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Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

August/September 2020 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the August/September 2020 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

Kitty Toll

Vermont’s 2020 legislative session has certainly been one for the history books. When the legislature convened in January, no one would have predicted that the session would run into the final days of June or that Representatives and Senators would be working remotely from home and using Zoom to conduct committee meetings and to conduct official legislative business outside of the State House. Only one other time in Vermont’s history were legislators forced to conduct business for an extended period outside the State House. This occurred in 1857 when the second Vermont State House was destroyed by fire. Much has changed since 1867; amazingly, within weeks of shutting down the State House in March, the House Speaker organized trainings to prepare members to continue vital work remotely. Meetings were convened that could be accessed by the public for transparency, testimony was taken and votes were held. Major pieces of legislation were passed, including a budget appropriating funds for the first quarter of the State’s fiscal year which runs from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Following an official revenue update scheduled for August 12, Legislators will return in August to complete its work on the budget, appropriate remaining federal relief funds and consider other important bills not addressed in June. In late June, approximately $1 billion of federal aid from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) was appropriated to help Vermonters and Vermont communities rebuild the State’s economy. Strict federal guidelines require that the $1.25 billion Vermont received in federal CRF funds be used for Covid-19-related expenses. The funds cannot be used to replace lost revenue or be used for previously budgeted expenses at the state or

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~ Cabot Chronicle Mission

The Cabot Chronicle is a home-delivered stories of a diverse, and evolving community people want, need and deserve to know The Chronicle is as much about building it is about reporting, writing, and editing. way of producing rich, engaging content down and spend time with The Chronicle. community cares about most and that while it sets the tone and tells the story Through The Cabot Chronicle the CCA nity to be successful and promote the community life for those residing, doing

DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to production

Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

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Mask Mandate

(see ’Mask Mandate’, page 2) anticipation of K-12 and college students returning to school, as well as the fall and winter recreation seasons. To view the full amendment to the Executive Order, visit https:// the Agency of Education (AoE)  Health Guidance for Childcare and School Age Camps/Care issued by VDH, AoE and the Department of Children and Families (DCF)  Guidance to Healthcare Providers issued by VDH For more information on: 2020. Any of the funds that are not spent or not spent according to the guidelines must be returned to the Federal Government. Listed below are highlights of areas receiving CRF money to help with stabilization and recovery efforts: Economic Development: $228 Million (including $38.5M for Agriculture related activities) Housing Assistance: $85 Million Connectivity Assistance: $30.2 Million Food Insecurity: $21.7 Million Health Care: $367.3 Million Higher Education: $63 Million Public Schools: $50 Million Municipalities: $15 Million Family Supports $14.7 Million (including Childcare & Vulnerable VTers)

When the legislature returns in August, it is likely all work will continue to be conducted remotely. In addition to completing the budget, the Legislature will address funding Vermont’s public education system that has seen a substantial decrease in support from taxes due to the pandemic. Additionally, the Legislature will focus work on any other emergency needs caused by COVID-19. Actions of the House and Senate can be followed live on YouTube. For additional information on any bill or actions in the House or Senate or standing committees please visit www.leg.state.vt.us. These are live pages and are updated regularly. Please contact me directly with your questions and concerns. As always, it is truly an honor to represent our communities at the State House. kittytoll@live.com ktoll@leg.state.vt.us

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Statement ~

newspaper devoted to telling the that provides the information about their community. trust and inspiring engagement as The CCA will devise a cost-effective that encourages readers to slow We will identify the content the which promotes the CCA mission of Cabot. will nurture and grow the commuCCA mission to enhance the quality of business, and visiting Cabot, VT. governor.vermont.gov/content/addendum  COVID-19 health information, guid-2-amended-and-restated-exe... ance and case data, visit Existing mask guidance that shall con- www.healthvermont.gov/covid19. tinue to apply includes:  The Governor’s actions, visit gover Phased Restart Work Safe Guidance nor.vermont.gov/covid19response. issued by the Agency of Commerce  The state’s modeling, visit and Community Development dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/ (ACCD) modeling.  Safety and Health Guidance for Reopening Schools, Fall 2020 issued by

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Comet Neowise, July 17 Over Cabot

Paul Wade was one of many observers in the Northern Hemisphere to catch a glimpse of Comet NEOWISE as it zipped through the inner solar system before speeding away into the depths of space. He took this photo on July 17. Discovered on March 27, 2020, by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission, Comet NEOWISE put on a dazzling display for skywatchers before disappearing, not to be seen again for another 6,800 years.

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HILLTOP AUTO BODY

TIM and JENNIFER GOCHEY

Professional collision repair, associated with all insurance companies, we’ll handle your claim from start to finish including rental cars.

The Cabot Chronicle is published nine times a year and is provided locally free of charge.

No part of this paper may be reproduced without express written permission from The Cabot Chronicle . Publisher is not responsible for typographical errors. Acceptance of advertising is contingent upon publisher’s approval and agreement by advertiser to indemnify publisher from loss or expense on claims based upon contents of advertising. Publisher does not assume liability for errors in any advertising beyond the cost of space occupied by individual item in which the error appeared.

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Creamery Copes

(continued from page 1) BB: our Who could work at home? How do information technology teams work rapidly to support office workers ordering and billing and selling remotely from homes across many locations throughout the region and the country? We prepared for worst case scenarios. Do we need overnight accommodations? We had a local inn prepared to take in workers with Health Department and Governor’s Office dispensation. What if the food supply is cut off? We got help from the Cabot Hardware Store imagining how we’d get bulk food to our employees – like rice and beans if all food shipment stopped. How do we track trends among all locations and plants? We developed a screening tool that linked all plants and locations to Human Resources in order to monitor who was being tested and who was allowed in the plants, all compliant with health privacy laws. We restricted access into any of our facilities to only employees required to carry out the essential manufacturing needed to continue to make and distribute products. We supplied facial coverings for all employees in the facilities when social distancing was a challenge. Together we imagined what to do without a playbook, motivated entirely on how to keep folks safe. Every department was engaged. We closed retail stores so folks could join other departments to keep the lines going to meet the growing demand for our products. SugarSnap made meals for employees and their families in all plants and delivered to all locations twice – just to show appreciation for working extra-long days and weeks. We secured what PPE was needed locally when none was available to buy anywhere – thanks to friends, family and The Sewing Basket in Barre and Vermont Natural Coatings in Hardwick. We secured enough to give to freight haulers and milk truck drivers during the initial few months.

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CC: What has been most difficult

dealing with this pandemic? BB: The most difficult task is for folks to not let their guard down when they get off work. Keep your masks on when out of the home or at gatherings. Masks are now a part of everyday life. We risk so much if we think this pandemic is over before there is a vaccine. That, and in March, taking temperatures outside when it was so cold outside. We’re so grateful that our maintenance teams secured construction pods so our temperature and screening Care Teams can have shelter 24/7.

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CC: What worries you the most?

BB: You can’t worry. You can plan and take precautions. You can audit. You can remind. You can order more masks and sanitizer. You can improve your screener and boost WIFI to share information faster. Worry is something farmers and those who work for them can’t do. You prepare, you save, you pray, and you do your job well and, when needed, you work harder at whatever it takes.

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CC: What has this meant for em-

ployees? BB: I think every employee has new respect for the jobs each of us do. We have had to swap roles. For example, team members from every department have gone into the warehouses or have joined the cutting and wrapping lines or perform the sanitizing job through the night shift. Every employee knows we are doing all we can to protect one another. And the farmers are grateful for this: their good wishes went up as signs around the plants the first week of April. The video several farmers created among themselves for the staff should make every consumer of Cabot understand the love and care behind our products (see video website address below).

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CC: How have guidelines from gov-

ernment agencies influenced company decisions? BB: I think our early action influenced state officials. Ask Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts if he’d agree. He was the first one we called for an exemption to ask an Inn to open to us, to have us declared essential, among his fellow Commerce and Agriculture Secretaries. He joined us on the pre-dawn sanitizing duty Week One and at the testing of the Care Team pods Week Two.

