⚲  Open Saturdays 1–3 p.m. · 3216 Main Street, Cabot, Vermont Contact Us
Established for the People of Cabot

Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

April/May 2022 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the April/May 2022 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

Lines of Support

Cabot residents Roman Kokodyniak and Lynn Rockwell are not sitting home worrying over attacks on Roman’s ancestral homeland Ukraine; they have organized vigils in front of the Federal building in Montpelier every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. The vigils are ongoing. Ukraine was Roman’s parents’ homeland. He was born in Germany in a displaced persons camp, and the family immigrated to the US in the early 1950’s, after WW2. Roman told VT Digger, “This conflict has a digital component, and it’s important for Ukrainians to see that people around the world support their cause.” See the VT Digger report here: https://vtdigger. org/2022/03/01/photos-vermonters-showsupport-for-ukraine-at-montpelier-vigil/, or go to VTDigger.org and type “Kokodyniak” into the search bar.

↑ contents

Here are ways to donate:

An estimated three-plus million people have fled Ukraine for neighboring countries, while European Union officials predict that as many as seven million could eventually be displaced. Following is a list of charities and other groups that are soliciting donations to help Ukrainians. Airbnb . Airbnb's nonprofit is pledging to shelter up to 100,000 fleeing Ukraine. You can donate to their nonprofit arm or book a “stay” that you won’t use with an individual host in Ukraine to funnel cash into a local pocket. Airbnb.org CARE. The international humanitarian group is providing food, water and other items to families fleeing violence in Ukraine. https://www.care.org/ Convoy of Hope . The disaster relief group says it's partnering with a local Polish organization to provide meals to refugees entering Poland, as well as to deliver food, water and other basics across the region. https:// convoyofhope.org/ CORE . The emergency response nonprofit is on the ground in Poland, distributing hygiene kits and thermal blankets, as well as emergency cash assistance to help families resettle. https:// www.coreresponse.org/

↑ contents

on the Front

Every fundraiser is reviewed to make sure that funds are delivered to the correct recipients. We’re also verifying that donors and organizers are acting in compliance with US and international laws, including global financial laws and regulations and evolving economic sanctions. For questions about fundraising for Ukraine relief, view our FAQ. Donate to Ukraine relief efforts today to help the people of Ukraine in this time of need. https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/donateto-ukraine-relief.

↑ contents

International Medical Corps. The

first responders' organization has teams inside Ukraine and in the surrounding regions to offer medical and mental health services. medicalcorps.org/ https://international

Internews. Supports independent media and at-risk journalists in 100 countries, with regional hubs including in Kyiv. https://internews.org. "Keep Ukraine's media going" is a GoFundMe campaign for journalists around Ukraine that also aims to help reporters relocate and continue their work from neighboring countries. https://www.gofundme.com/f/keepukraines-media-going.

↑ contents

Kyiv

Independent. The Englishlanguage news site has launched a GoFundMe campaign asking for support. https://www.gofundme.com/f/ kyivindependent. The 762 Project. Volunteers have been collecting, analyzing and posting information about Russia's troop buildup along Ukraine's border for much of the past year. https://762project.org/en/ support-the-project/. Project Hope. The global health and humanitarian relief organization is on the ground in and around Ukraine delivering medicines and medical supplies. It has teams in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and Romania. hope.org https://secure.project

Razom for Ukraine. Started in 2014 and devoted to building a stronger democracy in Ukraine, the nonprofit is now "focused on purchasing medical supplies for critical situations like blood loss and other tactical medicine items." https://razomforukraine.org/donate/ Sunflower of Peace. The nonprofit's current mission involves providing medical and humanitarian aid to people impacted by violence in Ukraine. It's accepting donations through its Facebook

↑ contents

Mission Statement:

Vermont Plants Sunflowers for Ukraine is a Vermont-based community action group. Like many of you, we feel the weight of the crimes against humanity being perpetrated on the people of Ukraine. We often feel helpless, and that does not sit well with Vermonters. "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." ― Ralph Waldo Emerson. Our mission is to inspire countless acts of solidarity with the people of Ukraine by planting thousands upon thousands of sunflowers in every corner of Vermont. Come late summer and fall, our message of yellow splashed against our blue

nine times a year and is sunflowers Vermont sky

provided locally

05647 ~ Published by the Cabot Community

express written permission from The Cabot Chronicle is contingent upon publisher’s approval and agreement claims based upon contents of advertising. Publisher does occupied by individual item in which the error appeared.

↑ contents

World Central Kitchen. Founded by

world-renowned chef José Andrés after an earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, the group provides meals to people in need around the globe. Andrés is now feeding Ukrainian refugees at the Polish border. Those wanting to help finance the group can do so here: nate.wck.org. Do-

↑ contents

Our Action Plan:

We will ask every town and city in Vermont, as well as the appropriate branches of Vermont government, churches, schools, organizations, media and individuals to join in this act of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Please visit our website (https:// www.vtsunflowers4ukraine.org), call or e-mail and consider making a plan for spring planting as a clear message to the world that Vermont stands with the people of Ukraine. Every seed planted will be a statement of solidarity. Editor’s note: The sunflower (or “soniashnyk”) , Ukraine's national flower , is becoming a symbol of resistance against the country's invasion by Russian forces. Its exuberant and lively form represents the antithesis of the destruction now being suffered by the Ukrainian people .

free of charge.

↑ contents

TERM

Betty Ritter (Australian Ballot) Assistant Town Clerk Michelle Leclerc & Treasurer Town Treasurer Betty Ritter (Australian Ballot) Collector of Lease Land Town Treasurer Rentals Ian Ackermann, Clerk Selectboard Members Walter (Skip) Bothfeld, Jr (Australian Ballot) Fred Ducharme, Vice Chair R.D. Eno Michael Hogan, Chair Brittany Butler Listers Jeanne Johnson Jacqueline Lumbra Delinquent Tax Susan Carpenter Collector Grand Juror David Pike Cedric Alexander Cemetery Deb Bothfeld Commissioners Melvin Churchill, Chair Gwendolyn Hallsmith Angela Ward Ellen Cairns School Directors Frank Kampf (Australian Ballot) Jason Manaco Rory Thibault, Chair Chris Tormey Library Trustees Grace Hoffman Niell McCallum Angela Ogle Kurt Steinert, Chair Beth Wade Recreation Committee Stefanie Burtt, Chair Brandy Goodrich, Secretary Brock Miller, Treasurer Cameron North, Vice Chair Jessica North, Coordinator Mary Saggerson, Comm. Member Shannon Smith, Comm. Member CCIF (Cabot Commu- Greg Burtt, Chair nity Investment Fund) Chris Tormey, Vice Chair (Formerly UDAG) Melvin Churchill Jason Monaco Alex Underwood Willey Building Brad Alexander, Chair Committee Fred Ducharme Paul Wade Vacant Dan Dunham Betty Ritter

↑ contents

Apples to Oranges

3-year term

Non-Term

3-year term

3-year term 2-year term 2-year term 2-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 1-year term 1-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 2-year term 2-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term 3-year term Non-term Non-term Non-term Non-term Non-term Non-term Non-term Appointed by Selectboard Appointed by School 3-year term – 3-year term – 3-year term –

Appointed by Selectboard Appointed by Secretary

(continued from page 1) (Danville, Twinfield, U-32, etc.) have a varying surcharge for special education that is based on the individual students’ needs. Schools like St Johnsbury Academy use a gross charging model that assesses a premium over the general tuition rate of approximately 50%, regardless of the level of need. At a base tuition rate just north of $20,000, a student on an IEP at St Johnsbury Academy next year would be billed at nearly $30,000/year. Here’s another way to look at this question that results in a fairer comparison: If we back out the costs to Cabot School for Special Education – and these are costs over and above what the State pays for directly, otherwise known as “local costs” – we would see a reduction in the education spending at Cabot in FY’23 of $576,707. That reduction in spending would lower the Cost per Equalized Pupil to $16,234. This ined internal tuition rate is easily less than most area high schools charging in base tuition next year, a more apt number if you want pare tuition costs between Cabot other schools. Education finance is never quite and white; this is an inexact meant to make a larger point: ply wrong to compare a flat charge at one school to the Equalized Pupil at Cabot (at any actually) as an argument that costs too much. Another way to this is to understand that Cabot ers would still be on the hook portion of the unreimbursed special cation costs ($576,707) that would the students to their new school. dollars would just flow from the taxpayers’ pockets to the other schools.

