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The Cabot Chronicle

August/September 2021 · 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 2021 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

What Do You Want from Your School?

It’s mid-July, and we have just come through a difficult 15-months where the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted and then reconfigured what we have long understood to be the routine of school. Starting with a total shutdown in mid- March 2020, we evolved to a hybrid model of instruction for reopening in the fall, with some grades in school two-days a week, others four, and everyone’s day shortened to accommodate the need to support remote students. Finally, we saw the beginning glimmers of normality in June - a well-attended Demonstration of Learning followed by a beautiful high school graduation on the CSPAC lawn, and we are looking forward to having all our students back on campus in August. From the Administration’s and Board’s perspective, the last three months of the school year were clouded by a familiar saga in Cabot – the ongoing struggle to find a school budget that would be supported by a majority of the voters. Similar to the experience of 2018 and 2019, it took three votes by the community to finally pass a budget – this year on June 22, just a week from the end of the fiscal year. Following a familiar pattern, the Board and Administration worked in a bit of a vacuum to come up with its initial budget proposal – the Board minutes starting in January show no attendance by the public during the Board’s deliberations on the needs of the school for the upcoming school year. No public attendance means no public input, and even the required District meetings prior to each vote were poorly attended, depriving us of any feedback on what the wider Cabot community is looking for when it comes to running a school. The Board isn’t sitting back on its heels, celebrating a passed budget, and pretending as if there are no disconnects between the community, mission and operations of the school. Work has already begun on three fronts, based on concerns that have surfaced off-line. The Administration, at the Board’s direction, has commenced a financial analysis of the costs, benefits, and challenges of operating a PK-12 school in Cabot Vermont. A first look at this work is on the agenda for the July 26th Board Meeting.

What does the community want?

Following the successful budget vote on June 22nd, a community member shared comments they had heard in the community on why voters are saying ‘no’ to the school budget. This anecdotal report highlighted three constituencies that appear to be firmly in the ‘no’ column. I am going to touch on each of these in turn, by way of setting some context. These concerns will be addressed and talked about over the next several months, and it will be great if you can find your way to joining any of these conversations:

Do you want a school in Cabot?

Some in the community see no value to having a school in town. They do not have children in the school, and feel it is too expensive to operate the school - they seem to want the community to close its school. Closing the school does not relieve Cabot taxpayers of their responsibility to educate resident students – if the town school does not operate, in one form or another, the taxpayers will still have to approve a budget every year, the difference being that 100% of the school funding will be directed to other schools that accept Cabot students. As the community considers this option, here are some questions that we should be discussing:  What will it cost the taxpayers to tuition all its school-age children to other communities? Will that save money, or cost more money?  How do parents feel about having no

voice in how your children are educated? In a school choice model, you do not have a seat at the table when some other school board makes decisions affecting your child’s education.  How will your students get to school?

Full school choice (no school in town) means no transportation to and from school. Is everyone in town with school-aged children prepared to transport their children to a school of their choice?  What happens to the fabric of the community if there is no school to anchor the village? What is the potential impact to the village businesses, i.e., what financial benefit derives from having staff and students in the village every day? And what becomes of community identity and cohesion if there is no school? How do we control costs in a choice environment? Some families will leave town, others who do not currently enroll their children may do so because they have school choice. Each year, the budget will fluctuate up and down, based on the number of students and which school each student attends.

What exactly is behind projectbased learning and multi-age classrooms? Two things have changed at Cabot School over the past three years. First, the high school instructional model shifted from traditional standalone classes to an integrated, project studio model. Second, the school shifted to a multi-age elementary model. Both decisions were driven by the need to offer programs at a cost that the community will sustain. But these changes have left some in the community scratching their heads, because the school today does not look like school in the past. Some things to think about include:  The Board and administration are

quite confident in the research and design that went into these new models and satisfied with the outcomes of these changes. If you are a doubter or just don’t understand, how can we do a better job of informing you on how these models work, and why we believe in them?  Regarding High School, we committed

to proficiency-based grading four years ago (a State expectation). How does the project studio approach align to proficiency grading, and why does it work better than a traditional model?  Regarding multi-age elementary classrooms, in what ways does this appear to work better for our students than the standalone classroom/grade model that it replaced?  What can we do to draw residents who

do not have students in the system to the campus, so that you can see the work that we do and understand why we do it this way? The school belongs to all the residents and taxpayers in Cabot. Are Cabot High School students being deprived of opportunities because of how the high school operates?

Does operating a small school limit the social opportunities for students? Some children have difficulty making friends in school, and for those families, it is tempting to think the solution lies with putting their child in a larger school - more kids, more opportunities for friendship. Cabot spends a lot of money supporting the socialemotional learning needs of a very diverse school-aged population, and we spend a lot of time thinking and talking about how to do this better:  Would your child do better in a larger

school? Or do they do better in a school like Cabot that is attuned to understanding and resolving the underlying difficulties that children experience in the first place?  Cabot’s approach is to purposely and

methodically teach all students the skills they need to develop and maintain good peer relationships. How do you think we are doing in this regard? Are we doing enough? Too much?  What about other basic social needs proms, field trips, etc. Can we partner with other schools to create a more critical mass of students for a high school prom? Can we team up with other schools to enhance field trips and other extracurricular opportunities?  What have we learned from partnering with Twinfield for high school sports opportunities for the past three years? Is that a model that we can expand upon to leverage partnerships? Will there be a school in Cabot in the years to come, and what will it look like? All the above is intended to start a conversation, not to make that decision for you. The existence of or scaled-back complexion of Cabot School is a policy question that will ultimately be decided by the taxpayers. And because it is an important question, it should be answered before the Board asks you to pass another budget. If you want a voice in what happens, please speak up. The Board is looking into these and other questions now. Please watch for upcoming community forum announcements. Mark Tucker, Superintendent, CCSU

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Voter Approval Required at August 10 Special School Meeting To Authorize Bank Loan

On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. a Special Meeting of the Cabot School District will occur at the Cabot School Gymnasium to conduct a floor vote to consider whether to authorize the district to borrow an amount not to exceed $285,000 for a period not to exceed three years, for the purpose of retiring the FY ‘20 deficit of the general fund. The initial payment on this loan was included as an anticipated expense in approved FY ’22 budget. As communicated in our annual report, the FY ’20 deficit was a major factor in the difficulties reaching a budget that the town was willing to support. The board determined that spreading out the repayment over several years was better than a larger one-time payment.

The FY ’20 budget cycle stands in contrast to other recent years, where the district typically met its budget or had an end of year surplus. The largest driver of the deficit was unanticipated/unbudgeted special education costs, while the food service budget and teacher retirement contributions also factored in. Banking institutions require approval by the district, presented as a public question (not a budget item) before extending a loan. Additional information about the terms and structure of the loan will be provided. As this expenditure is already factored into the FY ’22 school budget, there is no change or impact on the approved budget and corresponding tax rate.

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Tuesday, August 10, 2021 - 6:00 p.m. - Cabot School Gymnasium

To conduct a floor vote to consider whether to authorize the district to borrow an amount not to exceed $285,000 for a period not to exceed three years, for the purpose of retiring the FY ‘20 deficit of the general fund. See article on this page for details.

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Cabot Harvest Hub Update

by Elizabeth Vitale The Cabot Harvest Hub, which opened at the beginning of July, has had a really strong start – with more than 25 participating Producers (and more being added weekly!) and 150+ products for sale. It is apparent that this online market is filling a need our community has had for some time. The Hub Shop showcases the breadth and depth of our talented local farmers, gardeners and artisans with beautiful produce, scrumptious meats, heavenly baked goods, and an amazing array of specialty products. We are continuing to work diligently to source new items for the Hub site. If you are looking for something in particular, please reach out to us so we can look for someone who produces that product. [email protected] Thank you everyone who has shopped at the Cabot Harvest Hub in July – your participation during our pilot project helps ensure we can continue the Hub in the future. If you haven’t had a chance to shop yet, please check it out at http://cabotharvesthub.org. If you think the Cabot Harvest Hub initiative is good for our community, then we hope you will join at the Harvest level Membership for a fee of $10 as a sign of that commitment. We know that the more families who join as buyers, the more producers will find it worthwhile to broaden the products they offer. You can place your Hub order anytime from Monday at noon until Thursday at 5pm. Customers then pick up their order on Saturday morning between 9 am-11 am at the Faith in Action Masonic Hall, 3339 Main Street in Cabot. Also, be sure to join us for our Kids and Cookies event on July 31 from 9 am- 11 am at the Masonic Hall, 3339 Main Street in Cabot for Little Backpack Bakery’s paint-your-own cookie demonstration, the Sheep Shops chicks and ducklings, E.N.D.’s Blends tea samples, and the Cabot Rec Committee’s Face Painting! Rain Date: August 7. Shopping at the Cabot Harvest Hub, in addition to our fabulous local stores and restaurants, is a great way to support your neighbors, strengthen our local economy, and sustain Cabot’s future.