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CC: Do you think business opera-

tions will ever be the same again? If not, what kind of changes do you expect? BB: Our business has not changed. Our operations have taken safety to a microbial level. Masks will likely be a forever part of the uniform. We will be up and down on the RED alert mode; trying not to burn folks out. And importantly, reaching out to potential employees, who want a life-long, two-way commitment to them and their families to join our team with great benefits and steady work to come live around our plants and join our communities. CC: What do you see for the future? BB: More sales direct to consumers through eCommerce. Fewer luxury or designer products. Greater appreciation of what we are as a co-op and a B Corp. A company that does not lay folks off when times are tough. I also see increased sales of Cabot, and the entire northeast’s products as a symbiotic, commercial enclave of self-reliance and a mecca for families who believe in a future for communities, who build businesses, education, health and lives together. To see the video put together by farmers to thank the creamery for continuing to provide an outlet for their milk, go to: https://cabot.imagerelay.com/share/ f1ff7f382e7a4368b54a45ac9527bf8e.

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Feeding Vermonters Grant

by Cynthia Stuart producers, including Burtt’s Orchard, Executive Director, Faith in Action Provender Farm, Wilder Farm, and Gingue Farm.” The Vermont Foodbank awarded The Vermont Foodbank Vermonters Faith in Action, located in Lyndonville Feeding Vermonters program is entering and Cabot, a Vermonters Feeding Ver- its third year, with the plan to purchase monters Grant to purchase produce di- about 500,000 pounds of fresh produce rectly from local farmers in the area. The directly from local farmers during the Vermont Foodbank Vermonters Feeding 2020 growing season. The goal is that Vermonters (VFV) program supports the VFV program leads to improved purchases of high-quality fruits, vegeta- health for Vermonters facing hunger, bles, meat, dairy, and eggs directly from security for farmers, a stronger Vermont Vermont growers to share with Ver- economy, and a reduced environmental monters facing hunger. As a Vermont footprint. Foodbank network partner, Faith in Ac- Faith in Action’s mission is to serve tion distributes food to those in need. In food insecure community members , 2019, Faith in Action distributed 237,128 offer socially enriching programs, pounds of food to 1,860 local community and advance opportunities to inmembers in 738 households. crease self-sufficiency in the commuFaith in Action Executive Director, nities of the Northeast Kingdom and Cynthia Stuart, stated, “The Vermonters Washington County, while deploying the Feeding Vermonters grant award allows neighbors-helping-neighbors volunteer Faith in Action to purchase locally model to instill hope and leave an endurgrown, healthy, and fresh produce to ing impact. For further information, distribute to community members. In please visit the Faith in Action website addition, we are supporting local food at www.faithinactionvt.org.

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Peter Ackermann

In the home that he built on a lush, green hill with an amazing view of the Green Mountains, Peter John Ackermann peacefully passed away in his own bed while he slept. He had impeccable timing, passing away on his father's birthday, Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at the age of 64. His two sons were sitting on the beautiful patio that he designed, and his wife was quietly reading next to him. He wanted a goodbye party to say farewell to his lifelong friends and family, and that is what he got. For a week, a steady stream of hundreds of people with stories to tell and tears to shed showed up, called, and wrote letters. They laughed and played the card games that he loved to play, retold the jokes that he loved to tell, and sat on the Harley that he loved to drive. They ate ice cream (his favorite food) and stared at his tractor collection. His four grandchildren called him 'Grampy', and boy did he love them fiercely. Pete spent his free time doing puzzles and building scale models of

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Mary Field Belenky

Mary Field Belenky, resident of Kendal at Hanover, NH, died peacefully after months of declining health on July 10, 2020, at the age of 87. Her husband, Bob, was with her. Mary was born on June 22, 1933, in Ann Arbor, MI, the middle of three sisters. Her siblings predeceased her. Mary loved education. She attended the Park School in Buffalo, NY, Antioch University, the University of Chicago, where she and Bob met — they were married in 1957; finally Harvard University, where she received her Ph.D. in 1977. Mary and Bob first settled in the Boston area. They raised two children, Alice and Michael. In 1970, the family moved to Vermont. Mary taught psychology and education at Goddard College.

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Elizabeth Jayne Colgrove

Elizabeth Jayne Colgrove, 72, of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, originally of Cambridge, VT, passed away on September 14, 2019, at home in Bay Saint Louis. For the last five years, Jayne suffered from Alzheimer's disease and ministrokes. Jayne was born October 4, 1946, to Marion J. Barnett and Henry E. Barnett. She was one of seven children. Her surviving brother is Wallace E. Barnett of North Carolina. Predeceased are her

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EMORIALS

farm equipment. He taught his two sons how to run a dairy farm, use power tools, build, and do electrical work. Peter was born in Meadville, PA, on March 3, 1956, and he was raised in Cabot, which he called home for 60 years. He made every person he met feel special and poured his heart and soul into every job he did. Pete is survived by his wife, Susan Ackermann, two sons and their spouses; James and Sara Ackermann, Ian and Caitlin Ackermann, stepson, Kevin Bell, as well as four grandchildren; Allie, Andee, Blake, and Bryce. He also leaves behind his mother, Elizabeth Ackermann, and brother, Walter Ackermann. Peter's family imagines him walking into a large hayfield in a sunny Heaven dressed in jeans, flannel shirt and a baseball cap while being greeted by his smiling dad, Albert, and excited younger brother, Owen. He put all he had into making everything he did his own version of perfect. A perfect family, perfect home, perfect life. Up until his last day he saw that they were. Pete perfect. In keeping with Peter's wishes, a private celebration will be held at a later date. The des Groseilliers Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be conveyed to the family at dgfunerals.com.

When the children were early teenagers, she went on to pursue her doctorate at Harvard, commuting between Vermont and Massachusetts. Mary went on to write about women’s moral and intellectual development. Most notable, co-authored by three colleagues, was Women’s Ways of Knowing . Mary loved nature. She gardened and fed the birds, especially hummingbirds. She rode her mare, Stormy, over many back trails. In her later years, she loved to discover remote nooks for picnics. During her last weeks of life, bird songs played continuously on her bedside iPad. Mary is survived by daughter Alice and husband, Ted Armen, and sons Max, Oliver and Simon. And by her son, Michael, his wife, Uli, and their daughters, Sofia and Ella. A celebration of Mary’s life is planned for Kendal at Hanover, NH, as COVID19 conditions allow. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Vermont Community Foundation are encouraged.

brothers and sisters, Henry E. Barnett Jr. (17 years old), Lavina “Bonnie” Lamonda (59 years old), Elizabeth Jane Barnett (three weeks old), Russell H. Barnett (42 years old) and Chester L. Barnett (29 years old). On September 4, 1966, Jayne married George W. Colgrove Jr. and had four children, Sarah L. Bonnett (Wyatt) of Bay Saint Louis; George W. Colgrove III (Alicia) of Arlington, VA; Mark T. Colgrove (Wendy) of Colchester, VT; and Raquel E. Colgrove-Bigelow of OH. More information available at https:// www.timesargus.com/obituaries/ elizabeth-jayne-colgrove/article_ef326feeb709-5f42-a09a-51318e3ca200.html.

Coits Pond Road. No further information has been made available at this time.

