -Sundays – 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Meditation with Daria Babbitt – beginning Wednesday April 17 – 6-7:30 p.m. Community Book Group – third Monday of the month – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Contra Dances with David Carpenter – second Saturday of the month – 7:30 p.m. – April 13, May 11. Programs this April: Tuesday, April 2 – 7:00 p.m. - Rick Winston. Rick will discuss his new book, Red Scare in the Green Mountains: Vermont in the McCarthy Era 1946-1960.

What happened in Vermont when the anti-Communist fear, known as the "Red Scare," swept the country? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Rick Winston explores some forgotten history as we see how a small, rural "rock-ribbed Republican" state with a historically libertarian streak handled the hysteria of the time. Far from the klieg lights of Washington D.C., Hollywood, and New York City, the Green Mountain state challenged the national narrative with its own fascinating stories. Here are nine of the most gripping dramas played out in Vermont during "scoundrel time," including a high-profile academic firing, controversies involving left-leaning summer residents, courageous newspaper editors who spoke out against McCarthy's tactics, and a conservative senator who helped take down Joseph McCarthy. Now, as our country again experiences a political atmosphere charged with intolerance, condemnation, and widespread falsehoods, this book could not be timelier.

Tuesday, April 9 – 7:00 p.m. – Managing Woodlands for Wildlife – Lisa Sausville, Executive Director of Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife. Presented by the Cabot Conservation Committee. Lisa Sausville will give an informative presentation on managing your property for wildlife, such as birds and mammals.

Monday April 15 –10:30 a.m. - International Migrations – A Reading & Discussion Series sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council, with discussions led by Francette Cerulli. April’s book will be Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos. This will be the last meeting for this series, but the book group will continue to meet on the third Monday of the month. Wednesday, April 17 – 7:00 p.m., - Democracy and Civil Discourse. The topic will be the First Amendment--free speech and hate speech, religion in politics, and wherever the discussion takes us. Everyone is welcome.

See you at the library! Kathleen Hoyne Library Director

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From page 16

Bright yellow signs compete with a multitude of greens along Vermont's roads, enticing visitors to the studios of craftspeople and other artists across Vermont during the 2019 Spring Open Studio Weekend taking place over May 25 & 26, Memorial Day Weekend. Open Studio Weekend is a statewide celebration of the visual arts and creative process, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to meet a wide variety of local artists and craftspeople in their studios, and purchase high quality, hand made artwork. The self-guided Open Studio tour features the work of glassblowers, jewelers, printmakers, potters, furniture makers, weavers, ironworkers, painters, sculptors, quilt makers and wood carvers. Many participating galleries will host gallery talks and feature special exhibits in conjunction with this event. The Vermont Crafts Council publishes a free map booklet with directions to participating sites. The Vermont Open Studio Guide is available throughout the state at Tourist Information Centers, galleries and studios. Request a map on the VCC website, http://vermontcrafts.com/OSW/springmap.php or by calling 802-223-3380.

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