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EV Station Update!

Thanks to the generosity of residents and friends of Cabot, the EV station project is moving forward! The fundraising goal has been met, the electrician has been hired, and the station is on order. Stay tuned for more updates!

Jim Wolynetz

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Join Us to Celebrate the Opening of the 2021-2022 School Year

As we return to learning for the 2021- 2022 school year, Cabot School students, faculty, and staff are excited to welcome community members back onto campus. Last year, my first year as principal of Cabot School, was fraught with the challenge of navigating school safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Often hidden from public view were the many joyful moments of learning and connecting we were able to support. We are looking forward to continuing to grow our rich project-based learning approach. Cabot School has long known what is now being touted as the way forward as we emerge from the pandemic; relevant and rigorous interdisciplinary projects are the key to successful student learning. Students across grades engaged in meaningful work by creating podcasts of stories in the community, building an outdoor classroom space, making recommendations about how Cabot School could reduce its carbon footprint, and researching animals in the arctic and Antarctic to explore habitat and adaptation. These learning experiences allow students to practice the skills colleges and employers value: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, research, etc. Project-based learning mirrors the complexities of the world students will be confronted with, and if there is anything that this time has taught us, it is that we need young people with those skills to help guide us into the future. At the same time, we began an initiative called Crew last year to help connect students within and across our grades. The Crew structure and mindset is rooted in the phrase, “we are crew, not passengers.” Our Crew structure ensures that all students are known well and gives all students a place to practice valuable leadership skills such as communication, collaboration, problemsolving, conflict resolution, etc. Our cohort level crews extend to Cabot Crews that are multi-grade and offer the opportunity for our students to work together and connect with each other across grades. This year we are continuing to focus on being one school, one community, and one crew. Friends and families are invaluable partners to our work. Walking students to classrooms, joining us for days in the dirt, harvest supper, exhibitions of learning, and signing up to mentor students are all ways to join in the work of being crew. The first opportunity to join with the school community will be Friday, August 27, at 2:30 p.m. There we will welcome in the new school year with an opening circle, and we invite families and friends to join us in celebrating the beginning of school. I look forward to a school year where we, the friends, families, students, faculty, and staff of Cabot School can be crew together as we celebrate the learning of our young people.

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Current Use Program Deadlines Upcoming

2021 Use Values Property Type

Agricultural Land Forest Land & Conservation Land Greater than one mile from a Class I, II, or III Road Application Requirements

Along with the application you must submit: 1. Three (3) copies of a map that meet the

program’s mapping standards 2. Application fee 3.A completed CU-307, Current Use

Payment Voucher 4.The supporting documentation indicated on the application form The primary landowner listed on the application form will be notified of PVRs decision concerning the eligibility of the parcel and the use value for the current tax year. After the application is approved and recorded in the municipal land records, a contingent lien is placed on the enrolled land. Once the property has been enrolled it will continue in the program unless it is withdrawn by the owner or the PVR; it is converted or developed; or it becomes ineligible. If the landowner changes the use of the land or develops it, the landowner may be assessed a Land Use Change Tax.

How to Apply Online

Online Current Use, also known as eCuse is designed to employ the efficiencies and speed of electronic processing so that it is easy to use, easy to navigate, and convenient for all users. The eCuse system allows property owners to submit online applications to the Current Use Program. This service is accessible 24/7 and provides efficient processing and eliminates the need for mailings and postage.

By Paper Form

Using the correct forms will smooth processing to meet application dead- Due Dates

Date Due The Current Use Advisory Board established the Use Values for the 2021 tax year on January 28, 2021.

Amount

$405/acre $152/acre

$114/acre lines. New applicants for and current participants in the Current Use Program administered by the Division of Property Valuation and Review may facilitate the prompt and efficient administration of the program by using the correct forms and payment vouchers. Using the wrong forms or sending in a payment without a payment voucher may delay your application or result in a denial due to missed deadlines.

CU-301, Current Use Program Use Value Appraisal Application for Agricultural Land, Forest Land, Conservation Land and Farm  New applications for the Current Use Program  Applications to add land to a parcel of land currently enrolled in the program  Transfers of land currently enrolled in the program to a new owner Please read all instructions carefully. You may list up to three owners on Form CU-301. Be sure to designate the Primary Contact as that is the person who will receive all communications from the program regarding the application. All owners must sign the application. The application fee is $100, which must be submitted with Form CU-307, Current Use Payment Voucher. If you are applying to enroll forest or conservation land, please make sure maps and plans are submitted to the appropriate county forester. If you are applying to enroll agricultural land, you may be required to submit additional information. The instructions on the application will help you identify any additional information you should submit with your application.

Applications must be submitted or postmarked for new enrollments and additions to existing enrollments to the Current Use Program. Parcels that do not have managed forest land, three (3) copies of the current use map. For new parcels and additions to enrollment with managed forest land or conservation land, a signed copy of the management plan and three (3) copies of the current use map are due to the County Forester.

Sept. 1 Oct. 1 Transfer applications and all required submittals are due to the Current Use Program and the County Forester 30 days after a transfer has been recorded. For more information, go to https://tax.vermont.gov/property-owners/current-use.

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Cabot Fire Department Calls June

by Chip Taylor Your Fire Department was very active in June. We had 12 calls, which averages to more than one every three days. There were four fire alarm activations, four accidents, three grass fires, and one Work Detail. Four calls were in Cabot, one in Walden and the rest in Marshfield. Once again, this shows the importance of Mutual Aid agreements, particularly in the daytime when many fire department members. are away at work and unable to answer calls. The days of a shop keeper simply closing up and heading to the fire station are long gone. Cabot is very fortunate that any Cabot fire call automatically brings Marshfield and Walden Fire Departments. Thanks to radios, responding departments can always be returned with a "Thank you for your response" if they are not needed.

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Many Dog Licenses Still Overdue

by Betty Ritter, Cabot Town Clerk

By state law, dogs must be licensed as of April 1 of each year. We understand the pandemic made everything more inconvenient, but we still need to register many family dogs. We are missing renewals on almost half.

Please call the town clerk’s office at 563-2279 to ensure rabies vaccinations are up to date, then you can drop off a check at the lockbox at the back of town hall or mail your check in to PO Box 36, Cabot, VT 05647. No late fees assessed.

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OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Steven J. Badore Steven James Badore, 47, a former Barre resident, passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington, due to complications following a stroke.

Born on July 23, 1973, in Berlin, he was the son of Julie Thompson. Steven attended Calais Elementary School and graduated from U32 High School. Following graduation, he made his home in the Barre area before moving to the Hardwick/Walden area. He was employed for many years at the Central Vermont Medical Center and Jet Service Envelope, then worked tirelessly with his brother landscaping. In his spare time, Christopher Dingman Christopher Dingman, 31, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 18, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home, following a brief illness. Christopher loved spending time with family, camping and at his grandparents' driving tractors and his beloved Ford F150 pickup truck. Christopher is survived by his mother and father, Penny and Michael Weeks, of he enjoyed bowling. He was an avid bowler and made many friends in the bowling community. He also enjoyed fishing, being outdoors and spending time with his children and his family. Survivors include his children, Evin Badore, of Williamstown, Alex Badore and his wife, Brittney, and their three children, of Fort Drum, NY, Emma Badore, of Walden, and Skyler Badore, of Northfield; his mother, Julie Thompson, of Barre; his brother, Jeff Badore and his wife, Tracie, of Walden, and their children, Abigail and Gavin; his sister, Lisa Badore, of Fairfax; and his faithful companion, his dog, Bear; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents. For a memorial guestbook, please visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com.

Barre; his dad, David Dingman, of North Concord, VT; grandparents, Harold and Nancy Houston, of Cabot; cousins, Jacob and wife Jenesse Benway, of Walden, Dylan and Brianna Benway, of Deerfield, N H. Per Christopher's wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home in Barre assisted the family. Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at: www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com.