↑ contents

TITLE

First Constable Second Constable - 2023 Water / Wastewater Superintendent Pound Keeper Animal / Dog Control - 2023 Officer Fence Viewers - 2023 - 2023 Inspector–Coal, Wood, - 2024 Lumber, Shingles - 2023 Tree Warden - 2025 Fire Warden - 2024 - 2023 Health Officer - 2025 Town Energy Coordinator - 2023 Zoning Administrator - 2023 Planning Commission (7 member – 3-year terms) - 2023 - 2025 - 2025 - 2024 - 2023 - 2025 - 2023 Stephen Hogan

Cabot Town Treasurer Cheryl McQueeney Stephen Hogan

Glenn Goodrich David Pike Anson Tebbetts

Roland Payne, Andrew Luce

Jenn Miner Michael Socks Brittany Butler Dawn Andrews Glenn Goodrich Jenn Miner, Bobby Searles, Brittany Butler Kate Chatot Richard Lacelle Betty Ritter,

- 2024 - 2024 - 2023

↑ contents

C OMMUNITY

- 2025 - 2025 - 2025 - 2023 - 2024 - 2023

Board exp. 2022 exp. 2023 exp. 2024 2023 2024 2025

Library - 2023

imag$2,000 are and is to comand

black example It is simtuition Cost per school, Cabot look at taxpayfor some edufollow These Cabot receiving

↑ contents

Masks

Dear Editor, There are two important facts about masks that I have presented to the Cabot School Board consistently since the fall of 2020. While the “guidance” around masks is based on opinion, scientific research is based on the data. Here’s what the official data shows: First, there is no high-quality evidence demonstrating that masks are safe or effective. The World Health Organization has repeatedly stated the following in its report on mask use during COVID-19: “At the present time, the widespread use of masks by healthy people in the community setting is not yet supported by high quality or direct scientific evidence and there are potential benefits and harms to consider. ” - WHO June, 2020 Interim Report on Masks, p. 6. “At present there is only limited and inconsistent scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of masking of healthy people in the community to prevent infection with respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2… - WHO December, 2020 Interim Report on Masks, p. 8. Studies cited by the CDC as evidence masks work include statements such as: “The effect of face masks worn in public on the spread of Covid-19 has not been systematically analyzed so far … We simultaneously stress the need for more detailed analyses.” Secondly, the air under a mask contains dangerous levels of CO2, and dangerously low levels of oxygen, both of

↑ contents

OMMENTARY

in the Community Commentary (LTE), those of this newspaper or its affiliates. my goal is to help the town move forward, so we all will have a safe and better place to live. Walter Skip Bothfeld Selectboard Member

which can have serious health effects. There are no studies to refute this point. One study, referenced by the CDC, found CO2 levels six times the normal levels of C02 after one hour of n-95 use, and another study published in JAMAretracted but not disputed- found that the levels were six times the unacceptable limit under the masks of children within three minutes. All studies claiming that masks are safe are referring only to blood levels of O2 and CO2, which are not indicators of problems at a cellular level according to OSHA. That is why OSHA standards and CDC advice are related to monitoring the levels in the air and addressing complaints of side effects (such as headaches and difficulty breathing) immediately. As one study cited by the CDC notes: “...breathing-environment CO2 >3% has been associated with detrimental physiological effects, and prolonged breathing of CO2 at greater than the atmospheric level can cause symptoms (eg, headache, anxiety, and confusion) and the additional physiological stress of compensatory mechanisms.” I look forward to remedying the harms caused by masks through honest discussion and acts of compassion. welcome you to join me. For more information, including links to the references cited above, please see: vtmasksurvey.com. Or, email me with any questions or additional information at: vey@mail.com. Sincerely, Amy Hornblas vtmasksur-

↑ contents

Jacqueline Valentine V. Adams

Jacqueline Valentine (Bissonnette) Adams, 83, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Barre Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on June 2, 1938, in Newport, VT, she was the daughter of Albert and Madeleine (Nadeau) Bissonnette. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Sacred Heart High School.

↑ contents

Diana Rose Cogger Sylvia

Diana Rose (Cogger) Sylvia, 31 of Pembroke, NH, died unexpectedly March 7, 2022, at Concord, NH, hospital. She is survived by her parents Thomas F. and Dawn M. Cogger, her sister Kira M. Cogger, her husband Noah Sylvia, her grandparents Joan and Douglas Tang, her uncle and god-father Tim Wallingford and his wife Wendy Wallingford, her aunt and uncle Rose and Kevin Rigsby, her uncle Noel Eicher, her cousins Ted Tang, David Eicher, Kevin Rigsby, her two

↑ contents

Rolland W. Lafayette, Jr.

Rolland W. Lafayette Jr., 93, of Waterbury, Vermont, passed away on Feb. 9, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born to parents, Rolland W. Lafayette Sr. and Gladys (Ring) Lafayette, on Oct. 21, 1928, in Barre, Vermont. He married the love of his life, Irene Ellen Spring, of Craftsbury, Vermont, on Aug. 15, 1959, at St. Andrew Church in Waterbury, Vermont. They had five children, Douglas, Teri, Mark, Tracie and Michael. Rolland taught and coached at Cabot, Hinesburg and Bristol high schools. At Lyndon Teacher’s College, he went on to teach subjects as diverse as Biology, Botany, Algebra, Health and Physical Edu-

↑ contents

Cabot Community

by Karen Mueller-Harder As life starts to return to normal, Cabot Community Theater has several projects in the works, so here’s what’s happening: We had been hoping to bring “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” back this spring, but it turns out there will be enough turnover among the cast that it wouldn’t really be possible to mount the show in a compressed timeframe for spring performance dates, so we will look forward to a fresh start in the fall! We are sad to lose many of our old cast members, but this means there will be lots of opportunities for new folks of all ages to be involved, in lead roles or chorus parts! Audition and performance dates will be announced in September--we welcome people of all ages, towns of residence, and levels of experience, so think about joining us! In the meantime, CCT is running an afterschool Theater Club on Tuesdays this spring. The kids are learning thea-

↑ contents

EMORIALS

Survivors include her children Maureen Foreman and her husband, Michael of Barre, VT and Tammy Cookson and her significant other Timothy Bashaw of Cabot, VT; For more information and a memorial guestbook, please visit https:// www.hookerwhitcomb.com/obituary/ jacqueline-adams. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre, VT 05641.

cats, and a cornucopia of close friends she considered family. Diana was born in Lowell, MA, lived in Ayer, Shirley, and North Attleboro, MA, then moved with her parents to Vermont where she graduated high school, spending time with the Cabot class of 2009, and graduated from Lyndon State College with a bachelors in communication. She is remembered for her love of music, following AFI around the country, her love of art, and passion for photography. She was known to grab life with both hands and celebrate it with vigor. She will be greatly missed. The family will mourn in private, however a celebration of her life will be scheduled for later this year.

cation, while simultaneously coaching basketball, softball and soccer. After leaving Lyndon, Rolland served as principal of Whitingham High School from 1959-64. An extensive obituary is available at https://www.vt-world.com/obituaries? id=4538. A Mass will be celebrated on June 4, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church at 109 South Main St., Waterbury, Vermont. A reception at St. Leo’s hall (same location) will directly follow the Mass. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery will follow the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org

↑ contents

Theater Update

ter skills through games and activities, and will also be rehearsing a short play, which will be performed on May 31. CCT also plans to offer our usual lowcost kids’ theater day camp this summer. COVID pushed us outside last summer, but we found everyone liked that better anyway, so we’ll plan to hold the camp outside this summer as well! We will have a survey about possible dates sometime in the next few weeks--watch for the link on Front Porch Forum and on our Facebook page.

↑ contents

Carlos Everett Conant was born

November 27, 1870, in Cabot, to Medora (Reed) Conant and Henry Clay Conant. He attended Lamoille Central Academy, Hyde Park, and People's Academy, Morrisville. When fifteen years old, Conant began to teach at the district school in Morristown. Conant devoted his life to studying languages. He helped start the Linguistic Society of America. When he died, he was the world’s foremost expert on Philippine languages. Conant entered Lawrence University, in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1888. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1892. The next year, at the University of Minnesota, he was instructor in Greek and a graduate student in Spanish, German and Norwegian. In 1893, he went to the University of Leipzig, Germany. He returned to Lawrence University, where he earned a Master of Arts, with first honors, in 1899. For two years, Conant taught foreign languages at several Midwestern colleges. While teaching Spanish and German at Washburn College, Kansas, Conant tutored Dorothy Tuckerman in Sanskrit and linguistics, then called philology. The US won the Philippine Islands in the Spanish American War. In addition to Spanish, there were eight major Filipino languages and many local dialects. Translators were needed. Conant won a three-year government contract to teach there. From 1901 to 1907, Conant worked in the Philippines. Dorothy Tuckerman graduated from Washburn in 1901. In January 1902, she sailed to Manila to join Conant, who was principal of a government school. She wanted to teach at Conant’s Negros Island school. Her voyage took three months. They married on March 11, 1902. Tragically, Dorothy fell ill in the tropical climate. She died on June 23; she was 23 years old. Conant accompanied his deceased bride back to Topeka, Kansas. Dorothy was interred in the Tuckerman family plot on August 23, 1902. Devastated, Conant buried his sorrow in his work. In April 1904, he became

↑ contents

Conant

Carlos Everett Conant Circa 1890

translator for the Bureau of Public Lands in Manila. He translated the first five books of the New Testament into the Bisaya language, and Luke’s Gospel into Ibanak, for the American Bible Society. He wrote a Bisaya dictionary in 1906. In 1907, he left the Philippines, to become a fellow at the University of Chicago. Conant remarried in 1908, to Julie (Johanna) Laubmeyer from Koenigsberg, Germany. In 1912, he earned a doctorate in Sanskrit and Comparative Philology from the University of Chicago. His dissertation analyzed Philippine languages. ." His obituary, in the New York Times , said Conant was a language teacher, Bible translator for Philippine languages, Spanish translator for the US government, Professor of Modern Languages at the University of Chattanooga (1908-1910, 1911–1921), Assistant Professor of Romance Languages at Carleton College in Minnesota, fellow in Sanskrit and Comparative Philology at the University of Chicago, and head of the Department of Comparative Philology at Indiana University. He taught MalayoPolynesian languages, comparative languages, French, German, Greek, Latin, and Spanish. “Learn a new language and get a new soul. ‒ Proverb ”