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Otto D. Trautz

The State of Vermont has lost one of its longest-tenured and best-loved public servants with the death of Otto D. Trautz, who passed away June 4, 2020, at the UVM Medical Center from complications related to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Otto was a 50-year employee for the State of Vermont, serving as the state’s Budget Director for thirty-five years. Most recently, Otto served as Assistant Judge for the Washington County Family Court – a position to which he was appointed by Governor Peter Shumlin in 2016, and to which he was re-elected in 2018. It was Otto’s great privilege to work tirelessly for the people of Vermont, and his enduring aspiration was to act “for the good of the order,” which is also the title of his unpublished memoir. Otto was born in Queens, New York, on July 18, 1942, to Dr. Otto R. Trautz, a distinguished professor of chemistry at New York University, and Helena Muller Trautz, a nurse. Otto’s parents emigrated to the United States from Germany following the first world war, eager to embrace the many opportunities afforded by America’s melting pot. Otto was raised speaking only German in Larchmont, NY, and he took refuge in books and nature from a young age. Otto attended Yale University, graduating in 1964. Otto spent his summers working at the Stone Horse Yacht Club in Harwich Port, Mass., where he forged many lifelong friendships. Otto attended Harvard University from 1965-‘69, where he pursued a doctorate in sociology. As a graduate student in the department of Social Relations, Otto was mentored by renowned scholar Talcott Parsons. It was in 1967 that he met Margaret Howey, who would become his wife of forty-three years. While not politically active, Otto and Margaret did embrace the social freedoms of the 1960s, and very much appre-

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COUNTED

It has never been easier to respond on your You can return the paper questionnaire that

Special note for households with college students: cases students living away from home at school should elsewhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ciated the back-to-the-land ethos that attracted young people to Vermont. The lure of the north country would prove irresistible, and the couple resolved to leave Cambridge in 1969, choosing Vermont over an academic opportunity for Otto at the University of California. Otto’s research on parole decisionmaking brought him to Vermont, where he took a position with the Department of Corrections in 1969. Otto officially left academia in the early 1970s, drawn forward by his calling to “be of use.” Following his work in corrections, which included spearheading new initiatives in juvenile rehabilitation, Otto was appointed to Governor Salmon’s Justice Commission, and, later, to the office of Finance and Management, where he first served as analyst, and then as Budget Director. Otto will be remembered for his creative presentations to legislative committees – sometimes delivered in costume, or, famously, as an extended rap song – as well as his extraordinary attention to detail. Otto was known for managing an air-tight state budget for 35 years under Governors Kunin, Snelling, Dean, Douglas, and Shumlin. Following his retirement from Finance and Management in 2015, Otto took it upon himself to comb the Vermont statutes in search of obsolete boards and commissions. Otto was uniquely literate in the legislative process and the body of statutory publications, and felt strongly that he might contribute his skills to the benefit of the state long after his retirement. Otto’s final weeks were spent at home, in conversation with friends and family reflecting on generosity, selflessness, and gratitude. These were the values Otto embodied each and every day as he endeavored to live a life of value and service to others.

Sid and Kelly Vermont

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Weeds to love (and not)

What is a weed? Just plant in the wrong place? Who says? People of course… There are many weeds that are vexing problems in our gardens and farm fields. Some are natives, but many are invasives that people have brought here from faraway, sometimes intentionally and sometimes accidentally. Some examples are bishop’s weed, garlic mustard, dandelions, coltsfoot, giant hogweed, cow parsley. There are other, usually native, plants that are sometimes called weeds, but are important and valuable to our ecosystems. Here are a few that are common in Cabot. There are 100 or so species of goldenrod in North America. It is one of the best groups of plants for native bees that rely on its pollen, as well as an excellent source of nectar for honey. It is also an extremely important food for caterpillars used by birds to feed their young, and a source of seeds for many small creatures.

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Property Tax Bills Delayed

Tax Bills for the Town of Cabot are usually mailed by the end of July. Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, the Federal and State governments delayed the deadline for filing both state and federal taxes from April 15 to July 15. The State Tax Department has been overwhelmed with tax filings in July. If you qualified for a property tax credit, the Town of Cabot will not receive this information until September 1. Because of this delay,

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Committee

The tough roots build topsoil, provide erosion control, and help rainwater infiltrate the soil. (Also, goldenrod does not cause hay fever—the culprit is ragweed, which blooms at the same time.) Milkweed and asters are particularly important to many species of butterflies and moths, as well as many bees. Fireweed can quickly spread in disturbed soils, especially after a fire, providing erosion control, shade for regenerating plants, and vivid color. Plantain (not the banana) is a common weed that forms a flat rosette of edible leaves that can be mashed or chewed to make a poultice to ease the effects of bee stings and other bites. Hummingbirds and bumblebees love jewelweed flowers. The juice of its stems reduces the itch of mosquito bites and poison ivy rashes when applied to the skin. It also grows fast enough in the early summer garden to shade out other weeds but is easy to pull when you get around to it. Also known as “touch-menot,” the ripe inch-long seed pods will explode when touched, providing entertainment for small children (and others).

tax bills will not be mailed until September 3, 2020, with the first payment due October 29, 2020, and the second payment due January 14, 2021. This may be subject to further change . We will provide updates on our website (https:// Cabotvt.us) and Front Porch Forum. We are deeply sorry for these delays, but we have no control over the current situation.

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Dates and Values

submittals are due to the Current Use Program and the County Forester 30 days after a transfer has been recorded. 2020 Current Use Land Values -Agricultural Land $382/acre -Forest & Conservation Land $151/acre -Forest Land & Conservation Land Greater than one mile from a Class 1, 2, or 3 Road $113/acre

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September 12

The COVID-19 situation has challenged all of us on many levels over the past few months. Our thoughts go out to those directly affected, and our thanks to all those helping others, as a provider, caregiver, neighbor. family member, friend,

The committee has managed to use the time to complete the planning exercise we began last winter in conjunction with the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. We plan to share the final report with the community on September 12. We hope to do this in a public, possibly outdoor venue. But we will consider safety, protocol, and the situation first. If we don’t feel it can be held safely in person, we will schedule a Zoom or GoToMeeting. Or perhaps some combination of the two. More details will be communicated through Front Porch Forum as it becomes available. In the meantime, we continue efforts to reach out to landowners. We had a meeting with a supportive landowner this Spring that offers a good opportunity for a new trail network. Further development here is pending additional landowner support and consideration. We also are continuing to work on agreements to formally re-establish the 2020 - Page 5

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July 2020

“Winter Trail”, by this winter hopefully! And we are considering a public activity for the Town Forest. Again, this planning is subject to considerations of safety and protocol. Finally, we need volunteers! We have had more than a few people express support to do field work and encourage anyone else with similar interests to let us know. You don’t have to come to committee meetings to help make this happen. In fact, we need a good group of volunteers that are willing to go out and mark, map, clear, sign, and steward our goals into a reality. Stay tuned, keep getting outside if you can, and wishing everyone the best though these times. Staying active benefits both mental and physical wellbeing. The Cabot Trails committee was created to identify, establish, and maintain non-motorized recreational trails in town. Meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Willey Building or virtually until the situation changes. Anyone is welcome to attend and you don’t have to be on the committee to help. The success of the effort will be quite reliant on folks that like to do things versus come to meetings and talk. If anyone is interested in knowing more or helping please contact myself, Andy Gilbert (andy@agilbert.net) or the Town Clerk.

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Superintendent Caledonia Central SU

On June 17th, the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) and the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) issued a joint memorandum to school districts titled A Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Vermont Schools . You can read the entire memorandum at https://education.vermont.gov/ documents/guidance-strong-healthystart-health-guidance. This joint effort, led by AOE and VDH with input from a number of Superintendents, Professional Groups, VTNEA, and a range of medical experts statewide, lays out a set of guidelines and best practices for schools to consider as we make plans to reopen in the fall. In CCSU, we were already a month into our conversations about reopening schools, and this guidance document has been instrumental in helping us to bring focus to our planning. We are committed to issuing formal plans for all our schools by the first week of August. Here is where we are in this important work. There are three Steps for school operation defined in the Strong and Healthy Start guideline. Step I is the school is closed for all in-person instruction (this is where we were from March June). Step II, the school is open for inperson instruction with enhanced physical distancing measures. Step I, the school is open with distancing measures in place. By directive, schools will reopen in the fall at Step II; transportation will start at Step I. The Secretary of Education hopes to move all schools to Step III a few weeks after opening. When our CCSU schools reopen, all will have these practices and procedures in common: Procedures for admitting people into school - everyone entering a school will be required to do a health check, no exceptions. Adults will be required to wear face coverings, no exceptions. Restrictions on who is allowed in the school building when students are present. There will be some restrictions on parents coming into the buildings when school is in session. Common policies and procedures to determine when children and staff must stay home or be sent home. Masks are required of all students to ride a school bus. Social Distancing will be enforced; siblings from the same household may be allowed to sit together. Masks/face shields are required for staff and students. We know - and the guidelines acknowledge - that mask wearing will be challenging for some students. Students with health issues (e.g. Asthma) or sensory issues will be excused from this requirement after the family follows a review protocol involving the school nurse and possibly the Director of Special Services. Each school building will maintain separate spaces for isolating symptomatic students and staff who arrive at school and are waiting to go home from others who need routine nursing (e.g., a skinned knee at recess).