Benson C. Sargent son’s birth home was on Terry Hill in Fairlee, where Benson enjoyed telling the story of how his older brothers advised him that, on his birthday, May 18, 1943, his mom had been gone from home a week or ten days and then suddenly returned with Benson, with neither brother (five and 10 years older) knowing exactly where their Mom had been, where Benson had come from, or how he had gotten there … the Five and Dime, perhaps, or Montgomery Wards? In 1961, Benson graduated from Bradford Academy where he was a fouryear letterman in baseball and golf and was elected president of his class for four years. In 1965, Benson earned a BSCE degree in Civil Engineering and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army at Norwich University. A month after earning his BSCE, Benson and Pat exchanged marriage vows at the Fairlee Federated Church. It was their love of dancing that first attracted them to each other. Over the course of their 56-year marriage, Benson and Patricia were blessed with four children, two daughters and two sons. Then, suddenly and quite tragically, their daughter, Kelly, was called by our Lord Jesus within 24 hours at the age of 7, when Benson, Pat and family resided in Barre. After 25 years of active duty and reserve duty, Benson retired from the Army as a Lt. Col. During his active-duty years, he served in the Dominican Republic, then at Fort Bragg, NC. His Army Reserve assignments were in Vermont and Virginia. After completion of his active-duty Army commitments, Benson pursued a professional civilian career in environmental engineering. His years with Vermont’s Environmental Conservation Department and Water Supply Division culminated in his rise to deputy director of Vermont’s Water Supply Division. In 2001, upon retiring from the State of Vermont after 30 years, Benson was asked to join the U.S. Public Health Service as a water systems engineer on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, where he built community-style water systems for ten years. Perhaps his greatest Navajo reward was being honored with the Indian Health Service Director’s Award in 2003 for “outstanding performance, dedication, and commitments to the overall mission of the Indian Health Service, United States Public Health Service.” Survivors include his wife, Pat, who lovingly cared for him in recent months as his health declined; his three children, Beth Hoffman and her husband, Ry, of Cabot, Todd Sargent and his wife, Katia, of Nassau, the Bahamas, and Chris Sargent and his partner, Deborah Kelly, of Chicago; his five grandchildren, Camryn and Summer Hoffman, of Cabot, and Luka, Noelia and Paulo Sargent, of Nassau, the Bahamas; his two brothers, Harold E. Sargent, of Barre, with extended family, and Paul A. Sargent and his wife, Joan, of Fairlee, with extended family. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Kelly; his nephew, Mark Sargent; his sister-in-law, Evelyn "Peggy" Sargent; and many aunts and uncles. A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. in the Barre Congregation Church, 35 Church St., Barre. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barre Opera House, P.O. Box 583, Barre, VT 05641; or to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. Arrangements are by Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre. For a memorial guestbook, please visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com.

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From page 4

Benson Collins Sargent, 78, passed away peacefully from pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his wife of 56 years and his immediate family. Benney and was also employed by Hamilton Standard. He was a former member of the East Windsor Lions Club, Simsbury Rotary Club, First Church of Christ Simsbury and the United Church of Cabot. An explorer at heart, Tom enjoyed traveling and visited China, Europe and throughout the United States. He loved planes, history, animals, UCONN basketball and most of all, his family and dear friends. His kind gentle nature, sense of humor and laughter will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his children, Tom leaves his brother Francis of Waterbury, CT, and his grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Hanna, Natalie and Jack. Tom’s family will be gathering for a celebration of his life at a later date. Please consider a donation to your favorite animal shelter in Tom’s memory.

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From page 4

Christine Louise Brown Christine Brown, 57, of Marshfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July

Thomas R. Crose, Sr.

Thomas R. Crose, Sr., former resident of Cabot, VT and Simsbury, CT, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2021, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Berlin, VT. Tom was born on February 20, 1939, in Waterbury, CT, to the late Francis and Florence Crose. After graduating from Crosby High School, Tom attended UCONN, where he earned a BA in history and more importantly, met the love of his life, Patricia Smith, who predeceased him on February 19, 2009. Tom and Pat were married on December 19, 1964. They had two children, Kristine Stecker of Cabot, and Thomas Crose, Jr. of Old Lyme, CT. Tom served in the US Navy aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. and was honorably discharged in 1964. He enjoyed a 20-year career at Pratt Whit- 11, 2021. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Covenant Ministries in Cabot, VT.

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Town Reviews Beer Garden Shack

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The Development Review Board (DRB) held a hearing on June 28 to review a change to the site plan for building next to the Harry’s Hardware, which is sometimes called Goldies. A letter to the interested parties had been sent out earlier in the month stating it was a Zoom meeting, but by the time of the meeting the pandemic restrictions had been lifted and it was warned as a physical meeting with Zoom. However, the Town Clerk could not get Zoom to work and anyone trying to attend that way was not able to do so. Mike Hogan, the chair of the DRB, started the hearing by reading the application for a “portable hut built of cedar/pine measuring 8’x10’ for use in beer garden area approved for outdoor consumption town/DLC. No water/sewer/electrical hookups. Currently located in parking area.” Mike noted that the property on which the hut is located is owned by Cabot Village Ventures and is under site review, and any changes must be approved by the DRB. Johanna Thibault, a co-owner of Harry’s Hardware, spoke about the hut and said it does not change the site plan since the hut is portable, as it sits on skids and can be moved. She added that last year with the COVID restrictions there was a need for an outdoor space, and they got licenses for outdoor alcohol consumption, and it worked nicely. Continuing, she said that this year they decided to build a temporary hut so the Den could monitor the area. When they reapplied for the outdoor consumption along with the liquor licenses for this year, there were no issues. She agreed that they were here at the DRB because the land on which it is situated is under site review. The Zoning Administrator, Brittany Butler, commented that the hut is far enough away from the river, and it is moveable. Currently, the Den has a permit issued by the town for outdoor alcohol consumption valid from May 1, 2021 ‘til April 30, 2022. Larry Gochey, a member of the DRB, asked about “parking for the people in Goldies?” He mentioned that the resident has overnight parking, and others that use the building need parking. Alia Clary, co-owner of Harry’s Hardware, responded that the people visiting the businesses are not using the area for parking, rather they are using public parking. To which Larry pointed out that “if anything goes into Goldies, you are taking their parking.” Johanna countered that, if that is the issue, then the Den could move the tables. The businesses in Goldies are not open during the beer garden hours. Larry retorted that “we did that to Leonard, and he was supposed to park outback, and he didn’t”. He continued with an example using the cafe and the creamery store, noting that “you don’t know” what they will need. He added that “we don’t want them parking over here,” referring to the Willey Building, and noted they shouldn't be bending the rules. Will Ameden, speaking for Cabot Ventures, asked what the issue was with parking for the “Yellow Building” (a.k.a Goldies), to which Amy Hornblas, a member of the DRB, answered that the DRB “crunched it really hard to try and make the parking space work for that building.” Will queried the parking issue further, but Amy did not remember the particulars. At this point, Rory arrived at the meeting, originally intending to join via zoom, and spoke about the past issues of parking and the yellow building. He described that all the businesses have always relied upon public parking, adding that most of the spaces in the back are cramped and there is no handicap parking there. He reiterated the Beer Garden operational time was during a period when the businesses in the yellow building have no need for parking. Larry proposed that the Den could put the Beer Garden on the other side of Harry’s Hardware. To which Alia pointed out there isn’t space on the other side, there’s the woodshed and then the river. She reiterated they are perfectly happy to pick up the tables when outside of the Beer Garden hours. At this point, Brittany pointed out that parking isn’t in the zoning regulations, and that it comes from the state. But the state is trying to be lax about the regulations because of the problems it is causing in some towns. She also pointed out that the site plan for Goldies has the number of spaces for the businesses. To which Johanna asked if that could be conditional if it is coordinated between the Beer Garden and the businesses? Amy reiterated that this is the standard to which the DRB held the previous owner of the building, and it's in the zoning regulations. Mike interjected that economic development is important, and if the town is to survive it can’t be “petty” on a structure like this. Alia tried to change the commentary about parking by noting that they are “not choosing to take parking away” but are just choosing not to use the parking for three evenings a week. Amy asked, “How did this start?” She pointed out that whenever the Beer Garden was approved, that was when the parking was eliminated. Johanna responded by pointing out they were using it last year, and the regulations say 1.5 overnight parking spaces. She stated that she believed there was an agreement last year. To which Amy mentioned that the previous owner didn’t have enough spaces and he was not allowed to have all the businesses he wanted. Another member of the DRB spoke up, Jenn Miner, and expressed a concern that if they change things, it would be setting a precedent. Then Brad Alexander, a member of the DRB, asked if the Den was planning on moving the building in the winter. Alia responded that it was optional, but it is currently not in the way of plowing or parking. The permit for outdoor consumption is only from April 1 until October 31. Rory read from section 3.6 of the Zoning Regulations: “The Development Review Board (DRB) will establish minimum parking requirements and can adjust parking if the landowner can demonstrate there is adequate space for the intended use. This could include the use of off-site parking or written agreements for shared parking. “ At this point the DRB decided they would discuss the application further in deliberative session, which would occur at the end of the meeting after hearing the next two applications. After the deliberative session, the DRB had not reached a decision on the Den’s Beer Garden Shed. According to the minutes: “A motion was made to have a meeting on July 13, 2021, to go over everything after each one is researched and to go into Deliberative Session to make final decisions.” The continuation of the DRB hearing was held on the 22nd, after which the DRB still had not yet reached a decision. At the time of this writing no date had been set for another meeting.