↑ contents

Selectboard Reorganized

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer At the March 8 Selectboard meeting, the new Selectboard gathered for the first time. There are two new members on the board, R.D Eno and Skip Bothfeld. Both won their seats at Town Meeting with a comfortable margin. Three Year Seat vacated by John Cookson : R.D. ENO RUTH GOODRICH AMY HORNBLAS 216 117 103 Two Year Seat vacated by Matt Nally : WALTER "SKIP" BOTHFELD 278 LISA OLSON 203 To start the meeting, both R.D. and Skip were sworn in as members of the board. Then Mike Hogan welcomed them to the board and said that it “should be an interesting trip, we have a lot to do.” The board proceeded to elect Mike as the chair, and Fred as the vicechair. R.D. was elected the board clerk and Mike noted that he has “never figured out what the clerk does.” Mike made some comments about the importance of attending meetings, answering emails and texts from the Town Clerk, and the need to comply with the open meeting law. He also noted that many are members on other committees and boards in the town, and all should be careful not to speak “for the Selectboard.” He further stated that it is important they communicate and have transparency. After reorganizing the board, they proceeded to go through the long list of town appointments. Most appointments were reinstated, but some people had decided to step down and some new appointments were made. Mike noted that volunteerism is really important in Cabot as he started down the list. When they reached the Cabot Community Investment Fund (CCIF) committee, the discussion turned back to the Town Meeting results. One seat was up for election this past Town Meeting, and no one was on the ballot, so all votes were for write-in candidates. Peg Elmer Hough got the most votes with 7 votes,

↑ contents

Zoning Articles

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The Planning Commision (PC) met on March 3 to review the results of Town Meeting. The meeting was chaired by Jenn Miner and she reviewed each of the articles the PC put forth to the town for a vote. Jenn first commented that all the articles passed and then proceeded to discuss the Parking Policy addition to the Zoning Bylaws. She stated that they can do it as an amendment and reference it in the bylaws. Unlike the parking policy amendment to the zoning bylaws, the next article promotes their mission to enhance is to empower Cabot residents to participate to cover select board and other meetings, able to attend. Most meetings during meetings virtually through Zoom are

but she declined the seat. Next was R.D. with 5 votes, then a tie between Fred, Mike and “Blank” with 4 votes. R.D. noted that members of the Selectboard should not serve on the CCIF committee, and it was agreed the board would appoint someone. There was some disagreement as to which seat had been up for reelection as Frank Kampf, speaking as a member of the School Board, said that Chris Tormey was on the committee as the School Board’s appointee and his seat could not have been up for election as reported in the Town Report. It was decided to table the appointment. Will Ameden had stepped down as First Constable, and the board appointed the Second Constable, Steve Hogan, to the position. Steve was also appointed to the vacant Animal Control Officer position. The board considered Andy Achilles as the Second Constable. He recently moved to Cabot from Barnet and is a volunteer with the Cabot Fire Department. R.D. mentioned that having only lived in Cabot for six months, it would seem like there hasn’t been enough time for him to establish trust within the community. Fred commented that Skip and Dean Deasy checked him out and they are saying the fire chiefs speak highly of him. Skip said he knows the chief in Ryegate very well and Dean added that Andy was serving on one of the Fire Department committees and seems very much by the book. The board decided to wait on fulfilling the appointment while Mike made some phone calls. There were no other changes in the appointments. The board then turned to a different topic of discussion. Betty brought up the war in the Ukraine and said she had received a note from Roman Kokodyniak asking if the board would consider flying the Ukraine National flag at the Willey Building. Mike said he personally thinks what is happening over there is terrible. He added that if we do fly the Ukrainian flag, it must be below the American flag, and that he would be in favor for a period of time. He felt it would be a nice tribute. The board passed a motion to fly the Ukrainian flag until the first Selectboard meeting in April.

↑ contents

Passed

wasn’t as straight forward. The article concerned the inclusion of a map of the village designation in the Town Plan. Jenn relayed that the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) was meeting that same day and needed a letter from the Selectboard regarding the amendment. She had ensured a copy of the letter was mailed and emailed to them for the meeting. Michelle LeClerc, the Assistant Town Clerk, had also uploaded a village designation map as an amendment. Jenn continued by saying “here is where things get muddy.” Jenn recalled that the PC had planned to hold an inforthe quality of community life for those in the governance and management for the purpose of keeping community this time of Coronavirus are available posted regularly on Front Porch Forum,

↑ contents

Tax Sale

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The Town of Cabot held a tax sale on March 15, for the first time in several years. The auction was held on the third floor of the Willey building and attended by at least 20 people. There were four properties that were up for auction and the meeting began with the attorney for the town describing the process. She noted that it was not like a normal auction, and the minimum bid was based upon what is currently owed to the Town of Cabot. She said that anyone could bid as high as they wished, and any amount over what was due to the town would be put into an account to be held for the property owner. She added that the property owner has one year plus a day, from the day of the tax sale to redeem the property. If they don’t redeem, then the winning bidder gets the property. The winning bidder has no rights to the property until that day. The current owner retains all the rights to the property. She also advised that this year's taxes will come due, and the winning bidder should not pay those taxes. If they do, they have no right to get that money back. Further information was provided regarding the interest on the amount bid. The interest will be 1% a month on the total amount. She added that if the owners do not pay within a year and a day, then the winning bidder will get a tax collector’s deed from the Town of Cabot, and that is when the winning bidder will take over the property. Someone asked if there was any money due today, and she responded that all the money is due today. The winning bidder must pay the Town of Cabot the amount bid. There were originally five properties on the tax sale list, but all the taxes had been paid on the property owned by Kyle and Ashely Simpson and that property was no longer part of the tax sale. The first property to be bid upon was a 2.40-acre parcel and mobile home, located on Porter Road, currently owned by Fresh Start Housing. The amount

mation meeting in February for the Town Plan amendment, but they had not held the meeting. She stated that in fact, they should have held the meeting, and then the Selectboard should have had a meeting in addition to the Town Meeting informational meeting. Jenn had spoken with a representative of the CVRPC regarding the situation and was assured the CVRPC was still going to look at the letter at their meeting. Jenn expressed that they were going to discuss the situation and make a recommendation. There was still a possibility that it could get approved because the voters of Cabot approved the amendment. However, if not, then the town would have to make another application.

↑ contents

April/May 2022 - Page 5

residing, doing business, and visiting of our town. members informed about issues via Zoom for those who would like to or you can call the Town Clerk's office

owed to the town, and the starting bid, was $12,373.67. three bidders on Initially there were the property, but when the amount reached $15,000, one of the bidders dropped out. However, a new bidder joined the fray. Slowly the amount went up by increments of $100 or $500. Finally, the bid reached $18,300 and the auctioneer called for another bid, and without hearing anything, called the bidding closed just as someone tried to bid $18,500. She said she was sorry because she had closed the bidding. The winning bid had been placed by John Cookson. The second property up for auction was 10.39 acres and premises located on South Walden Road, currently owned by Michael Malone. The amount owed to the town was $4,493.54. After someone bid the minimum, the next bid was for $10,000. The original bidder bowed out after the bid increased a couple more thousand, but a third bidder joined the auction. Eventually, Tim Gochey was the victor with a bid of $13,500. Next was a 2.10 acres parcel with campers located on Ducharme Road, currently owned by Scott O’Grady. The amount owed to the town was $1,493.99, which was quickly bid. The next bidder increased it by $100, and then the original bidder also increased it by $100. Then the bid went to $4,000 which made it easier for the auctioneer to announce the current bid amount. There were several bidders, after slowly increasing, the eventual winning bid was $8,300 from Angela (last name not recorded correctly by the Town Clerk). Lastly, a parcel of 0.15 acres located on Ducharme Road and currently owned by Wendel Wheeler (deceased) and Harold Bean, went up for bid. The amount owed to the town was $207.14. The winning bid came from Gary Katz at $1,000. After the auction concluded, all the winning bidders gathered around the auctioneers table and wrote checks to pay the town their winning bid amounts. The rest of the participants collected and stowed the chairs.

Bobby Searles, PC member, asked if the town needed to reapply, could they have a vote next November. Jenn responded that they would have to have the series of informational meetings, but the vote stands and there would be no need for another vote. After a little more discussion regarding the informational meeting process, the PC turned to the third article passed by the voters, the clean-up of typos and grammatical errors in the zoning bylaws. Jenn noted that she didn’t like the way the article was worded. She added that the intent of the article was to correct misspelled words and punctuation, and not to change anything of meaning. She felt if they changed things grammatically (see Zoning Articles Passed, page 6)

↑ contents

First Place: “Cabot Plains Sunset”

by Astryd Whitehouse, 11 th grade This photo resulted from a spur-of-the -moment trip up Cabot Plains Road last June to watch the sun go down behind the Green Mountains. Although Astryd hadn’t been planning to take photos that evening, she was inspired to capture several images, including this one. Near the center of the photo is a Cabot landmark: the A.M. Foster Covered Bridge. The inspiration for this 1988 bridge came from designer Richard Spaulding’s own trips as a child to watch the sunset from the same place, next to land his grand-

↑ contents

Cabot” by Anthony Butts, 11 th grade

While looking for images to build a website for Paul Ruta, Anthony took this photo in February on the VAST trail that runs through Ruta’s property in Lower Cabot. In mid-gait are Midnight (left) and Babe, a team of Percheron draft horses belonging to Ruta, who is driving the sleigh. “It shows old-fashioned ways,” Anthony says of his photo. Anthony, who works with Ruta at Black

↑ contents

Contest

Cabot staff selected eight as finalists and displayed them (without names attached) at school during Spirit Week in February. Students in grades six through 12 then chose the winners by voting for their favorites. Here they are, with comments from the students who took them.

parents had owned, according to the Cabot Historical Society. Unlike most images of the bridge, Astryd’s photo also shows the 19 th -century one-room Walbridge Schoolhouse, renovated by Spaulding in 1974 after he moved it from Route 215 to his Cabot Plains property. These are the only man-made structures in a sweeping view made especially dramatic by the sunset, which Astryd always finds interesting to photograph. “There’s something about it that makes you wonder,” she says. “The sun sets every night, yet it never looks the same.”