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Coming Soon

 There will be a standard suite of supported technology for Remote teaching and Learning. Staff and students will receive training on the use of these tools.  General limitations on Social Distancing & Physical Contact will be reflected in the school plan. A Hybrid Learning option will be available (read on).

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Hybrid Learning

A lot of families are asking about remote learning (what we did MarchJune) and whether that will be an option for the fall. We have from the first days of our planning anticipated the need to provide remote learning in some form, but there were a number of niggly issues around attendance taking, counting of student days, etc. that had to be worked through by the AOE. On July 15th, the Agency released its guidance on what has come to be called Hybrid Learning ( https://education.vermont.gov/ sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-hybridlearning-during-the-2020-2021-schoolyear_0.pdf). This memorandum does not address how we provide that option, it just affirms that we can provide that option and how we must account for our students who are participating. Hybrid Learning is one area that could look nity to become more comfortable with the use of remote teaching tools, along with planning for enhanced socialemotional learning that will occur in the first few weeks when students return. The first student day is changed to Monday, August 31. The entire first week will be an early release schedule, with students dismissed at 1:00 p.m. During the first week, students will be focusing on social-emotional activities and spending time with their teachers learning/ improving skills that are critical to successful remote learning, should we ever find ourselves having to close the school again as we did this spring. Teachers will use the time between 1:00 p.m. and the end of their contracted day to reflect on and refine their practices, to resolve their own technology challenges, to discuss what they have learned about the needs of their students that day, etc. I know that early release days can be difficult for some families, and we worked collaboratively with our Associations to eliminate early release days from our calendar, so I am mindful that this will feel like a step backwards. But having been forced into a remote teaching model in March with no real time to prepare, I believe our teachers and students need to invest the time now to be ready for the next time, if the next time comes to be. You can expect completed plans by the first week of August. We will be offering a remote teaching model for those families who do not wish to send their children back to school. The calendar has been tweaked a bit to provide some additional prep time for our teachers before school begins again. I hope you and your family are finding ways to enjoy this tropical summer weather and finding ways to rest and recharge.

quite different from school to school, and the formal guidelines will say more about that.

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Calendar Adjustment

Finally, as we have looked more closely at the feedback we received from families and staff about our crash course in remote teaching and learning this spring, we have decided to bring a bit more order to our practices from a technology perspective, and to come up with new delivery methods so that remote learners can participate at home in core instruction with their classmates who are receiving in-person instruction. Please understand that we believe we can open the schools safely, and that we would prefer to have all of our students in classes with their peers, but for those students who cannot attend daily we are aiming for a more enriching learning environment. We also recognize that we continue to be at the mercy of a virus that knows no physical boundaries, and so we are preparing for the eventuality that one or more of our schools could find itself at Step I - closed for in-person instruction - at some point during the upcoming school year. In order to be sure that we are ready to provide a more effective remote learning environment, I have asked for, and received, permission from the AOE to convert three of our instructional days into additional teacher professional development days at the start of the school year. A revised school calendar is available at (https://bit.ly/3juhfY2), but the changes are summarized as follows:  Teachers will report back for inservice on Friday, August 21 as previously planned.  In-service will continue through all the following week, through August. During those additional three days of inservice, teachers will have an opportu-

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Invitation for Home School Discussion

and start there. By walking a few "rods," by Sandy Pond we can sit under the old maple and reMaking decisions concerning your member children's education, especially in these How it can work - simply and safely: trying times, has got to be tough! You I have plenty of parking at the barns, can read up on it, but I have found ex- lots of room for our "circle." And rooms perience is the best teacher. In the early or spaces for breakout groups. 1980's l homeschooled my two sons until We will gather on Thursday, August 6, 7th and 8th grade, and am happy to at 10:00 a.m. (bring your mask, a blanshare the good, the bad and the ugly. I ket or chair, a snack, if needed, and an invite you to come and share your con- umbrella, as it will be rain or shine. Afcerns, homeschool your child experiences, or the parent), address (as a ter we a will short return stroll for to our the circle historic of marker, concern

your fears about the present situation till noon. and hear from other experienced par- Please call me with RSVP, if possible,

As the current owner of the historic My address is 201 Urban Farm Way in marker for the Reid School, District 6 Cabot - first property on left. out of 14, we can go back to the 1800s

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Cabot School Principal

As I enter this role in the new school year in a new community, I am struck by the many messages inundating society about what can and should happen with schooling this fall. With all the questions in the news media, on social media, and in our store fronts or social circles, who do we listen to and how do we sift through those messages toward a decision that makes sense for the Cabot school community. Over the past few months, I have looked to those who are leaders in their fields to help me make sense of these messages and choices. I am not a health professional, so I look to respected professionals in the fields of public health, pediatrics and mental health to help me make sense of what it means to safely return to school. I am a long time educator, but my lens is also limited by my own experience, so I look to those well regarded in the field of education to understand what remote and in person instruction can look like in the fall. I am new to the Cabot school community, so I have looked to families and staff members to help me learn about the needs and values that are uniquely Cabot. Here’s what I am learning.

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Medical understanding of COVID-

19 is continuing to evolve; therefore, school policy and procedures will also need to evolve. While it can be frustrating to hear a seemingly different message from health professionals from week to week, it is also reassuring that infectious disease professionals are working to issue guidance that is based on the most up to date scientific evidence. I have been reading commentary from infectious disease experts to help me understand why it is okay to go back to school in the fall. In an article entitled: COVID-19 Transmission and Children: The Child Is Not to Blame (published in July), the authors, two infectious disease doctors from University of Vermont Medical Center, conclude that evidence from multiple studies across contexts is supporting the conclusion that children are not the primary drivers of the spread of the virus. This does not mean that we should abandon caution. In his July 9th commentary about school reopening, Benjamin Linas, an epidemiologist and infectious disease doctor, cautions us against looking at one story. He notes that all data is currently suggesting that schools should try to reopen in the fall. However, he also notes that there should be contingencies to ensure, as new data and information emerges, we can shift course quickly. These preparations include health screening, testing, isolation, and contact tracing, all of which are already a part of Guidance on Reopening Schools from the Vermont Department of Health that we will follow at Cabot School.

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Uncertain Times

ment encouraging the safe reopening of schools. They, like many others, cited the important role school plays in the social, emotional, and academic development of young people, as well as the important ways that schools work to mitigate inequities. In her blog, Cult of Pedagogy, Jennifer Gonzalez outlines the ways inperson learning should be different from on-line learning. Notably, she says, community building and active learning should be prioritized during in-person instruction. Community building and active learning are hallmarks of projectbased learning (PBL), so we are uniquely positioned to be able to make in person instruction active and joyful for our young people.

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How families have experienced

these past few months is different, even in one community. Over the past month, I have been able to connect with numerous families about returning to school in the fall. Each experience of this time is unique. For some young people, remote learning has been fraught with challenges. Taking instruction from an at home adult can put strain on at-home relationships. Inconsistent internet connectivity can be frustrating to navigate, especially for our youngest students. Economic uncertainty, a lack of routine, and increased isolation can place strain on students emotionally. Connections with teachers and other students are not the same through a screen. On the other hand, many families have experienced joys these past few months. There have been chances to reconnect, pursue passions, be outside more. For some students, connecting through technology has boosted their interest in learning and school. These are important contexts for our staff community to consider as schools reopen. Cabot School is small and nimble. Our community looks forward to welcoming students and staff back for in-person

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Pick Up 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

instruction. To begin, this will not be full time in-person instruction, but a mixture of in-person and on-line learning. We will adhere to the health and safety protocols set forth by the state. Students and staff will be required to wear face coverings; they work to create safe physical distance, but we will not be socially distant.