The VLTC further explains that the Vermont Supreme court has ruled that it is important the minutes show there was a careful analysis of the need to enter into executive session before the motion is made. Once in executive session, according to the SoS guide, “... no formal action may be taken except for actions related to securing a real estate purchase option. In all other instances, appropriate topics may be discussed in executive session, but ultimate action must be taken by motion and vote in open session” The SoS guide concludes the act of going into executive session should be done rarely, and some bodies err on the side of caution and try to do all their business in public.

Emergency and Special Meetings: The SoS Guide simply states “An emergency meeting may be held in the event of a true emergency, that is, only when necessary to respond to an unforeseen occurrence or condition requiring immediate attention. Emergency meetings do not require public announcement, posting of notices, or 24-hour notice to members, so long as some public notice is given as soon as possible before the meeting. 1 V.S.A. § 312(c)(3). Note that an emergency meeting should not be used if the public body is able to comply with the 24-hour notice requirements for special meetings.” When the need is not an emergency, a board can call a special meeting with 24 hours of notice when the meeting is outside of the regular schedule. The SoS Guide explains “A special meeting occurs when a board meets at a time or place outside of its regular meeting schedule. At least 24 hours before each special meeting, a public body must publicly announce it by giving notice of the meeting’s time, place, and purpose to a newspaper or radio station serving the area, as well as to any person who has requested in writing to be notified of special meetings. 1 V.S.A. §§ 310(5), 312(c) (2), (5).”

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Open Meetings Explained - Part 3

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

One aspect of the Chronicle’s mission is to empower Cabot residents to participate in the governance and management of our town, and to that end this is a third in a series of articles explaining the intricacies of Vermont’s Open Meeting Laws. In this article, executive sessions and emergency meetings will be addressed. Other topics will be covered in future editions.

Executive Sessions: According to the Vermont Secretary of State (SoS) Guide to Open Meeting Law: “A public body may also enter into executive session, which is a closed portion of a public meeting. To enter executive session, a motion must be made in open session that indicates its reason for doing so, preferably naming the specific provision of Title 1, Section 313 that gives authority.” There is a litany of reasons why a board may enter executive session, and those are listed in detail in the law and the guide, but in general, the reason must be when “premature general public knowledge would clearly place the public body or a person involved at a substantial disadvantage.” The Vermont League of Towns and Cities (VLTC) Open Meeting FAQs explain this as “... there must be a reason that the subject cannot be discussed in open session at that time. For instance, if the municipality is in the midst of a contract negotiation, the selectboard would not want to discuss its proposed terms as that would give the other side an advantage at the bargaining table.” To enter executive session, a board must make a motion explaining the reason for the executive session. According to the VLTC FAQs, “A motion to go into executive session must be made during the open portion of a meeting and must indicate the nature of the business to be discussed. 1 V.S.A. §§ 313(a). We also recommend that you provide in your motion as much information as you can, without giving away the details that necessitate the executive session.”

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Selectboard Update: ARPA Funds & Fourth of July

The Selectboard has started meeting in person this month and has also made their meetings available through Zoom for the remainder of the summer, our intention is to return to full in person meetings starting in September unless we hear any changes from the Governor’s Office related to COVID. The Town has finished its FY21 year, and our financials are being audited by Sullivan & Powers CPA firm. The Board appreciates all the folks who have participated in our Zoom meetings this past year. As you know, it is very challenging for the Town Clerk's staff to get the best environment for all parties to participate. The minutes for selectboard meetings are available on the Town's website, as well as the audio portion. As you know, Congress has appropriated monies to the states under the ARPA legislation. Cabot is due to receive approximately $140,000 over the next two years to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts. There is an additional county allocation that will go to the counties in the state, from which Cabot will receive another amount of approximately $350,000. That amount has not been released and is being discussed by the state with the federal government. The Selectboard has briefly discussed this and will try to set aside some time soon to talk about how to disperse these monies. The Selectboard would like to thank all those folks who made the 4th of July parade such a success. It was amazing to see so many people working together to get this event going in such a short period of time. I think it speaks volumes to the people of Cabot working as a team. The Selectboard would like to thank the Town Clerk's Office for accommodating so many people and situations this past year to allow the business of the Town to run efficiently during COVID- 19. There are plenty of committees and groups in town that work on a variety of issues related to economic development, housing, zoning and so much more. If you are interested and have some time and would like to participate, please give the Town Clerk a call so she can direct you to the right people. Please consider attending our meetings each month. They are on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Thank you, Mike Hogan, Selectboard Chair.

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Cabot Trails Committee Update

by Gary Gulka The Trails Committee has been busy this spring and early winter working with Cabot landowners who are interested is sharing access to parts of their land for a public trail network in town. We are currently working with several landowners to provide a non-motorized trail from Marshfield Village to Cabot Village and beyond (using private lands and town roads), eventually linking the Cross Vermont Trail to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. The Cabot Winter Trail (winter access only) is being re-aligned and will be marked and mapped and ready for access by December 1. This trail was originally conceived and laid out by Rolf Muench, former hardware store owner, many years ago. We are working with the McQueeneys to include the established Melissa Jenkins Trail (on McQueeney Road) into our town trail network. We have had conversations with several other landowners who are interested in providing access to trails on their property and we will be having further discussions with them in the coming months. We are hoping to eventually establish a village trail so the residents and visitors alike can have another reason to visit the Cabot Village. The Trails Committee is looking to create a loop trail in the Town Forest and to improve year-round access off of South Walden Road. There are grant opportunities that we will be exploring in the coming months to support our work and expand our network. We hope to provide better access to trail maps in the coming months on the town web site and Trailforks, a national trail database. We appreciate the warm reception that we’ve had from Cabot landowners to consider opening up trails that cross their properties that are integral to our efforts. Eventually, we will be seeking residents to serve as trail stewards that can monitor certain sections of trails.

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Jaquith Public Library Summer Events 2021

All Events Will Be Held at The Old

Schoolhouse Common,

For more info:

122 School St., Marshfield, VT ~802-426-3581

[email protected] www.jaquithpubliclibrary.org Library hours: Tuesday through Friday 9-12

& 3-6; Curbside Saturday & Monday 9-12 Free Summer Concert Series - Thursdays at 6:30 pm Come on down to the Old Schoolhouse Common gazebo for free summer concerts! Enjoy great food from local food vendors or bring your own picnic. Baked goods, refreshments and books will be for sale by the Friends of the Jaquith and you can bid on fantastic items. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on. Who knows, you may even be inspired to get up and dance! August 5 - Atom & The Orbits: “We’ve taken the iceberg lettuce of 1950s rock and roll and sprinkled it with a healthy dose of Louisiana dance hall tradition. This is modern dance music served up the old-school way.” Vendor: T.B.A. August 12 - Nina Sklar and the Weather Birds: “Nina Sklar and the Weather Birds (Preston Murphy, Nina Skylar and friends) brings jazz and swing to brighten up your evening. Combining classic covers and original music, the group is sure to delight and make you dance the night away”. Vendor: Marshfield Village Store. Story and Activity Time: Kids Birth to Age 7 Wednesdays at 10a.m. - July 7 through August 18 Get ready for some "tail-wagging" fun! This summer, we will host thematic Story and Activity Times for our youngest patrons on Wednesday mornings in July and August, inspired by the theme "Tails and Tales". From safari adventures to wildflower wonderlands, these science, art, and nature-based programs will encourage exploration and critical-thinking, and lots of fun! Funded by VT Afterschool.