Horse Farm, says, in addition to providing rides for customers, the horses help with logging, sugaring and various farm tasks. “I like to see that people are still working with animals,” Anthony says. “You have a connection with your horses, more so than with equipment.” Others get to experience that connection when they visit the farm for sleigh rides. “I love to see the joy in people’s faces when they see our horses.”

↑ contents

Monaco, 8 th grade

Ben took this photo from a car on the last day of August in 2019, after a Saturday spent boating on Joe’s Pond. The day’s surprise finale appeared around 7 p.m. as his family was driving home to Cabot Village via Cabot Plains Road. When they stopped opposite the ceme-

↑ contents

Zoning Articles

(continued from page 5) too much, they could change the meaning and they don’t want to do that. The commission discussed that they felt they tried to explain the intent of the article on social media, but some town members posted that they felt the article gave the PC carte blanche. The last town article discussed the change in terminology from Zoning

↑ contents

Executive Director,

As we continue to recuperate from two years living through the pandemic, the CCA and partners look forward to reviving Cabot's traditional July 4 celebration. While the exact date of its origin is unknown, Cabot’s proud tradition of celebrating Independence Day started more than 50 years ago, and will continues this year on Monday, July 4 . We expect a return of the annual rummage sale, the library's annual book sale, food, games and other activities. The parade, organized by the Cabot Fire Department and volunteers, will include the usual array of entries, including giant puppets, horses, tractors, fire trucks and emergency rigs, musical performers, Cabot residents of note and tery to watch the sun set, Ben started taking photos — and this one turned out to be his favorite. In particular, he likes the sun reflecting off the clouds, the warmth of the sun’s color, and the contrast of light and dark. “It’s pretty and peaceful,” he says of the sunset he captured — like Cabot itself.

↑ contents

Passed

Board of Adjustment (ZBA) to Development Review Board (DRB) in the zoning bylaws. Jenn said that they need to go through the entire document and change every reference to ZBA to a reference to DRB. The PC discussed how the task would be accomplished and it was noted that Brittany Butler, the Zoning Administrator, along with the Town Clerk, would be making the updates for their review.

↑ contents

& Parade

more. The parade entries that are judged as the Cheesiest, most Agricultural, most Historic, most Patriotic and Judge's Choice will each receive a $50 cash prize. More details will be announced as they are available. If you are interested in helping build the best July 4 Celebration ever, please contact the CCA at 802-

↑ contents

Community Coordinator

Cabot’s new afterschool program is underway — and the first few weeks have been filled with energy and enthusiasm. Children are taking part in afterschool clubs of their choice that allow them to explore robotics, dance, theater, music performance, crafts, art, books and the outdoors, an array of sports, Vermont Abenaki heritage, and science and nature at Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury. There's been strong interest in the program, with 46 Cabot elementary school students participating at least one day a week. That’s more than half the children in grades one through six and the highest afterschool enrollment in Caledonia Central Supervisory Union. Our afterschool clubs are led by Cabot School educators and community partners, including the town library and Cabot Community Theater. In addition, 14 Cabot School middle and high schoolers are working with adult staff to facilitate the clubs and engage children dur-

↑ contents

Afterschool Program

ing break and free-choice times. This student facilitator role is an opportunity for older students to develop leadership skills, share their interests with elementary school children, and take part in community service. We are excited that this program is building relationships between older and younger students, between teachers and student facilitators, and between the school and community. Overseeing the program during afterschool hours is site director Sarah Vecci, a Cabot resident who has previous experience working with kids and afterschool programs, including a decade ago when Cabot School last had an afterschool program. The current program's spring session began March 7 and will continue through the end of the school year. We're already looking ahead to our fall session, so if you're interested in working with students as the facilitator of a weekly club or a one-time workshop, please contact Community Coordinator Sonia Scherr at sonia.scherr@ccsuvt.net

↑ contents

Cabot Mentoring Interim Coordinator

Spring is here, and along with it comes a time of fresh starts! The last two years have been challenging ones for mentoring, but we look forward to renewing the Cabot Mentoring Program as restrictions for COVID are gradually reduced. It’s been much harder to develop and sustain strong mentor/mentee relationships through emails, phone calls and limited outdoor visits, but we are now gearing up to enlarge the program. We are accepting applications now for both young people

↑ contents

Executive Director,

The CCA, with partners from Cabot Creamery, Cabot School, town government and Let’s Grow Kids, has begun to address the unmet need for childcare services in Cabot. Access for childcare is a problem for residents and makes it difficult to attract new families to live in Cabot and employees to work here.

↑ contents

Destination Imagination!

by Jane Youngbaer We invite you to join this non-profit program of creativity and teamwork. Many local residents are familiar with Destination Imagination, because from 2001 to 2018, Cabot had dozens of D.I. teams, and several of them represented Vermont at the Global Finals in Tennessee. Let’s bring this wonderful program back to Cabot and other towns in the area. Here’s how it works: Kids work on teams of up to seven kids, usually somewhat close in age, from age five through college. Teams can be based in schools, after school programs, homeschool networks, libraries, and other community locations. Each team does a variety of quick Instant Challenges that involve building spends and/or improvisation, and several months on an in-depth Challenge in one focus area that they

↑ contents

New School District for the

by Chris Tormey, Cabot School Board

On Town Meeting Day voters in the six school districts that send students to the Central Vermont Career Center in Barre overwhelmingly approved a proposal to form a new school district for the Career Center. Up until now, only board members of the Barre School District have held the responsibility for developing a budget for and overseeing the Career Center, and only Barre voters have had the opportunity to vote on its budget. As a result of the March 1 approval (7,493 for and 1,688 against) by voters in

↑ contents

U P D A T E

ages 7-17 who would like a mentor, and for adults who would like to serve as mentors. The application and training process takes a little time, so if you are interested in becoming a mentor, it would be great to contact us soon so that we can get you matched and ready to go as more good spring and summer weather approaches. If you would like more information, please email me at cabotmentoring@gmail.com. I would be happy to have the opportunity to meet and talk with you about the program. More information can also be found at our website at www.cabotmentoring.org.

Our goal is to move boldly in the direction of creating a plan for a five-star childcare facility in Cabot. There is funding available to assist local groups with increasing access to child care, and the group, led by the CCA Economic Development Work Group, is planning to apply for a Make Way for Kids Grant sponsored by Let's Grow Kids, which is due in July. If you are interested in learning more about this effort or willing to work on the committee, please contact the CCA at

select - Science, Technical, Engineering, Fine Arts, Improvisation, Service Learning, or an Early Learning Challenge designed for the youngest kids. An adult Team Manager facilitates the work of the team, and adults can teach skills such as building and sewing, but all the ideas, decisions, art, and construction must be done by team members with no outside assistance. As one season of D.I. winds down, we are thinking ahead to the next. The new Challenges Previews for the 2022-23 season have already been released. Let’s begin planning now, to start teams in the fall. We can also do some fun workshops this summer. Are you interested? Please email Jane Youngbaer, Director of Vermont Destination Imagination, at vtdicreativity@gmail.com.

↑ contents

Central VT Career Center

Cabot, Barre, Berlin, Calais, Duxbury, East Montpelier, Fayston, Marshfield, Middlesex, Montpelier, Moretown, Plainfield, Roxbury, Waitsfield, Warren, Waterbury, and Worcester, starting July 1, the Central Vermont Career Center will be governed and supported by all the communities which it has historically served. The ten-member board for the new Central Vermont Career Center School District will meet for the first time in April; the Cabot School Board’s representative on the CVCC School District board is Jason Monaco.

↑ contents

Moving Forward on Network De-

sign and Pole Inventories CVFiber, the Communications Union District to which Cabot belongs, is moving toward construction, beginning this summer, of its fiber optic network. The first service offerings of fast and reliable internet service could be made by the end of the year . High-level design of the 1,200-mile CVFiber network, which was funded by grants for that specific purpose, is done, and detailed design, costing in excess of $2 million, will begin in April. Meanwhile, the pole inventory is making good progress and is complete in Plainfield, Roxbury and Washington.

↑ contents

Delivery in April

CVFiber will receive 40 miles of 144strand fiber and 34 miles of 48-strand fiber in April. Bottom Line: We ordered early to save money and acquire fiber in advance of the construction season. In addition to this $800,000 of fiber, we will be ordering almost $2 million of other materials in the next 45 days.

↑ contents

As Construction Approaches, Fund-

ing Search Continues CVFiber expects to receive about $27,000,000 in construction funding from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), administered by the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB). We are also seeking grants from member communities’ ARPA funds. ARPA Cabot has over $300,000 in funds remaining at its disposal.

↑ contents

Cabot Vermont Website

by Susan Socks

proud to announce the launch of their new website, www.cabotvermont.org. The site gathers information about all aspects of Cabot in one convenient place, to help residents and visitors find what they need, quickly and easily. The site is mobile friendly as well, allowing users to access information on the go. Here are the highlights from www.cabotvermont.org: News: blog for breaking news, archive of stories about Cabot and its residents, and information about the Chronicle. Cabot

Community : information on local government, town committees, fire departcommitments to CVFiber. Those matching dollars will go toward connecting underserved homes, community facilities, or other facilities chosen by the community . Without those local grants, we would have to go to the bond market in 2023, which would mean higher subscription rates and possible delays in construction.