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Fall Foliage

Students will have opportunities to learn and play together, safely. Many of our classrooms and projects will move outside when the weather is nice. We will look to you, as our community, to support our safe and welcome return by donating face coverings (there is a drop off at Cabot Village Store) and materials for outdoor classrooms (let me know what you can donate).

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Things to remember moving forward:

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance . Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.  Wash your hands frequently

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AND

 Maintain social distancing.  Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.  Practice respiratory hygiene.  Wear facial covering when you may potentially come in close contact with others except when doing strenuous physical activities.  If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early.

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Cabot’s Linda Gabrielson

by Cabot Chronicle Staff Writer

On June 17, Cabot resident Linda Gabrielson was inducted into the St. John de Crevecoeur Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), whose mission it is to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The objectives of the society are ‘to perpetuate the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to promote the development of an enlightened public opinion; and to foster patriotic citizenship.’ Cabot Chronicle: The D.A.R is a women’s society established in 1890 whose members are descendants of patriots of the American Revolution. Can you tell us what you know about your ancestors who were involved in the American Revolution? Linda Gabrielson: I joined the D.A.R. through an ancestor on my mother’s side of the family. It felt right for me to follow my mom’s side of the family to honor the female heritage of this society. This ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War was Nathaniel Irwin. His family arrived in America several generations before the Revolutionary War. Interestingly, the family lived, from the time they arrived in America through when my mom grew up, in the same small area of Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia. Nathaniel was a farmer. However, there was also a Thomas Crosby (an ancestor on my mom’s mother’s side of the family) who was a private in the American army and fought during the Revolutionary War. I haven’t learned much about him, except he ran into financial ruin later in his life and died while residing at the local poor farm in his town. My grandparents on my father’s side were members of D.A.R. and S.A.R. (Sons of the American Revolution) respectively, and so there are at least two other patriots through whom I could have joined (Jacob Yount – on my grandmother’s side; Joseph Woods - on my grandfather’s side). I don’t yet know much about Jacob Yount. I know that Joseph Woods, after the revolution moved to what is now Turkey Hill, IN, and the family still has descendants in that area. Joseph was also a farmer. In each case, my ancestors qualified as patriots because they were soldiers in the war. A person can qualify, for D.A.R. purposes, as a patriot if there is documentation that they aided or assisted the revolutionary cause in some way, as well as fighting in the war. Cabot Chronicle: As a new member of the St. John de Crevecoeur Chapter of the D.A.R., do you think your ancestor’s involvement in the American Revolution has changed how you think of the Revolution? Or do you think family history has the potential to enliven the events of world history? Linda Gabrielson: I originally started conducting genealogical research for a different purpose than joining D.A.R. In my family heritage, there was a man (Jesse Ferrell) who was not a member of the family, but who we’ve honored for generations. He, at a time when it was

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Inducted into DAR

legal to pay someone to serve your term in the military, was paid to serve in the army in place of my great-great grandfather who was a farmer and had a family to support. Because my great-greatgrandfather was not off fighting and stayed home in Pennsylvania during the war, my great-grandfather had the opportunity to be born. The family later employed Jesse Ferrell, and he stayed close to the family. I’d hoped to learn more about this man and his activities; that is why I started doing genealogic research. As I got involved in the research, it was interesting to investigate other ancestors and see what I could learn. In the process, many aspects of life in earlier times have come alive for me. It is interesting to see what people did for a living, how they were schooled, where they stayed or moved to, etc. This does enliven events of world history quite a bit. I see a whole line of relatives who came from Ireland around the time of the famine, and some who came from Scotland fleeing political turmoil – I still don’t know which side of the law those fleeing relatives were on! Cabot Chronicle: In researching your family’s past, can you recommend any useful research tools to someone interested in delving into their family history? Linda Gabrielson: I started my research using U.S. Census records – there is interesting information there. Then I opened an account with Family Search (which was free). Later, I opened an account with Ancestry, which I found to be especially useful in digging into newspaper archives, town and state records, cemetery records, etc. There is a tremendous amount of information available online. I remember my grandparents traveling to different places to visit cemeteries and town halls to complete their research. Now, you can do a large amount from the comfort of your home. Cabot Chronicle: So much has been curtailed due to the pandemic, but is there an upcoming heritage activity with the Vermont State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution that you are looking forward to, now that you are a member? Linda Gabrielson: I am still so new to the organization, I’m not sure of the extent of their activities. I have joined their Service to Veterans committee. This was near and dear to my heart since my hus-

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Stimulus Payments

There is talk in Congress of one or more additional stimulus payments. Scammers are coming up with new ways to steal your information and your money. The IRS is seeing a significant increase in criminals trying to gather information needed for the stimulus payments. Both individual citizens and tax preparers are being targeted. The messaging from these fraudsters includes variations of language such as "in order to receive your/your client's stimulus payment via direct deposit, we need you to confirm the banking information." In this way, they are gathering personal information via telephone or directing victims to click on a link that takes them to a fake website where they enter their banking information. It is important to always remember that neither the Vermont Department of Taxes nor the IRS will call, text, or email you to verify your banking information for stimulus payments. If you receive such a call, text, or email please follow the following guidelines:  If you receive a phone call, don’t talk with them. Hang up! band is a veteran (22 years of service) of the military. I do look forward to visiting D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., when things settle down after the pandemic. It holds many historical artifacts, a great genealogic library, and overall beautiful architecture that I’m told is worth seeing.

 —If you receive a text or email, don’t click the link. Hit delete! Vermonters may also report such scams to the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at

email to AGO.CAP@vermont.gov.

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ISSED T

news about Cabot, local businesses and our neighbors

by Lori Augustyniak, Executive Director

Happy Birthday Cabot - Cabot was chartered on August 17, 1781 by the Vermont State Legislature. Cabot started out as an army town. When the town was officially organized, eight years after the chartering, six out of seven people elected to fill town offices had been commissioned Continental Army officers (the odd civilian was elected to the office of highway surveyor). It has been said that a person could live in Cabot for seventy-five years and have been a resident of four counties without ever leaving one’s place of birth. The town has been successively part of the Vermont counties of Cumberland, Orange, Caledonia and, since 1855, Washington.

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College Student News

Recent graduates from the Practical Nursing program at Vermont Technical College in the Spring 2020 semester include local residents Lauren Bellavance of Cabot and Carolyn McTigue of Marshfield. Andrew Little was named to the Castleton University Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2019-20 academic year. To qualify for this academic honor, the student must maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 3.5. Jeremy Maxfield was named to the Castleton University President’s List for the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. To qualify for this highest academic honor, the student must maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 4.0. Ryder Lalomia graduated from the Civil & Environmental Engineering Technology program at Vermont Technical College in the Spring of 2020. In addition, Ryder achieved Dean’s List Honors for the spring semester of 2020 and was nominated for Student Engineering Technician of the Year by program faculty for demonstrating academic excellence, student leadership, professionalism, and engineering-based analysis and problem solving. Alisha Celley , a senior women’s basketball player and exercise science major helped lead the NVU-Lyndon Lady Hornets to clinch a playoff berth in the North Atlantic Conference. Celley is one of eighteen Northern Vermont University-Lyndon student athletes named to the North Atlantic Conference AllAcademic Team for the Winter 2019-2020 and Spring 2020 seasons. Alisha is a local legend for her record of scoring more points than any female player in Cabot basketball history. Kasey Long and Sarah Peterson of Cabot were named to the Spring 2020 Student Honors List at the Community College of Vermont. This honor recognizes part -time students with a 4.0 grade point average.