Storytelling & Improv Theater Camp with Dirt Road Theater August 10-13, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Suggested ages: 8-12. Registration Required. Space is limited. This fun and playful camp is a great introduction to theater and acting, as well as an excellent way to further the learning of those with some previous experience! In addition to learning basic theater terms and concepts, we will explore the process of creating characters using the powerful tools of our bodies and voices. We will also emphasize the importance of working as an ensemble to build cooperation and communication skills and to create effectively together. Through a variety of acting and improvisation games, we will learn that theater is a fantastic way to express yourself, make friends, and gain confidence! Funded by VT Afterschool Drive-in Moves Saturdays, come at 8 to settle in, movie starts at 8:15 Movie Titles to Be Announced Soon August 7, August 14, 21, 28, and September 4, 11 (No movie if it is raining). Harvest Festival and Community Celebration Sunday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marshfield Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free family friendly activities: face painting, cider pressing, arts and crafts, field games, music and more! Book sale, bake sale, horse and wagon rides, yard sale, craft sale and 50/50 raffle. “Chili-Cook-off”: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in our “Chili tent” and then vote for your best tasting chili and the cook will win a prize!! Salads and corn bread will complement the chili. $8 adults and $4 children. Barbecue if you don’t like chili: hamburgers from a local farm, hot dogs and veggie burgers will be for sale. Slide Show (Sponsored by the Marshfield Historical Society). Old Schoolhouse Common, 122 School St. Marshfield 05658. For info: [email protected] or 802-426-3581.

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Plastic Bags No Longer Recyclable

Northeast Kingdom Waste Management has notified

the Town of Cabot that they will no longer be taking plastic bags of any kind. The plastic bags will go in your

regular trash. They will still be taking plastic containers

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

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ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

Invasive Plants Invasive plants are a common problem in most parts of Vermont and Cabot has many invasives plants. The most common invasive plants that are found in Cabot include (Morrow’s) Bush Honeysuckle, Common Buckthorn, and Wild Parsnip. There are other invasive plants present in Cabot, but these are the most common invasives present. Most invasive plants outcompete for space and eventually grow in place of the native plants in our forests. A few of Vermont’s invasive plants are extremely dangerous to be in contact with due to phototoxic sap. Phototoxic plant sap means the sap reacts to ultraviolet light(sunlight) when in contact with skin and can cause blistering burns to skin. Wild Parsnip and Giant Hogweed are two invasive plants that are best avoided, as both plants have phototoxic sap. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is less prevalent than Wild Parsnip, but unfortunately Cabot has a patch of Giant Hogweed on Elm Street. There could be other occurrences of Giant Hogweed along Cabot’s roadsides, but I am not aware of any at this time. Giant Hogweed sap combined with ultraviolet light (sunlight) causes serious burns to skin and has the potential to cause permanent blindness if it contacts eyes. The best way to avoid contact with this plant is through the proper Identification of GiantHogwed ( htps : / /www.vtinvasives.org/invasive/gianthogweed), the URL given is the VT Invasives page on Giant Hogweed. There are many photos on this page of Giant Hogweed and a photo of Cow’s Parsnip, a native plant that is a common look-alike. After looking at these photos, then seeing Giant Hogweed up close, proper identification will be easy. Giant Hogweed has many unique characteristics that are obvious when observed; these include stems two to four inches in diameter, purple patches on the stems of the plants, and white flowers that can reach two and a half feet in diameter. These plants grow tall, with plants of seven to fifteen feet tall being commonplace. Another easily identifiable trait are the deeply lobed sharp pointed leaves which are typically three to five feet in breadth. The plants also reproduce by seed dispersion, with the plants producing as many as 1500 seeds per flower head. Due to the seed dispersion in mid- July, it is important to cut the plants down by early in July as I did this year to prevent it from reproducing and spreading. Please learn how to identify this plant and stay safe.

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CVFiber One Step Closer to Cabot

The big news this month is that CVFiber is about to take the first realworld, physical step toward building a fiber network. But there’s lots more going on as well. The pace is only going to get faster from here on.

The Construction Plan

CVFiber’s first priority is to make 100/100 Mbps service available to the 6,100 underserved within the district. If you don’t have service, or your service is less than 25/3 Mbps, “underserved” means you, along with about 54% of Cabot’s households and businesses. An additional 44% have speeds of 25/3 or better (at least occasionally), but only 14 locations enjoy speeds of 100/100, which will be standard with CVFiber. The goal is to make service available to 50% of underserved locations in 2022, 80% in 2023, and 95% in 2024. Plans call for construction and making service available to more than 3,800 underserved in twelve communities in 2022, a project consisting of installing more than 300 miles of fiber. In 2023 another 300 miles of fiber will be installed and service offered to another 2,000+ underserved in five communities; in 2024, 300 miles of fiber and service extended to nearly 1,000 underserved. These plans depend on the availability of funds, materials, and contractors in a tight labor market.

First Steps

CVFiber is about to take the first physical steps toward building its fiber network. Very soon, crews from consulting companies Apex, Eustis, and Tilson will begin conducting a pole inventory —collecting more than 50 different kinds of information about every utility pole. You will see the CVFiber logo displayed on their work vehicles. Precise information about every pole is necessary to design, make-ready, and build our fiber network. Inventory work in Cabot should follow later this year.

Seeking a Service Operator

On July 21, CVFiber issued an RFP (request for proposals) from firms that could develop and operate our fiber network. The chosen firm or firms would manage construction, operate the network, be our internet service provider, and manage the business. Proposals are due by August 20. The firm or firms would work under the direction of the CVFiber Governing Board, which consists of one delegate appointed from each member community.

High-level Design

The design of our network will happen in two phases. We have solicited proposals for a high-level design contractor and are currently in negotiations with potential contractors. The chosen contractor will also perform and develop the construction plans.

Seeking Grants from the State of Vermont

CVFiber has already received nearly $1 million in grants from the state of Vermont to pay for pole inventory in Area A and high-level design work. We will be applying for an additional $500,000 to pay for the rest of the pole inventory, plus project management and legal services. We will continue to apply for further grants as needed. The state has appropriated $150 million for broadband; we expect to get a total of $20 million, which represents roughly 40% of total construction cost. The money comes from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is distributed through the newly created Vermont Community Broadband Board. These ARPA grant funds enable CVFiber to accelerate the development of the CVFiber Community Network and keep subscription rates as low as possible.

Seeking Support from Member Communities

CVFiber is a nonprofit municipality that by law has no taxing authority, nor access to community taxes. It is totally dependent on grants, subscription revenues, and its ability to borrow through the sale of municipal revenue bonds. Each of our member communities is also receiving federal ARPA grant funds to address the impact of the pandemic and meet infrastructure needs, including broadband. CVFiber will be asking Selectboards in each community to consider contributing a portion of their ARPA grant funds for broadband infrastructure. Every such donation reduces CVFiber’s need for borrowed funds, lowers subscription rates, and accelerates the build -out schedule. For further information, you can contact Cabot’s delegate to the CVFiber governing board, R.D. Eno, [email protected].

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Potton, Quebec, Pioneers

On September 3, 1783, a peace treaty ended the Revolutionary War. It was safe to settle in Northern Vermont without fear of raids from Quebec. Cabot got a charter (land grant) from the Vermont Republic in 1781. Members of the Blanchard, Heath, and Elkins families are among proprietors named in the charter. Some became pioneer settlers of Potton, Quebec, within 20 years. Jacob Garland, Jonathan Heath, and David Blanchard served in Captain Jeremiah Clough’s militia company, of Canterbury, NH. So did Thomas Lyford, Cabot’s third settler. In 1775, Lyford was the second lieutenant; Heath was a sergeant. Blanchard and Garland were privates. All four lived in Sanbornton, NH. Lyford, Blanchard, and Heath were the first Cabot Selectmen, in 1788. After the war, Lyford stayed in Cabot. He died in 1804, at age 66, and rests in Center Cemetery. A few years before, Garland, Heath, and Blanchard moved to Potton. Early settlement of Quebec was along the St. Lawrence River. After the Revolution, the government kept a buffer region, the Eastern Townships, along the southeastern Quebec border. In 1792, the government allowed settlement there. Britain urged English speakers to come. Getting there from the St. Lawrence region was hard; from Vermont, north on Lake Memphremagog was easier. The first settlers were Americans. Some Loyalists (Tories), who fled to Canada in the Revolution, got land grants in 1796. Other settlers bought or rented land. David Blanchard and his wife, Azuba, daughter of Jonathan Heath, moved from Cabot to Potton before 1800. David Blanchard was born in Canterbury, NH in 1756. He became a sergeant after recovering from wounds at the Battle of Bennington, in 1777. Blanchard died in Potton in 1845, aged 88. His grave is in Northfield, NH. There were 12 children. The four eldest born in Northfield, five middle siblings in Cabot, and the three youngest in Potton. Blanchard’s father-in-law, Jonathan Heath, moved to Potton too. In the Revolutionary War, he rose from sergeant, to ensign and then lieutenant. In 1783, his family became Cabot’s second settlers (two days after the Websters.) Another Heath daughter, Judith, married David Lyford, a son of Thomas, in 1795. It was Cabot’s first wedding. Late in life, Jonathan Heath came back to live with Judith. Jonathan died in 1826, aged 85. He lies in Cabot’s Center Cemetery. Jacob Garland was Cabot Treasurer, 1795 – 97. His daughter, Deborah, married Jonathan Heath, Jr. The younger Heath, like his father, served in the American army in the Revolution. Jacob Garland and his son-in-law went to Potton in November 1798. They built a log shanty, partly covered with split basswood. Next March, they brought their families. Their first night was cold and miserable. The children sheltered from snow blowing into the shanty, shivering under the bed.