↑ contents

Working Toward Digital Equity

CVFiber is committed to providing accessible and affordable high-speed broadband. This includes keeping prices as low as possible and creating a mechanism to assist low-income households with their payments. In fact, affordability and equal access are mandated in Act 71, the law that created the Vermont Community Broadband Board. need to have a way to support lowincome households and help them get connected,” said Holly Groschner, former CEO of Vermont Public Television, now a VCBB member and also head of Equal Access to Broadband, which is developing a process to make this commitment a reality.

↑ contents

Can You Serve Cabot on the CVFi-

ber Board? Cabot’s current delegate, R.D. Eno, has taken up new responsibilities as Selectperson, and would very much like to find a CVFiber successor; he will serve until replaced by the Selectboard. If you’re interested and available, please get in touch with him by email at rdeno@fairpoint.net. More generally, you can find a list of delegates and alternates on the Governing Board page and keep abreast of all the latest CVFiber news on the newly-redesigned webpage, https://cvfiber.net.

↑ contents

Launched

Cabot School, faith organizations, food share, history, online community forums, and how to volunteer in Cabot. Things to do : arts, live music, sports, outdoor recreation, Cabot library, places to eat, lodging & camping, and upcoming events. Buying local: links to Cabot Harvest Hub and nearby farmers markets. To top it off, the site is visually stunning, full of great photos contributed by several talented Cabot photographers. Cabot has a wealth of resources and opportunities, made especially clear when all the information is gathered in one place. We are a small community with a big heart! Visit www.cabotver mont.org, to learn more about the village we call home.

↑ contents

Cabot Tree Warden

In 2017, when I became the Cabot Tree Warden, the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) had not been confirmed in Vermont. Recently, I viewed the VT invasives map of confirmed EAB infestations around Vermont - this map of Vermont now has many yellow and red circles indicating EAB infestation areas. The Orange County location where Vermont’s first EAB infestation was confirmed in early 2018 has grown to include Caledonia, Orange, and Washington Counties. The invasive, ash tree-killing beetle has spread to thirteen of the state’s fourteen counties, with further spread inevitable. The yellow and red shaded circles of the VT invasives map delineate Vermont’s EAB infested areas. The yellow shaded circles over an EAB infested area are approximately ten miles in diameter and indicate a less severe infestation. The red shaded circles over an EAB infested area indicate a more severe infestation. There will be few visible signs of EAB damage impacting the ash trees within a yellow shaded area on the map. As the severity of the EAB infestation increases, EAB will continue damaging the ash trees until the ash trees begin to show obvious signs of stress. The infested ash trees will then deteriorate rapidly, becoming very brittle and hazardous as the trees die. The most recent update of the VT invasives map viewed in mid-March has Cabot fully within a yellow shaded area, indicating a low severity EAB infestation

↑ contents

Cabot Awarded Trails

by Gary Gulka

The Trails Committee has been awarded a $62,500 grant from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to further develop our recreational trails network. The grant program seeks to promote local outdoor recreation and its economic benefits. We are one of 24 grants awarded statewide, and one of two grants awarded in Washington County. Goals of our project include: (1) creating a multi-use non-motorized trail linkage between the Cross Vermont and Lamoille Valley rail trails, utilizing as many off-road trails as possible; (2) establishing Cabot Village as the hub of the

↑ contents

AgriMark Corporate Communications

Agri-Mark's Cabot brand brought home four coveted "Best of Class" honors in March at the 34 th Biennial World Championship Cheese Contest® held in Madison, Wisconsin. Cabot Mild Cheddar, Cabot Pepper Jack, Cabot Pepper Jack Cracker Cuts, and Cabot Chocolate Mousse Triple Cream Yogurt each won top honors in their respective categories. The cooperative also earned seven second place finishes and five third place finishes in what is considered the largest cheese competition in the world with nearly 3,000 entries from 29 nations.

↑ contents

T REE W ARDEN

is now present in all of Cabot. Over the past month, I have driven Cabot’s roads and resurveyed the largest ash trees along Cabot’s roadsides, taking time to assess the condition of each of the larger ash trees. There are seventy-three ash trees over 20” DBH (diameter at breast height, measured at 4’6” above the ground) in Cabot’s road rights-of-way. The largest ash trees are usually the first trees EAB infests, so I was looking for signs of EAB damage on the largest roadside ash trees. None of these ash trees had obvious signs of EAB infestation, which include Woodpecker fletching, bark splitting, and galleries visible beneath tree bark that is falling from the ash trees. Only subtle signs of dieback in the tops of the ash trees were noted and may become easier to see as the ash trees begin to grow leaves in early May. Over the next three or four-years, Cabot’s ash trees will begin a rapid decline as they succumb from damage caused by EAB. There are two URLs below for anyone interested in more information on EAB. The first URL is to the VT invasives EAB page on VT invasives website. The second URL is a twenty-minute introduction to EAB video, presented by Ginger Nickerson, the forest pest education coordinator for the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program. Please be safe and use caution working around ash trees as the EAB infestation progresses. https://www.vtinvasives.org/invasive/ emerald-ash-borer https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=lnxQdpwFWvA

↑ contents

Grant

linkage and a town-wide trail network; (3) building our capacity for trail development and maintenance through purchasing tools and equipment, developing a trail steward program, and safety and trail building training; and (4) marketing the trail network to increase use by residents and visitors. Other specific trails we hope to develop and improve include town forest trails and access, the old center of town access from the village, trails at Burtt Orchards, and parking improvements for some trails. “We are excited about getting to work, and this grant opportunity will take our trail network efforts to the next level,” said Dana Glazier, Chair of the Trails Committee.

↑ contents

Cheese Contest

The World Championship Cheese Contest® is the world's premier technical cheese, butter, and yogurt competition. It has been hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association biennially since 1957. Entries from around the globe are evaluated by a team of skilled technical judges. Starting from a maximum possible 100 points, deductions are made for various defects found by each judge. Defects are noted in the areas of flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging, and other appropriate attributes. A Gold medal, Silver medal and Bronze medal are awarded to the three highest-scoring entries in each class.

↑ contents

AWARE

April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month and AWARE is the local sexual and domestic violence agency serving the greater Hardwick area. During the month of April there will be a flag and informational display at the Hardwick Memorial Park, on the corner of North Main and Church Street, sponsored by AWARE. AWARE will also launch a sticker campaign and local businesses will place AWARE Cares stickers on take -out containers, which will include their phone number for help, assistance or for more information. Sexual violence isn’t something that most people talk about every day, even though it is a very common problem. Sexual violence awareness month offers a time to focus on this important topic that impacts many people in our community and it is also an opportunity for victims/ survivors to come forward and talk openly without shame or retribution. Remember that a victim’s reactions to sexual violence may take many forms. The impact might be severe and debilitating in one person and another person’s reaction may seem minimal. Some people disclose and report the violence, while many victims keep it a secret, hidden from the world. No reaction is “wrong.” Each person deals with their experiences in different ways and there is no typical “victim” reaction. However, a victim’s feelings should always be validated and respected. What is sexual violence? Sexual violence or sexual assault is any unwanted sexual attention, contact, or activity. It may involve one or more persons forcing, pressuring, coercing, threatening or otherwise manipulating another person into sexual acts or activities against their will and without their consent. Sex without consent is rape and it is illegal. While there are many ways in which our culture places blame on the victim, it is always the offender’s fault. If you or someone that you know have been forced,

↑ contents

Featured on WCAX-TV

Kevin Gaiss of WCAX interviewed Ruth and Glenn Goodrich in February to learn about their reverse osmosis system to condense sap and steam-powered evaporator. Glenn told him about their 1,200 miles of system and explained why they start drilling in December. Did you know the Goodriches have 116,000 trees on 4,000 acres in Eden? Ruth told

↑ contents

Awareness Month

pressured, coerced, or manipulated into sexual activity that was unwanted, please reach out for help. Even if someone was using drugs or alcohol, knows the person who hurt them, or even has had sex with the person before, help and support is available. It doesn’t matter if someone didn’t fight back or has kept it a secret, or that it happened a long time ago, it’s important to reach out for help. What can we do about sexual violence? We can role-model healthy sexual relationships which involve the consent, or permission, of all people involved. When consent is fully present, partners have a choice about what they want to do, and they can refuse to do anything at all without pressure or fear of harm, even if the partners have had sexual contact before. We can learn about sexual violence and sexual harassment and speak out about it and intervene if we see someone acting inappropriately. We can offer our support and assistance to someone who has experienced sexual violence and encourage them to reach out and the get the help that they need. The most important thing we can do if someone discloses sexual violence is to listen and believe them! Believing someone who is or has been experiencing any form of sexual violence is the most important step towards healing. What else can we do? Be good role models and don’t force children to touch or hug others. Ask consent when hugging or touching others, especially children. Help children set strong boundaries and teach them about their bodies. Tell them that their body is their own and that they have a right to protect it and that it’s okay to tell trusted adults if someone is hurting them or making them feel uncomfortable. Help children and teens identify safe adults that they can reach out to if something isn’t right or something is bothering them.

awareadvocate@vtlink.net to talk, to discuss your options, and to receive support and information. All AWARE services are totally confidential and free of charge.

↑ contents

Farm

Keven the sugaring process is “kind of a cross between the running of the bulls and an Ironman triathlon for sure.” You can read the whole story at: https://www.wcax.com/2022/02/24/ goodrichs-maple-farm-gets-ready-sweetseason/. Or go to WCAX.com and enter “Goodrich” in the search bar in the upper right corner.