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Stay connected during COVID

Group phone calls are a great way to stay connected to friends, family and fellow members of community building efforts while we are staying at home. CCA staff can help assist you in arranging a group phone call or zoom meeting for any group

2064. What to do with 13 tons of sour cream? Cabot Creamery has responded valiantly in the face of the coronavirus – office employees being deployed to manufacturing, care stations established to constantly monitor the health of employees, and making donations to communities who are providing pandemic food aid. In mid-July, the Baltimore-based Italian Cultural Center of Maryland faced a happy, if very strange, problem – the sudden donation from Vermont-based Cabot Creamery of 5,376 tubs of sour cream. They weren’t the typical 8 oz. containers you would buy at the grocery store. They were 5 lbs. each.

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August/September 2020 - Page 9

Monica Lapenta, president of the Italian Cultural Center, said “It’s one thing to see the quantity on a piece of paper. It’s another thing to see it in front of you.” Lapenta and a handful of volunteers worked non-stop, from morning until 3 a.m. the next day, finding churches, community organizations and individuals to take the sour cream, and figuring out logistics. “I’m amazed at what people can accomplish together,” Lapenta said. What 26,880 pounds of sour cream looks like. (Photo courtesy of the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland)

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Shape Your Future

The census is critical to federal funding for Vermont. Currently, VT is among the lower responding states in the nation. The average response rate as of July 9 was 50.4% in Cabot, 55 .5% in VT, 62.1% for the nation. Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. The 2020 Census takes just a few moments to complete. Visit 2020census.gov for details.

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Additional food security for seniors

The Danville Senior Action Center/Mealsite serves delicious, homemade meals every Tuesday and Thursday at noon at the Danville United Methodist Church, 84 Park Street. The suggested donation for meals is $4 for those over age 60 and $5 for those under age 60. Meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Call (802)

The Danville Senior Action Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, partially funded by the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging and donations from the local community. Love Where You Work? – Take the Survey! During the pandemic, many people have come (or returned) to Vermont to “shelter in place” – sometimes bringing their remote job with them. A survey project launched by the Vermont Futures Project and the University of Vermont asks people if they think they might stay in Vermont when things return to more normal. And what Vermont might do to keep them here. Whether you work as an artist, writer, engineer, teacher, trainer…you are encouraged to submit your responses at https://www.uvm.edu/cas/vermontresearch/ vermont-demographics.

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Local Quilter Member of Global Exhibition

Roz Daniels’ quilt Joy from the Basement was selected to be part of the Studio Art Quilt Associates Global Exhibition - Musica! running from Mar 1, 2020 until Dec 31, 2022. Musica! is a celebration of Music - with a Visual Twist, exploring all the wonderful ways in which music can serve as inspiration for the creative process. Roz’s artist statement about this quilt reads: All of the sympathy I received when folks heard I had a beginning drummer in the family was completely unfounded. I loved every minute of that music making. Each note sounded like joy coming from the basement! But I could never hold on to the notes that drifted up the stairs. This piece is my attempt to grab some of those flying notes and hold onto them visually now that the house is quiet.

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Executive Director, Faith in Action

Reports of long lines at National Guard-distributed food drives highlight just how easily and quickly the average Vermonter can become food insecure. Every car in the line tells the story of a family who is living with the uncertainty of how they will provide adequate nourishment for the ones they love. Many families do not experience the personal, physical sensation of hunger, but they live every day with food insecurity resulting from a lack of available financial resources for basic needs. Economic uncertainty and a lack of hope about the future are at the heart of food insecurity. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is a complex societal issue, and the extreme financial challenges and fears created by the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbate the problem. People who are food insecure may be at an increased risk for a variety of adverse health outcomes and health disparities, including decreased nutrient intake, hypertension and obesity. Even though food insecurity is closely related to poverty, not all people who live below the poverty line experience food insecurity. Overlapping issues, such as a lack of affordable housing, limited transportation, chronic health problems, low wages, and social isolation often exist in food insecure households. As reported by the Welfare Info website that compiles US census data, the poverty rates in Washington and Caledonia Counties of Vermont range from 11.8% to 12.3%. In Essex County, the poverty rate jumps to 15.5%. An average of one out of every 8.8 residents of Vermont lives in poverty. These are our neighbors, friends, and family members who deal with financial struggles to meet their basic needs, such as housing, transportation, and food. In the spring of 2020, the pandemic and heightened concern over resource availability substantially increased the requests for food support at Faith in Action. From March to April 2020, the Cabot and Lyndonville Faith in Action locations experienced an 83% monthover-month increase in the number of community members needing supplemental food support. The unprecedented and immediate increase in food support demand has continued into May and June, and the higher demand is expected to persist through the fall and winter. 10

Volunteers Judy Dunham and Joyce Woelfle, prepare for Faith in Action Food Share in Cabot. Nonprofits like Faith in Action fill a critical need in our Vermont Communities, especially during a time of crisis. While many food pantries closed in the spring of 2020 due to the pandemic and lack of available employees and volunteers to distribute food, Faith in Action increased food-related support services while adjusting distribution methods to ensure volunteers, employees, and the community are kept safe. drive-thru food shares In Cabot, occur twice monthly so recipients can stay safely in their car while volunteers load the food. Lyndonville expanded the pantry hours and provide delivery services upon request to homebound community members. The Vermont Foodbank Vermonters Feeding Vermonters (VFV) Program supports Faith in Action’s purchase of high-quality fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs directly from Vermont growers to share with Vermonters facing food insecurity. Through the VFV program, Faith in Action is supporting local food producers, including Burtt’s Orchard, Provender Farm, and the Wilder Farm. As part of another critical pandemic related program, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program , Faith in Action distributes milk, cheese, vegetables, and chicken at our Cabot and Lyndonville locations. This new program supports community members now and into the fall and winter when the need for food support is likely to increase. Food support provides relief to already stretched households experiencing financial constraints and resulting food insecurity. During a time of crisis, even small acts of support help folks get through a challenging time and, as a result, lessen household stress. An example is Sally (name changed to protect privacy), who called a Faith in Action volunteer on a Saturday, as she needed an emergency food box. Sally has three small children at home, and she was waiting on a delayed unemployment check. The box of food provided by Faith in Action included pasta, rice, bread, meat, cheese, milk, cereal, canned and fresh vegetables, and treats for the children. Sally’s appreciation was witnessed first-hand through her tears of relief and expressed gratitude for helping her family get through the week ahead. Faith in Action’s programs are delivered and driven by neighbor-helpingneighbor model where dedicated community volunteers contribute hours to sort, prepare, and distribute food. Many volunteers deliver boxes of food and, in turn, provide essential community connections to homebound neighbors. Often Faith in Action volunteers also qualify as clients who receive needed food, and their willingness to volunteer provides ownership and pride to the process of supporting others in the community. The neighbors -helping-neighbors model is part of the Faith in Action culture and has been woven into the food delivery process since the organization’s inception back in 2004. Faith in Action is a 501(c)(3)3 nonprofit organization with offices in Cabot and Lyndonville, Vermont. As a Vermont Foodbank network partner, Faith in Action distributes food along with providing a drop-in center, socialization opportunities, healthy living and eating programs, and community support in the form of transportation and aid to those in need. If you or someone you know from

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Covid-19 State of Emergency

Please help protect public sanitation employees and reduce the burden on the solid waste collection system. For the safety of yourself and others please follow these recommendations:  Properly sort, bag, and contain recyclables.  Practice social distancing at the recycling center.  Cover nose and mouth with a face mask.  Wash hands regularly with soap and water. The Cabot Recycling Center, located on Sawmill Rd. in Lower Cabot, remains open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until Noon only. During this time, please

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Cabot Mentoring Program

It’s been an interesting time for the Cabot Mentoring program. As a program dedicated to providing youth with inperson, non-screen time with a community member, having to stop all in-person interactions has been a real challenge. Our mentors have been creative by continuing their connections with their mentees through phone calls, video chats, texting, and online gaming. But there’s no substitute for the connections we build when we’re together in the same space. It’s remarkable to experience the difference in communication…so much of how we communicate goes beyond words: posture, expression, gestures, pauses in speech all matter, and add meaning to our conversations. Some mentor/mentee pairs have begun meeting outdoors for socially disVolunteers helped to distribute 20,000 pounds of food over 550 families during the month of April. Pictured is long time volunteer, Nikki St. Onge.

the Cabot or Lyndonville area can benefit from supplemental food during these challenging times, please contact Faith

Food share dates and pantry hours can be found online at www.faithinac tionvt.org.