Jacob Garland sold out after one year, but stayed in Canada. In 1820, he returned to Vermont, but then went back to Potton, where he died in 1843, at age 91. A second Heath son, David, married Catherine, a daughter of Henry Ruiter, Loyalist land grantee, in Potton. Henry, from Albany, NY, fought for the British in the French and Indian War, the Revolution, and the War of 1812, becoming a colonel. A third Heath daughter, Susan, married Dr. William Coffin Gilman, Potton’s first physician, in 1803. After he died, Susan married Moses Elkins, Sr., in 1835. Moses’ first wife, Ruth Leavenworth, was a daughter of Jesse Leavenworth. Captain Leavenworth and 65 associates were Cabot’s proprietors, the first landowners. In June 1786, they met in the Peacham log cabin of Deacon Jonathan Elkins, Moses’ father, and levied a tax to survey and lot Cabot. See the map: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g 3 7 5 4 c . a r 0 8 7 9 0 / ? r = - 0 . 8 6 4 , - 0.093,2.729,1.314,0 In 1796, Josiah Elkins, while trading with Indians around Lake Memphremagog, saw Potton. His account persuaded his brother, Moses, to emigrate. On June 7, 1797, Moses left Peacham with two yokes of borrowed oxen, a cow, a horse, a cart, his family, and a hired man. After Craftsbury, they bushwhacked through dense forest. It took ten days to reach the Missisquoi North River, near the Vermont border. Moses built a log shanty and cleared the first farm in that area. Life was harsh. Moses trudged more than 50 miles to work in Peacham. His pay was bushels of meal, which he lugged home, on his back. Once, when Moses was late, his wife and two girls went hungry in Potton for two days. The next morning, Ruth Elkins woke, hearing the cat cry at the door. The cat had a hare, which they ate. By nightfall, Moses was home. St. Francis Indians fished and hunted in Potton. Moses hunted with them. Indians sometimes threw ducks on the cabin floor while Moses was away. With gestures, they indicated they wanted potatoes. Ruth opened the cold cellar. They would take only a few. Sometimes they left game for the hungry family and took nothing. Moses Elkins died while visiting Vermont in 1838, at age 75. He outlived three wives. His grave is in Johnson, VT. Restless migration marked those years, often in search of fertile cheap farmland. Starting in 1825, the new Erie Canal beckoned west, to rich agricultural lands. By 1830, settlers of the Eastern Townships from New England slowed from a flood to a trickle. Better roads let more French Canadians and immigrants from Ireland and Scotland move to the Eastern Townships, starting around 1840. Eastern Townships were renamed “the Estrie." Most residents today speak French, but understand English. Only yellowed pages of history books, a few place names, and genealogies recall pioneers of Potton from Cabot.

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FRIENDS OF THE PLAINFIELD TOWN HALL OPERA HOUSE

www.plainfieldoperahousevt.org/ - 802.498.3173 The Friends of the Plainfield Opera House in collaboration with the Plainfield Recreation Committee are pleased to announce the next concert in the summer music series at the Plainfield Rec Field. On Saturday, August 14 at 4 pm Modern Times Theater will perform “The Perils of Mr. Punch” The one and only Punch and Judy, presented live, and updated for the 21st century

Wrapping up the series will be the Sky Blue Boys and Cookie on Sunday, August 29 at 5 pm. Banjo Dan and Willy Lindner – known throughout the Northeast as The Sky Blue Boys – teamed up with dynamic and entertaining musician Carrie Cook.

Admission is by donation (cash, checks & credit cards accepted). Bring your own chairs or blankets. The series is sponsored by Plainfield Friends of the Opera House, Plainfield Rec Committee, Caledonia Spirits, Black Bear Bio, Plainfield Coop, East Hill Tree Farm, Positive Pie, Onion River Campground and Anonymous Donors.

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Fantastic Food in Cabot Village

Cabot is currently home to some amazing culinary options, namely the Cabot Cafe, The Den at Harry’s Hardware, and the Village Store. Whether you’re in the mood for fantastic baked goods, sandwiches, pizza, drinks, or gourmet dinner, Cabot has you covered!

The Cabot Cafe offers from-scratch baked goods, sandwiches, soups, salads, fresh-brewed coffee, and maple creemees. Check out the fresh-baked muffins and pastries, including gluten-free choices. The Cafe’s signature grilled cheese sandwiches are made with local sourdough bread and Cabot cheeses; the aptlynamed Vermonter features bacon and apple butter. The Cafe offers other fare on a rotating basis; recent options include Thai beef salad, pulled pork with potato salad, and stuffed red bell peppers. A new creemee machine will be installed by the time this story is printed, serving up real maple creemees on hot summer days. The Cabot Cafe is take-out only, though you can lounge with your goodies in the comfy Adirondack chairs out front. If you love the food, and want to have it at your next event, proprietors Renee and Joe also have a catering service. Check out the latest offerings on their Facebook page and website or give a call 560-5999. Cabot Cafe hours:

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7:30 am- 3:30 pm breakfast and lunch, 3-7 pm creemees Saturday 8-3:30 am breakfast and lunch, 12-7 pm creemees Sunday 8 am-3:30 pm breakfast and lunch, 12-6 pm creemees Most Sundays: takeout dinner special, preorder with pickup 2-5 pm The Den features a variety of drinks on tap and by the bottle, a beer garden, pub fare, take-out specialty dinner offerings, and live music. The beer garden is outdoors by the river; a lovely place to enjoy a brew and meal with friends and listen to live music. The indoor bar at The Den re-opened for business in July, so you can once again pull up a tractor seat stool and enjoy a drink in the hardware store. The take-out dinner option changes daily, with offerings such as gochujang honey shrimp served over jasmine rice, venison with seared root veggies, and slow-cooked beef with udon noodles and peanut tamari dressing. Salads, quiche, and homemade desserts are also available for take-out, such as chocolate chip cookies with a sprinkle of rock salt. Check their facebook page and website or call 563-2291 to find out what’s cooking, and what bands are playing . The Den & beer garden hours:

Thursday-Saturday 4-9 pm, dinner takeout 4-8 pm Sunday 12-2 pm, Old Time Jam and pub food, weather permitting More live music on weekends, check facebook or website for listings The Village Store, long-time grocery mainstay in the village, has grab & go items, deli sandwiches, and pizza. Grab & go includes premade sandwiches, salads, homemade soup, and on some days, hot sandwiches and pizza slices. The made-to-order deli sandwiches are a perennial favorite; portions are generous, with crisply fresh veggies and deli meats & cheeses. Pizza is available Friday and Saturday; call in your order and pick up your piping hot pies. Visit their facebook page or call 563-2438. Cabot Village Store hours:

Monday-Thursday 7 am-7 pm Friday, Saturday 7 am-8 pm, pizza 4- 7:30 pm Sunday 8 am-5 pm In addition to providing excellent food, these businesses are locally owned, and employ local folks. It’s a win-win-win for Cabot! Come on down, experience these excellent eats in the village, and know that it strengthens our community.

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Vermont is Fully Open

As of June 14, 2021, more than 80% of eligible Vermonters have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and Governor Phil Scott has authorized the move to Step 4 of the Vermont Forward Plan, lifting business, gathering, and travel related restrictions, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.