↑ contents

April

2nd pm-5 pm FREE seeds, seedy treats by Ama, Equal Exchange chocolate, coffee, tea, & hot cocoa by Just Food Hub. Cosponsored by CoopGardens VT

and the Jaquith Public Library (802-426 -3581). Do you want to help pack seeds for the Seed Swap? Saturday, March 26 come repack free seeds sent to the Cooperative Gardens Commission by seed companies around the nation. Volun-

↑ contents

Birds - With Nicky Auerbach (M.Ed.,

& Nature Educator) Co me learn about birds with Nicky! We'll do some bird watching on the nature trail, learn to identify birds through their song, and make some bird feeders that kids can take home. Kids will also get some hands-on experience with ducks and chickens.

↑ contents

With Janice Walrafen, Artist & Com-

munity Celebrant I n this week we will create paper mâché’ masks and costumes of another species of life and celebrate our interdependence with all of life! Learning about how they live and what they need to survive will help us make sure they will continue to thrive on the planet Earth, our home and theirs. You are all invited to participate in the All-Species Day Parade in Montpelier on Sunday May 1 dressed in your costumes.

↑ contents

Barry

L et us work together to develop the characters in your imagination that are calling to be put on paper. We will work on drawing, plot development, and the details of creating a finished book. The books will help create a local authors shelf; a new inventory available to the public created by local community members.

↑ contents

Kenzie Khaliq (zie/they/she)

Curious about what plants are all around you and what they might help you with? Join Kenzie Khaliq (zie/they/ she) on an adventure through the wild woods and fields to taste, touch, see and listen to the world around you! Plan to tromp and chat about plant communication, herbal medicine and how all our ancestors were herbalists only a few generations ago!!

↑ contents

Goating Around With Nicky Auer-

bach (M.Ed., & Nature Educator) T his week we'll be getting some handson experience with goats! We'll be grooming goats, taking goats on hikes, and learning how to milk goats. We're even going to be painting with goats! Free Snack provided. Funded through a grant from the Association of Rural and Small Libraries.

↑ contents

Molly’s Falls Pond State Park

That is a frequent question I am asked when I make a new acquaintance, after I’ve answered their first question, which is, “Where do you work?” The answer to the first question is, “I am the manager at Molly’s Falls Pond State Park.” The answer to the second question takes a lot more words…. When we showed up at the park on our first day of work in May of 2016, we weren’t sure what was expected of us. How, we wondered, do we create a State Park? Our only instructions came in four words: “Make it a Park.” We would make it up as we went along. We didn’t have our boat at first, so we borrowed a canoe from New Discovery State Park and paddled the whole reservoir. Neither of us had ever been on the reservoir. We explored the island. We searched for campsites. We picked up trash. We both knew that we had landed the best job at the best Vermont State Park and felt privileged to be instrumental in its development. We do a lot of chores right at the launch. We mow the grass. After the first few mowings of the season, we allow the grass to grow just to the west of the tables in the picnic area. A lot of orange hawkweed grows among the grass there, and we like to see it all in bloom. We will mow it down after it goes to seed. We weed whack, too, around the guardrails, portalets, rocks, all those hard-to-reach-with-the-mower places. We whack a few times at a couple places along Old Route 2, as well. And pick up all the trash we find. We try to clean the portalets, even though they could be considered a lost cause. We at least wipe the handrails and toilet seats, and sweep the floors and the spider webs, and try to keep from running out of tp. If we find the units resting on their backs, we let them sleep, and I send an email to request a honey dipper be sent asap. We check all the campsites and dayuse sites a couple of times each week. We clean all the toilet seats, add shavings to the buckets, provide tp, and sweep the floor, the bench, and the webs. That last one is a lesson in futility, as the privies are constructed with rough-cut lumber that snags everything I try to sweep out the door. I hang National Geographic magazines on the wall for campers to read and take home. The fire rings usually have trash left in them, sometimes just a few butts, often times all the detritus from a night of partying and changing diapers. We remove all the ashes from the fire rings after they’ve been rained on, and sometimes the rings need to be completely taken apart and rebuilt. If we find more than one fire ring at a site, we disassemble the newest one. We replace signs that have disappeared. There are five more campsites in the works. The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps built all the current toilets and tent platforms at MFP, and I expect they will be tasked with the job this year. It may take them more than one year to build the five new sites. We have been building picnic tables, a few each year. This year I hope to go on

↑ contents

You Do at the Park?”

a table-building blitz. I have requisitioned the parts for about a dozen tables. Other projects include some conservation work that I have been planning and preparing for all winter. The flower patch at the entrance around the park sign is a mix of wild species that were already there, like ferns, goldenrod and asters, and sort-ofwild-looking species, such as foxglove, coneflowers, and lupines. Dozens of different kinds of flowers are growing there, and the plan is to eventually ignore the whole thing and see what it becomes. It has a narrow path through it, and visitors are invited to take a little stroll, since it is too short for a big stroll. It is dubbed The Great Prolific Flower Patch. How many species can you identify? There are also office-related tasks, reports and such, that get done during the course of the summer. There are weekly reports that I send in, describing all the interesting events of the week. I include interesting interactions with visitors, a pigeon that lands on a boy’s fishing pole, the appearance of a cormorant, loon chicks hatching. I also do incident reports when the portalets get bulldozed, when trees get hacked, when I put a dent in the truck’s bumper. (There is a big rock, of the species Silveradea smackiae 'Truckbane', near the contact station.) We test the clarity of the water each week and send in a report. We keep an eye on the loons and send an email to the loon folks at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. We keep an eye out for hazards, such as dead trees near where people hang out. We meet and greet visitors to the park. A lot of very interesting people come to Molly’s. I know a lot of the locals have been curious about our doings at MFP since it became a park. Park staff can often be found at the launch, bucket in the left hand, grabber in the right, and we are always willing to put those objects down for a chat with visitors and to answer questions. And it is with deepest gratitude that, on behalf of all VT State Parks Employees who ever carried a trash bucket, I thank all of the park visitors who kindly pick up the garbage they find on the ground. At Molly's Falls Pond State Park, known locally as the Marshfield Reservoir, I have spoken to many people who express their appreciation for our efforts in keeping the place clean. Staff cannot take all the credit, though. Sometimes in our wanderings we will find that folks have gathered up a quantity of broken glass and other junk from the shore, and left it in a neat pile in an obvious, safe place for staff to easily collect on their rounds. Thank you, all, and see you soon! Kate Abrams has lived in Barnet since 1984.

↑ contents

Consulting and Gardening

Many species of birds are in decline. According to a 2019 study published in Science , the US has three billion fewer birds now than in 1970 (yes, billion with a “B”), a drop of more than 25%. This joint study by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, American Bird Conservancy, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Canadian Wildlife Service used diverse sets of data, including weather radar, to track population numbers. What is behind the decline? There isn’t a single answer. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, glass skyscrapers, and outdoor cats all contribute. And here is another contributor you may not have considered: lighting. We know that outdoor lighting contributes to light pollution, making it harder to see the night skies, especially in urban areas. Birds that migrate at night are thought to navigate using both the magnetic field of the Earth and the visual cues of the moon and stars. Artificial lights can cause confusion for birds, leading them to collide with buildings, or circle light sources till they are exhausted. But there is another, less direct way that nighttime lights can harm birds. Insects are the main food for baby birds; 96% of land birds feed their nestlings insects. There’s a good reason for this: insects are excellent food, rich in protein, fat, and carotenoids. Among the most nutritious are caterpillars, and many

3075 Main St.,

↑ contents

Lights and

bird species prefer them for their babies. According to Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, chickadee parents need about 7500 caterpillars to raise one nest of young. And these caterpillars are the immature forms of moths, most of which fly at night and are very susceptible to outdoor lighting. To summarize:  Outdoor lighting reduces populations of insects.  Insects are necessary to feed the babies of land birds.  Fewer insects means fewer surviving nestlings, and fewer birds. So what can we do? At the individual level, homeowners can turn off nighttime lighting, or reduce the impact of nighttime lighting with motion detectors or installation of light fixtures with shields or shrouds. Shields help direct light downwards where it is needed, rather than spilling it ineffectively in all directions. At the level of towns and cities, we can work to implement “dark skies” policies, which will not only benefit insect and bird populations, but have also been shown to improve sleep and health for people. It’s nesting season; thanks for doing your part to support the birds! This garden article is brought to you by Susan Socks, aka the Garden Goddess. Stay tuned for upcoming articles on green lawn care, pruning, garden tools, edible landscapes, and more. For gardening help, vist www.SocksFamily

↑ contents

Getting Ready for the

by Elizabeth Vitale Local farmers and artisans across the state are getting ready for the summer season. Along with all those fresh vegetables and fruits you’ve been craving, our local producers are gearing up for farmer’s markets! The Cabot Harvest Hub has been a great asset to many of these producers, as we’ve been able to offer a winter farmer’s market this year, and even better, it’s been online! This has saved many producers the efforts of spending a chilly day set up to vend their products in person. However, we know that many people are finally ready to get back to the prepandemic level of normalcy. So, we are excited to announce that we will be holding several in-person markets this spring and summer! Please join us 8:30 am-12:30 pm at the Hub building, 39 Main Street in Cabot, to meet your local farmers, artisans and other Hub Producers. You can expect to find freshly baked goods, wild harvested teas, CBD products, books by local authors and more! dates May Our first few Pop-up Market are Saturday, April 2, Saturday, 7, and Saturday, May 28. We would love to also offer live music, so if you are a local musician who would be interested in performing at one of our markets, please email me at eliza-

This summer, the Cabot Harvest Hub will also be offering new opportunities for local producers and customers with the expansion into the Northeast

↑ contents

Trees and Shrubs for Wildlife

by Gary Gulka

Early spring is a good time to be thinking about plantings that will not only provide you with sustenance and beauty, but also benefits to wildlife. Tree and shrubs that are available from local plant sales and local nurseries and that grow naturally on your property are an important resource. Trees and shrubs provide food sources for birds, mammals, and pollinators and can provide shelter as nests and cavities. They also harbor the insects that birds are so dependent on. Mast is the edible reproductive part of trees and shrub. Hard mast is the various nuts such as acorns, beechnuts, and pinecones. Soft mast includes apples, cherries, raspberries, and serviceberries. Mast is produced irregularly from year to year. For instance, last year was an abundant year for apples. 2017 was a bumper year for acorns. The latter led to a bumper year for squirrels. Biologists estimate that there can be a three- to nine-fold increase in mast during the abundant year from species to species. Trees and shrubs are not only important for mast but for harboring pollinator insects and the insect food sources that breeding birds need. Native insects have co-evolved with native trees. For example, native oaks and maples host hundreds of caterpillar species, whereas an introduced non-native tree, the ginkgo, hosts only five caterpillar species. It takes approximately 6,000 caterpillars to raise one brood of chickadees!