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Recycling

do not visit the Cabot Recycling Center if you are feeling ill or have flu-like symptoms. The Cabot Recycling Center accepts a wide variety of post-consumer packaging, as well as electronics, batteries, hardcover books, light bulbs, food scraps, and more. The Center is staffed, and trash is collected for a fee. If you are new to the area, stop by and see for yourself. If you are a regular, you are already doing a great job of keeping recycling materials free of food residues and other nonrecyclable trash. The NEKWMD, representing 49 Towns in Essex, Orleans, Caledonia, Washington, and Orange counties, provides a wide variety of recycling and disposal options for many products, including household hazardous waste and mercury lightbulbs and thermostats. Information of other recycling services in Cabot, Marshfield, and surrounding towns is available at nekwmd.org.

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communication

tanced activities: walks, biking, a chat on opposite sides of the porch. As a mentor myself, it has been great to see my mentee in person again, even if the six-plusfoot distance feels a bit forced. Cabot Mentoring is looking forward to the time when it is safe to resume all in-person time, and start matching new mentor/ mentee pairs. If you are interested in becoming an mentor, or know a youth who would like to be a mentee, please contact us at cabotmentoring@gmail.com . We are still bringing people into the program, so we’re ready to make great matches post-pandemic. Be well!

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Food Directory

by Allison Gulka Millard for the tion directory to the committee. can provide In their addition informa- to Greater Cabot Working Landscape Network farm businesses, the directory may also In today’s world, many of us are seek- include fiber, agricultural services, valueing out local, healthy sources of food, es- added foods, and more. All inquiries can pecially right here among our neighbors. be made to Allison Gulka Millard The Cabot Economic Development at Allison.gulka4@gmail.com. Workgroup and the Greater Cabot Working Landscape Network have received a CCF grant to develop an online directory of local producers, with a focus on food producers. The goal of the project is to create a resource that can be utilized by the community and by visitors to locate and connect with area businesses and services. It will serve as a tool that will bolster the local economy, make it easier to support your neighbors and create a more sustainable local food system. Pending additional grant funding, the group will also investigate the viability of a “food hub” model to connect local producers with consumers. As the group is in preliminary planning stages of the project, they encourage anyone who is interested in serving on the food directory committee to get in touch. Additionally, any business or organizations who want to be included in

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Central Vermont

by Andrew Gilbert and This another morning, round as of I got “important” ready for meet- work

ings, the DSL went out…. Granted, it was stormy. But again? And as I took the trek up Thistle Hill in pouring rain to get a few bars on the cell phone to put out a message to colleagues that I would miss some meetings, it really brought home some frustration. The obvious mistake we have made in not treating connectivity as infrastructure has truly been brought home by recent events. For this moment, it was just an inconvenience to me. But lately, too often, for too many, it’s more than that. Poor connectivity directly impacts our quality of life. And our economic viability. Without going into the diatribe of how we got here, I want you to know that some great people are making a lot of effort, volunteering, to try to fix this. The VT legislature was busy this spring and worked extremely hard to pass H.966 as part of Coronavirus Relief. We have some quality representatives in our legislature, which should not be taken for granted. This effort included specific funding for use by CUD’s (of which CVFiber is one) for administration and planning purposes. In addition, it contains specific funding for acceleration projects for specific needs, such as telehealth and education, etc. The details are a bit numbing, but in general, there are good opportunities we are working on to potentially accelerate progress. One of the challenges is around the rules that Congress included in how and when the money must be spent.

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Cabot Tree Warden

Hopefully, everyone is enjoying summer, though it has been hot lately. By now, the new normal of face masks and physical distancing has become part of the daily routines for most of us. Though masks do not exactly make summer more enjoyable, they are a first line of defense against COVID-19 during this pandemic we are trying to keep under control. Another not-so-visible threat we are all exposed to during this time of year is ticks. Ticks are present in many of the places we spend time during the summer months. A couple of nights ago, I had a tick get on me in the kitchen from a spinach plant pulled from my garden. While cleaning and processing the spinach in the kitchen sink, the tick made its way on to my clothing, and then my skin. The tick was removed before it could attach and burrow into my skin. Unfortunately, tick encounters like mine are quite common and should illustrate the need for vigilance and regular tick checks during summer months. There are several types of ticks present in our forests and yards. Deer tick/ Blacklegged Tick are associated with Lyme disease and most people are familiar with these ticks. There are several other types of ticks which are present and may carry other diseases. The American Dog Tick, the Lone Star Tick, and the Woodchuck Tick are also found 2020 - Page 11

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Fiber Update

https://legislature.vermont.gov/ committee/document/2020/19/ Bill/274297#documents-section

In addition to this, CVFiber has completed a feasibility study and shared this with the Vermont Department of Public Service. Given the plan, we then engaged Interisle, our consultant partner, to develop a business plan. We have received the draft of this plan and are currently reviewing it. The hope is that, with this, we can pursue capital loan funding through VEDA. The intent would be to fund initial construction projects to provide service to a targeted area in one or more CUD communities. We are also actively pursuing several other funding sources, including major federal programs. We are communicating with many potential partners, including utilities, other CUDs, and existing but locally owned ISPs. To remind everyone, CVFiber is a group of now 20 communities working together to bring a better Internet to our underserved residents and businesses. Cabot has been a member since mid2018. While the task is complex and will take patience, we feel it is vital to the long-term economic development and health of our communities. All CVFiber meetings are public and warned. They typically are on the second Tuesday of the month in the elementary school in Berlin, or currently virtually. The website is at https://cvfiber.net/. If you have any questions please feel free to email me, Andy Gilbert, at andy@agilbert.net.

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T REE W ARDEN

in Vermont. The Lone Star Tick is rarely found in Vermont but occasionally are transported on birds moving north during migration. Prevention and regular tick checks are the proper steps to keep ticks off you if spending time in your yard, garden, or woodlot. For clothing, the preference is light colored clothing for easier spotting of ticks if one gets onto your clothes. Prevention includes applications of Insect repellent with up to 30% DEET to skin, and Permethrin to boots, clothing, and gear. If you choose to apply Permethrin, please read and follow the guidelines for application on the packaging (Do not apply to skin! ). After returning home, a tick check is paramount to removing any ticks that may have gotten past the insect repellent and Permethrin. Permethrin is readily available in many types of containers, including aerosol containers, spray bottles, and quart sized containers of Permethrin concentrate - with the quart sized containers being the most economical way to purchase Permethrin. Clothing is also available that is impregnated with Permethrin, with protection lasting through 50 washings. If using Permethrin concentrate, please follow the instructions and wear gloves while diluting and mixing for use into a spray container. The steps above may seem too much trouble for some but will protect against ticks if heading outdoors. Please be tick smart and enjoy your time outdoors this summer.