Business Operations

All business restrictions and requirements are lifted. Employers and employees seeking operational recommendations should reference the Vermont Department of Health website and the Department of Labor’s VOSHA Memo on workplace safety. Health Care providers should reference Vermont Department of Health guidance. Heath Care providers should also be aware OSHA has released an emergency temporary federal COVID-19 standard. Long Term Care Facilities should continue to reference Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance. Schools should reference Agency of Education end of year guidance as well as Fall 2021 operations guidance. Child care providers should reference Vermont Department of Health guidance.

Events and Gatherings

All event and gathering restrictions and requirements are lifted.

Masks and Physical Distancing

All masking and physical distance mandates are lifted. Unvaccinated individuals seeking recommendations should reference the Department of Health website. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated youth childcare/summer camp at-

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 8 onward.

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What Is The Cabot Fireman’s Association?

If you ate at the Cabot Fire Department's pancake breakfast on Memorial Day weekend in past years or perhaps bought a raffle ticket at the Fire Station on the 4th of July this year you might have heard of the Cabot Firemen's Association but either assumed it was part of the Town Fire Department or just didn't give it a thought. So perhaps it's time to provide some background. Firemen's associations have been around almost as long as there have been fire departments and many fire departments have them. Almost all fire departments are operated and maintained by local governments. Usually that just pays for actual firefighting apparatus, equipment, and maintenance. Personal items like hats, uniforms, the station coffee pot, or computers are not usually covered by many municipalities. Enter firefighters’ associations to help pay for things not covered by towns through town taxes. If a department wants to host an annual "Thank You" dinner for members and spouses, provide personal jackets, or perhaps honor a member with a medal or tickets to a movie for a job well done, the money tendees and organizers during indoor activities this summer. The Federal Transit Administration still requires masks on public transportation for all riders through September 13, 2021.

Protect Yourself & Others

Vermont's high vaccination rates mean the vast majority of Vermonters are protected from the virus and keep the virus from spreading to others. With high vaccination rates and low number of COVID-19 cases, it’s safe for most Vermonters to return to the activities they did before the pandemic.There are no state COVID-19 restrictions or requirements for Vermonters or visitors to follow.

If you or your children are not vaccinated or only had your first dose, you can choose to follow prevention steps.

If you are fully vaccinated (it's been 14 days since your final shot), you can go back to doing all the activities you did before the pandemic. There are still things we can all do to reduce the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. We can help protect children under the age of 12 and people who are not able to get the vaccine due to a weakened immune system or other health condition and anyone else not vaccinated by taking prevention steps.

Prevention Steps

 Get the COVID-19 vaccine  Stay home if you are sick  Wash your hands  Take care when getting together  Stay at least 6 feet apart  Wear a mask if needed  Consider your travel plans would come from the firefighters' association and not the town. The Cabot Fire Department has had a firemen's association for many years and long ago it was established as a 501 (c)(3) organization which means it is a tax-exempt non-profit organization. A 501 (c)(3) status is granted by the Internal Revenue Service to confer tax exempt status to a non- profit organization. So, the Cabot Firemen's Association isn't in the business of making money and thus doesn't pay taxes. And anyone who donates to such a non-profit organization can list such donations as a tax deduction on their federal taxes. It's a win-win all the way around: Cabot Fire Department members can get small benefits like jackets or an annual dinner, the Association can provide things like computers, cameras, community safety programs, and tools or other equipment not covered in the Town Fire Department budget, and anyone who makes a donation to the Cabot Firemen's Association can take a charitable donation deduction when they file their taxes, just like a donation to other charitable organization. It benefits both fire department members and Town residents without affecting Town money spent to directly support the fire department.

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Community Dancing Survey Results

by Karen Mueller-Harder

Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey about what you'd like to see happen with the Cabot Community Dance! The response was enthusiastic, and larger than we expected. Respondents were a good mix: equal parts beginner, intermediate, and experienced dancers; folks who have come often, occasionally, or never; and folks from Cabot, nearby, and quite a ways away. Most people prefer to keep the dance at 7:30, with interest in an earlier start time a close second place. Since there was also a large amount of interest in having an extra teaching session for beginners before the dance, this suggests a graceful arrangement of having an intro session at 7:15, and then moving right into the dance at 7:30. There was also significant interest in having occasional dances on a weekend afternoon, to accommodate people who can't stay up so late, who prefer not to drive late at night, or have a long drive home, so we will see if we can make that happen later on! Of the possible ideas floated in the survey, there was a strong preference for/interest in:

-having refreshments (with several people offering to bring them!) -more inclusive gender terminology in teaching/calling -having a lot of different callers -occasionally featuring other genres of music/dance -callers encouraging people to dance with people of any gender -occasional festive themes or parties Quite a number of respondents were in favor of having more simple dances, and an only slightly smaller number of people were interested in having more complex/challenging dances. There may not be one perfect solution, but we'll try to make sure callers include some of each, and build gradually. The Cabot dance is proud of its welcoming nature, and we hope to continue being an environment which feels comfortable for new dancers. We're keeping tabs on the COVID-19 situation, especially with the Delta variant, but we are hoping to be able to start the monthly second Saturday dances this fall. Watch for updates in the October Chronicle and Front Porch Forum. (If you haven't filled out the dance survey yet, and would like to share your thoughts, it is still open at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2CHBPV5. )

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A Bustling Main Street

Perhaps the most interesting thing to know about The Den at Harry’s Hardware is how it is Cabot’s first bar in recent memory. The bar’s construction took place near the end of 2019 when Johanna Thibault and the previous owner wanted to create a place for the community to gather. Following the lifting of COVID-19 safety guidelines, The Den at Harry’s Hardware now acts as a thriving venue for the local Cabot community to gather, listen to live music, and connect in a family-friendly environment. The Den at Harry’s Hardware is bringing a new vitalization to the Main Street of Cabot and this trend has continued even despite the pandemic. Contrary to the experience of most towns throughout the country, Cabot saw a growth of businesses in its downtown area during the height of the pandemic. In April 2020, when the pandemic was beginning, Cabot Village Venture purchased the property on 3075 Main Street, renovated it, and began to house local businesses at the property. Johanna Thibault, who is also a part of the Cabot Village Venture, described the luck they had with the building: “While the timing was a bit frightening to take over management of an empty commercial building in Cabot during a pandemic, the universe was on our side and things fell together.” Since its renovation, the building now hosts The Cabot Café and Cabot Creamery’s Village Farmers store. These two businesses, through the Cabot Village Ventures, have been key in establishing a more centralized economy in the heart of Cabot. Prior to the creation of Cabot Creamery’s Village Farmers store on 3075 Main Street, Cabot’s visitor center acted as one of the town’s main tourist attractions. However, because it was tucked away a quarter mile down the road from the town center, the Cabot community did not receive much benefit from this tourist traffic. Though the visitor center was disbanded because of COVID-19, the Village Store is meant to act as a new place for tourists to learn about the history of Cabot Creamery while also being able to shop for products produced by local Cabot farmers. Amber Sheridan, who acts as the director of corporate communications for Cabot Creamery, was able to speak on what the Village Store is bringing to the community: “We are hoping to be able to draw in visitors so that we can tell the Cabot story while also helping contribute to the revitalization of the village.” By relocating to the property on 3075 Main Street, the Cabot Creamery’s Village Farmer’s store is aiding in creating a further appeal for people to visit the heart of Cabot. The Cabot Café, also one of the businesses being supported by the Cabot Village Ventures, has been acting in support of this economic opportunity. Renee Rousseau, one of the owners of the Cabot Café, welcomed the influx of tourists, reporting on how that market is now a significant portion of their business. While these new businesses show the economic significance of a more centralized downtown area, there is also something to be said about the ways in which the community has been supported by the new developments. The Den at Harry’s Hardware had, throughout the pandemic, provided different food distribution programs in Cabot with meals from their kitchen. This proved to be a major benefit for the community as The Den’s owners saw a massive inflow of meal orders: “For three months we were making upwards of a thousand meals a week that were being distributed through the Cabot food shelf and also the Plainfield Health Center’s food distribution program.” The Cabot Café has also been supporting the community by being involved with Everybody Eats, a government subsidized program that allows people to get meals for free. Since the lifting of COVID-19 guidelines, The Den at Harry’s Hardware began to host weekly old-time jams that include several local and out-of-town musicians gathering to play folk classics. On the Fourth of July, they saw a full house on their outdoor patio and were able to work with the Cabot Cafe to serve food during the event. It is clear the economic benefit that these businesses have to offer to the community, but perhaps overlooked, is the social aspect they provide to downtown Cabot. Through the efforts of these businesses, the community now has a place to gather and visit with one another; a place to meet with fellow community members and out-of-town tourists. The Den is open to serve food Thursday through Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm; Cabot Cafe from Thursday to Friday 7:30 am- 3:30 pm and Saturday to Sunday 8:00 am - 3:30 pm; Cabot Creamery’s Village Farmers Store Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Community News Service is a partnership between the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program and Vermont community newspapers.