↑ contents

Summer!

Kingdom of Vermont and the creation of the NEK Harvest Hub! Beginning May 30, Harvest Hub Members can choose to change their pickup location on the website to ‘Lyndon Farmers Market’. They will then see new products in the Hub Shop from Producers who are local to the NEK. Shoppers on the NEK Harvest Hub can shop on the site Monday at noon until Thursday at 5 pm. They then will pick up their purchases at the Lyndon Farmers Market on Friday, 3 pm-6 pm. And Producers will have the opportunity to sell to either or both locations if they choose! We are very excited about this new addition and anticipate it enriching both the Cabot and NEK communities and economies! And finally, as we move from our winter market to our summer market, a huge thank you to all of the farmers, bakers, artists, herbalists, teachers, crafters and writers who have participated in our Winter Hub market this year! It is so delightful to see the talent and skill our neighbors have, and so amazing that we have already sold over $8,000 of local products this season! However, we could not have done it without the support of our community members and customers. Your participation has gone directly to boosting our local economy! We are all looking forward to our next season, and if you haven’t shopped on the Cabot Harvest Hub yet, check us out at http://CabotHarvestHub.org! Use code: CABOT for a free one-week membership!

A couple of things to think about when selecting trees or shrubs: (1) select some that provide a food source throughout the winter, such as winterberry, mountain ash, and hawthorn; (2) think about what wildlife you are trying to attract, since bears, birds and deer have different needs; and (3) add species that bloom early, especially for pollinator insects, like basswood, willow, red maple, and serviceberry. There are a couple of great resources available to help you in selecting plants. Consider checking out Audubon’s Bird Friendly Plant Database or NRCS Vermont Trees and Shrubs for Conservation, and Backyard Habitat for Wildlife in Vermont (VT Fish & Wildlife). These can easily be found on the internet. As another resource, Vermont Fish & Wildlife staff are available to visit properties for wildlife habitat assistance.

↑ contents

Cabot Introduces a Line of Dog Treats

Cabot fans will be happy to know they can treat the family dog to the same delicious cheddar flavor they enjoy with a line of new dog treats (https:// www.cabotcheese.coop/dog-treats/). Cabot dog treats are available at retail outlets throughout the Northeast (check Cabot's store locator (https:// www.cabotcheese.coop/where-to-buy/) to find where you can buy Cabot dog treats near you!) and on-line through Dakin Farm. "Consumers have requested for years that we make a Cabot dog treat. After considerable testing and recipe development, our collaborators came up with seven varieties that meet the very high standards of a Cabot product," explains Roberta MacDonald, who heads up the cooperative's licensed product initiative. The new line of dog treats includes seven flavors: Meatball & Cheese, Bac'n Cheez Chew Bones, Cheeseburger, Chicken Parmesan, Meaty Cheez, and Sweet Potato Cheez Fries. "These treats not only provide a tasty snack for dogs, but they have the high quality and great cheese flavors that our farmers are proud to stand behind," adds MacDonald.

↑ contents

About Marshfield Village Store Changing Hands

Anne Wallace Allen, resident of Marshfield, writes for Seven Days, “Vermont’s Independent Voice,”, which is available in print and online. When the Marshfield Village Store was sold in February, she researched the new owners and their unconventional business model. The article outlines not only the role of the local store that so many depend on for hot coffee, fresh sandwiches, and store-made pizza, but also a bit of Marshfield culture and history. To learn more about how the five individuals run-

↑ contents

Beware! The Striped

Rollin Tebbetts photo ning the store came to be part of a statewide movement to save general stores, and their future plans in Marshfield, go to: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/ vermont/new-arrivals-restructure150-year-old-marshfield-village-store -as-a-worker-owned-cooperative/ Content?oid=34999143. Or go to https://www.seven daysvt.com and type “Marshfield Village Store” in the search bar at top right.

↑ contents

Team Rubicon USA

by Ruth Goodrich Team Rubicon serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters I was recruited to Team Rubicon at a Red Cross recruitment drive. Having worked with Red Cross previously in Florida after Hurricanes Francis, Charlie, Wilma & Ivan and again in Houston after Hurricane Katrina, I was willing to re-up with them for Hurricane Harvey. While there I met someone who suggested to me that my skill sets might be better used elsewhere and encouraged me to look up Team Rubicon when I got back home. I was a bit skeptical at first, had never heard of this group, but decided to check it out. What I found was quite inspiring and I contacted them to learn more. They were glad to welcome me, and I began the online training and quickly qualified in all areas necessary to deploy. If you are within a certain radius of the disaster deployment area, you can drive, but if not, flight waves are organized, and you commit to a ten-day deployment. For me that meant a drive to Boston, MA, and deployment to Beaumont, TX, via American Airlines Chartered flights. We met in the airport, where we were issued the “grey shirts” - which are gray t shirts with a big white stripe across the front where you write your name in black magic marker, or whatever you want to be called during the deployment. This is often the only way you are recognized once you get on a job, as you are wearing masks and often goggles and hard hats. It is a simple but wonderfully efficient way of immediate communication, and it’s a lot of fun to see some of the handles people go by. I was able to spend ten days in Port Arthur & Beaumont, TX, mucking out homes and gutting them for rebuild. Homes had been partially or completely submerged in the flooding. It was a hard, rewarding time, and I made many new friends. In one week, eleven teams readied forty homes for rebuild. Deployments can be local, national, and international. Accommodations range from rustic to primitive, the work is hard, and the rewards are great. There have been many, many deployments this past year assisting with the aftermath of the fires in the West, flooding in the North West, Southern states, and local flooding. There were deployments to Hawaii (I REALLY wanted that one) to help remove debris and trees, and tarp roofs after the storms there this fall. They are still deploying to assist with the tornado damage & cleanup in Kentucky. It doesn’t cost you anything for travel and you must be physically able to do a lot of demanding work. During the pandemic I have chosen not to deploy, due to the risks associated with

↑ contents

Invitation from Roz Daniels

Cabot Show and Tell will resume gathering April 10. We're looking forward to seeing Anyone who makes something we can see travel and lodging in very close quarters with people from all over, and due to short staffing in our business. I also have chosen to spend time with my baby granddaughter. I hope to be out again in the future, but for now I will continue to serve my community on the Cabot Ambulance. For the full background and mission statement, go to: Teamrubiconusa.org/ story. Team Rubicon’s mission is providing relief to those affected by disaster, no matter when or where they strike. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and technology solutions, Team Rubicon aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible. Through continued service, Team Rubicon seeks to provide veterans with three things they lose after leaving the military: a purpose, gained through disaster relief; community, built by serving with others; and identity, from recognizing the impact one individual can make. Coupled with leadership development and other opportunities, Team Rubicon looks to help veterans transition from military to civilian life. Serving the Underserved Across the world, disasters are a part of life. No corner of the globe is spared from severe weather – be it crippling winter storms, catastrophic hurricanes, or unchecked wildfires. By focusing on underserved or economically-challenged communities, Team Rubicon seeks to makes the largest impact possible. Disasters represent a massive financial cost, and by providing immediate relief work, free of cost, TR aims to help communities begin recovery sooner. For many men and women of our Armed Forces, the desire to serve their country and fellow man does not diminish once they take off the uniform. Learn how continued service helps build stronger communities and supports transitioning veterans.

↑ contents

SERVICE PRINCIPLES

SERVICE above self is the driving force behind all of Team Rubicon’s operational activity. Our actions are characterized by the constant pursuit to prevent or alleviate human suffering and restore human dignity – we help people on their worst day. Editor’s note: https:// teamrubiconusa.org/ indicates Team Rubicon is currently providing medical teams for patient care in Western Ukraine and Hungary, as well as serving as translators, assembling housing, and serving families coming to the US following the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

↑ contents

Diane Lashoones of

by Selena Lamery

Selena Lamery is a ninth grader at Twinfield Union School. She participated in a teen journalism class at the Jaquith Library this winter. This interview with Dianne Lashoones is her first published work of journalism. Dianne Lashoones owns Water Tower Farm, a 70-acre horse farm on a hill in Marshfield. The farm to me is like a fairytale with horses. It had big, beautiful horses everywhere. On the February day I visited, they were walking around, eating, and playing, living their best lives. Dick and Dianne have owned the farm since 1988. The farm is huge. There are 28 horses, with 33 stalls, two barns, two tack rooms, and nine turnout areas. Dianne, who has been a physical therapist since 1975, runs a program at the farm for people with disabilities, called the Rhythm of the Rein. I interviewed Dianne in her office in the barn. The interview was edited for length and clarity.