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Cabot Historical Society

Cabot’s Main Street propelled a legal case all the way to Vermont’s Supreme Court. ISRAEL CUTTING Qui tam vs. JOSEPH STONE Caledonia March 1835. Israel Cutting wanted a fine of $10 from Joseph Stone. Stone rescued his cow from the Cabot pound, where Cutting confined it. Cutting was a canny businessman. Fisher’s history of Cabot said, “ In 1840, a starch factory was built below the shops on the river, by Israel Cutting, which like everything else in his hands, proved lucrative In connection with his factory, he built a grist and a sawmill which he ran a few years.” Cutting’s claim was based on an 1819 law that provided selectmen, on proper application, are to “lay out and establish the limits and bounds” of a village. It established penalties, for allowing cattle, horses, geese, etc. to run at large within legal village bounds. The statute allowed impounding horses and cattle to enforce the penalty. Vermont statutes included: § 3451. Cattle, horses or swine - If a person suffers his or her neat cattle, horses, or swine to run at large on the highways or commons, any person may impound them. The owner shall pay the charges of the impounder and poundkeeper, and the poundkeeper shall not release such animals until the charges are paid. § 3483. Hindering retaking - A person who hinders or impedes a poundkeeper or impounder in retaking an animal shall be fined $10.00 and shall pay the damages to the person injured. § 3484. Taking beast from, or impeding impounder - A person who

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Saturday September

39 Main Street, www.faithinactionvt.org 12

rescues an animal from the custody of a person driving or about to drive it to pound, or resists him in so doing, shall be fined $10.00 and shall pay the damages to the person injured The first appeal of the fine was to Caledonia County Court. (Cabot was in Caledonia County until 1855.) Stone’s final appeal went to the Vermont Supreme Court. The Supreme Court found the selectman did receive an application and established a village. They also properly posted notices of the new village. Stone’s cow did wander onto neighboring property on Main Street. What the selectmen did not do was properly describe limits and bounds of the village. Instead of citing physical points at the village edges, or having village borders surveyed, the selectmen defined the village by listing real estate owners in the village. This was too vague for the court. The court could not definitively determine if the cow was grazing inside or outside legal village limits. Cutting did not get ten dollars from Stone. (The $10 would be worth $300 in 2020.) Stone’s plodding cow slowed establishing legally enforceable village limits until more than 30 years later, in 1866. The village merged back into the town in 2010.

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Turkey Hunting Regulation Change

The turkey regulation proposal deletes unnecessary definitions, defines youth and novice hunters, establishes a novice turkey hunting weekend at the same time as the youth turkey hunting weekend, sets requirements related to hunting licenses and the attendance of an unarmed adult hunter for youth and novice hunters, and amends shot size to allow smaller shot.

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Change

The big game reporting regulation proposal allows the Commissioner to authorize hunters to report turkey and deer electronically, by telephone or any other method. It also allows the Commissioner to allow electronic reporting of moose and bear in an emergency.

Efficiency Vermont provides objective and financial support to help you comfortable spaces. Here’s how Efficiency

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Public Hearing Information

Date: Monday, August 24, 2020 Start time: 6:30 p.m. Meeting ID: 862 2360 4609 Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/86223604609

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 Start Time: 6:30 p.m. Meeting ID: 879 2805 7824 Meeting Link: https:/us02web.zoom.us/ j/87928057824

Public comments will be taken during the online hearings and over the phone but can also be provided by sending them to ANR.FWPublicComment @vermont.gov by Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

little help from

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Vermonters

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and statewide efforts to drive eneconomy and environment. in energy and water costs over in efficient equipment and build-

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Executive Director

At Twin Valley Seniors, we want you to know that we understand your concerns about bringing prepared food into your home from other areas during this difficult time. I want to reassure you that Twin Valley Senior Center takes the highest sanitary precautions for food preparation. These precautions are not only taken just through the pandemic, but are followed every time there is any meal preparation at the center. The center contracts with Central Vermont Council on Aging, which helps cover the costs of meals produced. We are paid $3.65 per meal toward the cost of production. Any person age 60+, regardless of ability to pay toward meals, can receive as many meals as needed to help them have proper nutrition throughout the week. Each person getting meals may also get a quart of milk weekly. The cost to the center for producing these meals, including wages, supplies for packaging, and food (other than free Food Bank meats we can secure, fresh vegetables provided by local residents and Community Harvest of VT) averages out to approximate $9.00 per meal to produce. The dedicated delivery volunteers receive a small token of $.58 per mile if they wish to accept, some mileage is donated monthly. Our menu is prepared a month in advance and approved by a registered Dietician (or changes are made if the nutritional values are not properly met). At the center, the meals are prepared by the cook, packaged by one or two Meals on Wheels volunteers, and then delivered by volunteer drivers to the clients’

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ENIOR C ENTER

homes. The Senior Center doors are locked to the public all day. The cook and the 2-3 helpers working the meals, myself and an assistant are the only ones at the center weekly. All of us wears mask, use rubber gloves where needed, hand wash frequently, and keep a safe distance from each other throughout the day. The volunteer drivers are not allowed in the center. Their delivery bags are placed on the porch, where they pick them up for delivery. The drivers have all been issued the state guidelines, and have been furnished with rubber gloves, masks and hand sanitizer. They do not go into the homes of their clients. They leave the meals in coolers that the clients have outside their doors. Drivers call or check to see if clients are at their windows to see the drivers. After the driver’s completion of delivery, they return the delivery bags to the porch at the center. The bags are brought inside the center and are sanitized for the next delivery day. We hope that by sharing this information, people may have an easier time deciding whether to sign up for Meals on Wheels deliveries. Your health, well being and nutrition are important to us, and we look forward to seeing you again in the near future! I encourage you to contact the center if you have any questions about our home delivered or curbside meals. Cen-

twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net.

Advertising in

is a great way to reach up to 1900 households in Cabot, Marshfield, Plainfield, Hardwick, and Danville! Spread the word about your product or service while helping to support a great community resource.

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Curbside library service has been

busy throughout the summer. It’s great that so many people have been taking advantage of the new books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVD’s the library has to offer. Call email (cabotlibrary@yahoo.com) or browse our online catalog on our website (www.cabotlibrary.com) to request items. Pick up times are coordinated with patrons Monday through Thursdays. If you need a library card, we will set you up over the phone or by email. Stay tuned as we determine our next steps in the reopening process.

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Instructions for using the online

catalog: 1. Go to our website: www.cabotlibrary.com 2. Click on THE CPL CATALOG 3. Reserve item by clicking “Request Hold” to the right of selected item 4. We will gather the materials 5. We will call you or email you and set up a pick-up time Monday through Thursday. 6. Materials will be bagged, labeled with your name, and put on a cart in the back foyer at your pick-up time. Don’t know what you want to read? We’ll help you pick out something!

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State Park and Echo Center Passes

– Call or email to borrow the Vermont State Parks Pass, which is good for FREE ENTRY into any Vermont State Park day use area - up to eight people in one vehicle. If you are not a library patron, we'll get you set up over the phone or email. Also - starting July 10, Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain will be open Fridays through Mondays –

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Library Help with Preserving

by Kathleen Hoyne

The Cabot Public Library is here for you if you’d like to learn about preserving foods – everything from pickling and canning, to drying, and fermenting. We also have books on curing meats, cheese making, beekeeping, mushroom farming, orcharding, wild edibles, and vegetable ing. If we gardendon’t have it, we’ll find it for you. Find and reserve books through our online catalog at www.cabotlib rary.com or by calling/emailing

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Online resources :

RB (Recorded Books) Digital – Over 9,400 downloadable audiobooks, 725 downloadable e-books. There are no holds or waiting lists for core titles; they are always available. Contact the library for sign up info. Green Mountain Library Consortium/ Overdrive/Listen Up! Vermont – 17,000 audio/e-books downloadable and free. Everything and anything. Contact the library for sign up info. Universal Class – Access over 500 online courses free. This might be the perfect time to take that class you've always wanted to. Contact the library for sign in details. Vermont Online Library - Covering everything from newspaper articles to DIY car repair, the Vermont Online Library (VOL) can help with any topic. Available for free to all Vermonters, VOL has options for all ages from elementary school through adult. You can even use it to read current articles from the NY Times, Washington Post, the Economist, and more. Use the link on our website. Free ebooks – https://www.gutenberg.org Wi-Fi- The Wi-Fi will stay on, as always, and patrons can access it from outside the building.

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Fall Educational Plans – As schools

manage reopening – whether online, in person, or a combination of both, we are here for you. We can help navigate online resources and help access research materials available throughout the state. Many thanks to our Library Trustees – Linda Gabrielson, Jeannie McCallum, Angela Ogle, Kurt Steinert, Beth Wade and student representative, Mekiah Smith for all their support and help throughout these uncertain times. Kathleen Hoyne Library Director

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← From the Cabot Chronicle