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Funds Available for Community Organizations

The Cabot Community Fund (CCF) allows the CCA to support communitybased projects and events that further the mission of the CCA. The CCF is funded by the generous support of the Cabot Creamery and other donors. Funds are awarded to non-governmental organizations. Examples of previous awards include expenses of Cabot Arts-sponsored community performances, Cabot Night at Mountaineers games and Little League uniforms. Guidelines and application form is available at ………………..

http://www.cabotvermont.org/cabot-community community-fund fund-ccf/

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 9 onward.

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TWIN VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

4583 U.S. Route 2 P.O. Box 152 East Montpelier, VT 05651 We at Twin Valley Senior Center want you to know that we were very pleased with the turnout from the communities and beyond for attending our Open House on July 14. It was wonderful to see friends and neighbors plus meet new people attending the center. Many thanks to the people who have attended art classes and donated wonderful art work for viewing and selling, with the proceeds going to the center. We have sold some of the beautiful handmade note cards and paintings and we thank you! We thank everyone that gave us suggestions for activities to hold at the center. These suggestions will be followed up on and we always invite you to contact us with any suggestions you may have by emailing [email protected] or call 223-3322. To the class leaders, we say thank you for taking the time to do demos of the classes. To the cook, Sarah, for a very nice luncheon and above all we want you to know that we really appreciated your attending and hope that you found the center to be a very inviting and active place to spend some time.

Following is a list of activities now taking place at the center. We invite you to join some of our activities that you can attend. There are no annual dues charged at the center and we do not charge for the following classes. However, we do have a donation box and are always grateful for donations to help cover the cost of operating overhead.

 Tuesdays 10 am Fall Prevention Tai Chi -Pat Boyle Instructor  Wednesdays 10:30 am Fall Prevention – Susan Crampton Instructor  Wednesdays 11:20 am Sunday 73 Tai Chi - Dyne Sapp Instructor  Fridays 10:00 am Beginners Fall Prevention –Dyne Sapp –Instructor  Mondays & Wednesdays 9:00 am Bone Builders in person & also on Zoom - Sue Carey teaching We want to thank George Cushing, who served on the Board of Directors and retired recently. We are again asking for members to join our Board of Directors. We would love to have a representative from each of the communities we serve but anyone certainly would be welcomed to the board. We at the present time are down to five members and would like to build the board to at least twelve. So please give some time and thought to joining us to make the center burst with activities and programs. I would like to hear from you if you would be interested in renting a table for a Flea Market in the early weeks of August. We would ask a donation of $25.00 for a six-foot table to sell your crafts or yard sale items. Please respond by the above contact to let me know if interested. Of course, if we hold a Flea Market, we would have barbecued hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, chips, cookies, and water available to purchase.

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CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS

The Cabot Public Library is back open! Come visit in person Monday 3pm – 6pm, Tuesday noon – 6pm, Wednesday 2pm-6pm, Thursday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-noon. Curbside library service will still be available during regular library hours. Many thanks to Sandy Atkins, Beth and Paul Wade, Mary Lou DeLacy, and all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Book Sale one of the best ever. It’s a lot of heavy lifting of boxes of books and tables – we appreciate your help! Thanks to a generous grant from Vermont Afterschool, the Cabot Public Library, Jaquith Public Library and Cutler Memorial Library were able to collaborate to bring our communities a variety of exciting programs for youth of all ages. Read below for more details about Cabot’s programs and check out our neighboring libraries for their listings.

“Tales and Tails” Summer Reading Program – all ages - pick up your summer reading packet with stickers anytime during regular library hours –read for 15 minutes each day for 15 days - then come in and pick up your t-shirt and prizes!

“Tales and Tails” Outdoor Story and Activity Time – Tuesdays - 10 am- 11:30 am – At Tales and Tails Storytime, children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy stories and songs, and then reimagine them through crafts and play together. Stay after for snacks and more active play on the swing sets, sand box and fields for hiking and birdwatching. Meet at the Cabot Rec Field shelter where there are six well-spaced picnic tables available. Dress for the weather!

Artful Activities Workshop series:

July 9 through August 13 – Fridays - 9 am – 10:30 am Explore modern art through a variety of mediums and activities. Join local artist, Amanda Otto at the Cabot Rec shelter for a fun, colorful art experience using high quality art materials.

STEAM Workshop series -July 12 through August 2– Mondays – 10 amnoon Owl Pellets, Butterfly Feeders, Ferris Wheels, Solar Cars and more! Science, technology, engineering, art and math are incorporated in this highly engaging series with scientist Noella Krakowski. We'll explore and construct things through a variety of hands on activities.

Graphic Novel Workshop series: July 15 through August 5 – Thursdays - 10 am-noon Join Abby Walker and explore the wonderful world of Graphic Novels- we have tons of new graphic novels! Students will have the opportunity to use quality art materials to further develop or learn how to write and tell stories through pictures.

StoryWalk - StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children —and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. Come see Cabot’s StoryWalk starting at the Rec Field shelter featuring “Memoirs of a Tortoise” by Devin Scillian. Bring your binoculars or borrow the library’s for some excellent birdwatching.

Free Park Passes - Looking for fun places to visit in Vermont this summer? You are welcome to borrow our Vermont State Parks Pass, the Vermont State Historic Sites Pass and the Old Stone

House Pass (Brownington, Vermont) all of which allow for free entrance for up to 8 people in one vehicle. The Echo Leahy Center pass allows for $7.00 admission per person for up to four people. While you're at it, ask to borrow our binoculars to take with you and our Vermont Nature Set which includes field guides to wildlife, birds, trees and wildflowers! We’ve got a lot of new books for your summer and fall reading. Thanks to a Vermont Afterschool grant, we were able to purchase $900 worth of new graphic novels. We also have the new children’s and youth award books - Golden Dome Award (formerly DCF), Green Mountain Book Award and Red Clover. Summer reading is for adults too! Check out some of our new books: Freedom – Sebastian Junger First Steps – How Upright Walking Makes Us Human – Jeremy DeSilva My Year Abroad – Chang Rae Lee Unfinished Business – J.A. Jance Win – Harlan Coben Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty – Patrick Radden Keefe The Premonition – Michael Lewis The Code Breaker – Walter Isaacson Pastry Love – Joanne Chang A Swim in the Pond in the Rain – George Saunders The Bomber Mafia – Malcolm Gladwell Leave the World Behind – Rumaan Alam The Midnight Library – Matt Haig Fortune and Glory – Janet Evanovich Sunflower Sisters – Martha Hall Kelly The Book of Longings – Sue Monk Kidd The Hidden Palace – Helene Wecker People We Meet on Vacation – Emily Henry Golden Girl – Elin Hilderbrand That Summer – Jennifer Weiner The President’s Daughter – Bill Clinton and James Patterson The Sum of Us – Heather McGhee The Well Plated Cookbook – Erin Clarke Joy of Zentangle – Marie Browning The Anthropocene Reviewed – John Green The Woman with the Blue Star – Pam Jenoff Sooley – John Grisham The Last Green Valley – Mark Sullivan The Third pole – Mystery, obsession, and Death on Mount Everest – Mark Synnott Rising out of Hatred – The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist – Eli Saslow Under a White Sky – The Nature of the Future – Elizabeth Kolbert Ocean Prey – John Sandford Malibu Rising – Taylor Jenkins Reid The Awakening – Nora Roberts Visit our website at www.cabotlib rary.com for the latest info on upcoming programs. Email cabotlibrary@ya hoo.com or call 802-563-2721. Ask about downloading audio and ebooks for free through Listen Up! Vermont and we have Wi-Fi in the entire parking area. Much gratitude to the Library Trustees for their many volunteer hours dedicated to the library: Linda Gabrielson, Jeannie McCallum, Angela Ogle, Kurt Steinert and Beth Wade. See you at the library!

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DELAY IN CABOT TAX BILLS

Cabot still waits for our tax rate from the Department of Education. Therefore, the first tax payment deadline is delayed. Tax bill mailing date and first payment due date are unknown until we receive that information. Watch Front Porch Forum and town website: cabotvt.us.

Betty Ritter, Town Clerk/Treasurer

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