↑ contents

Rhythm of the Rein?

When I moved to Vermont, I was working for Central Vermont Home Health. At that time, we did a lot of the school physical therapy services, and we had many pediatric clients. At first, I ended up getting one horse so I could have horses again, and then I got two horses, and then I got three horses, and then it just kept snowballing. I ended up with an arena and boarders and the whole horse thing. I got involved with the Tennessee Walkers and breeding and training, all sorts of stuff. My supervisor told me I should start doing hippo therapy. Hippo is Greek for horse. They have used horses for rehab and therapy ever since Greek times because, when warriors were injured, they used horses to help them get better. We decided it would be nice to serve more than just the clients that needed physical therapy, to open it up to more

↑ contents

Tower Farm?

There are two certified instructors who work for the Rhythm of the Rein, our therapeutic riding program. There is a driving instructor because we also do adaptive carriage riding. Then we have someone who has a degree in psychology at Northern Vermont University. She does more with the mental health benefits of working with horses, not just riding them, but just doing stuff on the ground.

↑ contents

What do you want this program to

be like in ten years? Ten years from now I would like to see this place being full time five to six days a week, with a couple of full-time instructors. Hopefully offering more formalized mental health services, and for the program to be in a financial position to have their own facility and not have to rent. I hear you'd like to do more with kids, what would that be like? Something we are focusing on now is an initiative called social and emotional learning, which we would like to offer to any child of any age. Eventually we would like to offer that to adults if they could use it, to help them work out all the challenges they have developed the past couple of years with COVID. Especially young kids that we hear from parents are missing the social interaction they need for good growth and development. We are also working on the stress and anxiety people are experiencing. Not just kids and the massive upheaval with the educational system, but also with a lot of parents that have struggled and had problems with losing jobs and financial concerns. Those types of things impact the whole family. So that's the area we really want to focus on.

↑ contents

May 1 Annual Deadline for Disabled Veterans

to Apply for Property Tax Exemption Disabled veterans who own their homes (in fee simple) may be eligible for a property tax exemption. The exemption reduces the assessed value of the property, lowering the veteran’s property taxes. State law mandates a minimum $10,000 property tax exemption for veterans in both the municipal and education grand list. Cities and towns may vote to increase the exemption up to $40,000 in the municipal grand list, and Cabot voters have done so. The value of a veteran’s property will be reduced by $40,000 for taxation purposes. Veterans are eligible for the exemption in one of three circumstances: Disability compensation for 50% or higher disability or Non-Service connected pension (“improved pension”) or Military retirement pay for a permanent medical military retirement If a disability qualifies a veteran for this exemption, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs will issue a Summary of Benefits Letter. Most veterans will have to provide proof of eligibility to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs every year before May 1. It is recommended veterans or surviving spouses call the VA no later than April 1 to request this documentation. The proof of eligibility may also be obtained through ebenefits: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage. Submit the current year application to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs by May 1 of each year. To access the form online, click on the link at this website page: https://veterans.vermont.gov/benefits-and-services/veteran-benefits/tax-exemptionsveterans.

↑ contents

Where in the World is

Surviving spouses of veterans who had previously qualified for this exemption may also be eligible if they don’t re-marry. For questions regarding the application process and eligibility visit the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs website or contact:

To learn what other assistance is available to Vermont veterans, go to https:// veterans.vermont.gov/office-veterans-affairs/programs-administered-office-veteransaffairs.

↑ contents

MAY 28 & 29

Cabot Crafters Vermont Rug Hooking Studio, Hillcrest Adirondack Furniture, Klingler Woodcarving and Art, Sandy Pond Studios, Blackthorne Forge and Joe’s Pond Craft Shop are local studios listed on the Spring Open Studio map. The free Vermont Studio Tour booklet contains maps and directions. The Sue maps, along with the yellow wayfinder signs placed along the roads, guide

↑ contents

Cabot Ice Rink Closed

and galleries participating in Open Studio Weekend, will follow the Covid-19 recommendations of the Vermont Department of Health. by Susan Socks

The Cabot Rink is closed for the season. It was a great run, with over two months of excellent ice, and more skaters than I've ever seen. Thank you to our daily maintenance volunteer crew: Christy Aucoin, Stef Burtt, Ry Hoffman, Dana Robinson, Lynn Rockwell, Mary Saggerson, Shane and Harper Smith, and the Cabot Leads crew of Sam Churchill, Dexter Mongeon, Leilah ThompFrom the son, Ian Bailey, David Veroneau, and Sean Lehoe. The Cabot Leads crew is comprised of Cabot middle school students; they worked every morning Monday-Friday to keep the rink in great shape. These volunteers contributed to the rink as well: Bill Delgaudio and family, Shawn Everhart, Stephen Purdy, Michael Socks, Mekiah Smith, Eric and Shannon Smith, Netdahe Stoddard, and Tomas Vondra. It takes a lot of hands to make a rink happen. Tasks include social media, daily maintenance, supply procurement, building the rink in winter, and storage in spring. If you'd like to join the volunteer crew, email me at cabotfarm@gmail.com.

↑ contents

Library Director

The Cabot Public Library is open! Come visit in person Monday 3 – 6 pm, Tuesday noon – 6 pm, Wednesday 2 – 6 pm, Thursday 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday 9 am-noon. Curbside library service will still be available during regular library hours.

↑ contents

Book Club and Outdoor Exploration

Program (ages 7-11) has begun! We are reading The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Along with reading and discussing the book, participants enjoy taking walks on the Cabot Trails, completing scavenger hunts, using nature journals to record observations of our local flora and fauna and completing art activities using a variety of materials and mediums. tures from this club are uploaded Picto our website regularly - check them out!

↑ contents

Community Service Program for H.S.

students (ages 14-18) is off to a great start with nine participants! We kicked off the program with an orientation session where participants became acquainted/re-acquainted with the library and Willey building, completed icebreakers, team building exercises, brainstorming sessions and made pizzas from scratch! When asked what they hope to gain from this experience, many commented that they would like to: familiarize themselves with various sections of the library, get to spend time with friends and collaborate with different people, learn organization skills, and gain more confidence when working with children and adults alike. In the coming weeks, we will begin our work preparing for the Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities, and the teens will work to select books and activities for our themed Story Hour series, create take home activities for kids of all ages and make visual and informative displays for the library. Please contact us if your child is interested in helping out!

↑ contents

Director, Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs

The playing of Taps originated during the Civil War, it replaced a French rendition but still stood as a reminder that the day was ending; time to return to camp and douse the fires. In 1874 it was officially recognized by the United States Army, and became a standard at military funerals in 1891. Although not official, the following words have long stood as verses to the lyrics; the author is unknown:

↑ contents

L IBRARY N EWS

tion, you can access the corresponding PDF (found on our website under the "Library Resources" tab) with links to songs, videos, healthy snack recipes and ideas for additional crafts and activities. Donations : We are looking for shells and other ocean themed natural objects (sand, coral, driftwood, etc.) and themed puppets. If you have anything you are willing to donate or let us borrow, please be in touch.

↑ contents

African Childhood by Trevor Noah

I’ve been meaning to read this for a few years and finally got around to it. Trevor Noah tells stories of his years growing up under apartheid and in the aftermath. They’re really incredible, funny, heartwarming and give real insight to another place. The arguments between him and his mom are so funny. I especially liked listening to this as an audiobook, as he gives a real flavor of the various languages and dialects in South Africa. Ask me how you can access free audio/ebooks through Overdrive! Welcome to our two new Library Trustees, Grace Hoffman and Niall McCallum – we look forward to working together! Many thanks to Beth Wade for her many hours grant writing this past month. Crossing fingers. Thanks to all the high school students for their community service helping with programs, setting up new storage shelves and taking care of new books – thank you! Thanks so much to the Library Trustees for their dedicated work for the library: Grace Hoffman, Niall McCallum, Angela Ogle, Kurt Steinert and Beth Wade and our student representative, Ila Steinert. See you at the library! Kathleen Hoyne – Library Director Amanda Otto – Youth Librarian

Fading light, dims the sight, And a star, gems the sky, gleaming bright. From afar, drawing nigh -- Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Then good night, peaceful night, Till the light, of the dawn, shineth bright, God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night. March 7, and will be on a continuous basis. The class meets each Monday at 3:00 PM and all equipment is furnished. Chair yoga is a combination of gentle movements geared to those new to yoga or challenged with balance or mobility issues and designed to help you stay active and healthy. The instructor, Karen Kennedy, has several years’ experience teaching different styles of yoga and currently teaches in other Vermont towns. The fee is $6.00 per class or $20 per month and space is limited. Call Susan,

save your spot. This class is in addition to our Bone Builders and T’ai chi classes are taught weekly.

↑ contents

May 30,

A new monthly book club will start Thursday, April 7, at 3:00 PM and meet the first Thursday of each month. The book club will focus on mystery readings and the first book is Thursday Murder Club , by Richard Osman. This meeting will be lead by George Spaulding from the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier. If you like to read mysteries, this is sure to be fun. Call Susan for informa-

Free blood pressure clinics are being held on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with the next clinic on Wednesday, April 13. Blood pressure readings will be taken by a registered nurse and educational material will be available to help you understand the risk factors of high blood pressure and what can help. No fee and no reservation required Don't forget to come for lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:15 for food and conversation. If you or someone you know is homebound, they may qualify for our Meals on Wheels program to have meals delivered to their door. Twin Valley Senior Center is located at 4583 US Route 2, East Montpelier, and is here to help senior age residents stay emotionally and physically healthy.

mation or stop by for a visit any Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

↑ contents

← From the Cabot Chronicle