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Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

December 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 December 2022 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

2466 Main Street,

The project consists of a total price to exceed for the following work:  The complete demolition and removal of 2466 Main Street, Cabot, Vermont and all associated hazard materials that may exist. Note: The existing was a single-family structure with auto repair shop.  Properly testing the entire project a certified 3 rd party agency for known/unknown hazardous materials that may exist within or around project limits. Copy of report submitted to Town Clerk’s Office.  A silt fence and an independent temporary construction fence must be stalled around the project site during demolition.  Site must be kept “damp” during demoing process to prevent air-born particles.  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency USEPA 10 (business days) notification prior to/and compliance during demoli-

DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to Publisher: Cabot Community Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

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Cabot Chronicle Mission Statement:

must contain signatures from at least your the

the

can

canbe later the 1% of registered voters in the municipality (minimum 12 confirmed registered voters). Also last day a candidate seeking office can register to vote to have their name printed on the ballot. The candidate should register before submitting their petition. 17 V.S.A. 2681(a)(B). Residents not wishing to run for an elected office may consider one of the many positions appointed by the selectboard. Let a selectboard member know of your interest in person, by phone or email, or submit a letter via the town clerk.

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Cabot, VT

not

site an

with any

the

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the tion must be done.  National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) notification prior to/ and compliance during demolition must be done.  Removal of all known hazards (i.e., known buried oil tank on the east side and additional oil tanks located in the basement area, two oil furnaces, and existing oil lines throughout the structure).  Properly remove any unknown hazards (including possible asbestos removal that may be found) located at 2466 Main Street Cabot Vermont with a copy of the documentation (paper trail) and report from the testing agency to the Cabot Town Clerk the destination/ disposal of any such hazardous material found.  Testing of floor drain lines under the repair shop slab (during demolition) for possible contaminants for any hazardous material runoff that may have ex-

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The Cabot Chronicle is a home-delivered

isted. Copy of testing report submitted to the Cabot Town Clerk’s office.  Total removal of structure including any foundation.  Copy of any/all other hazardous testing results submitted to Cabot Town Clerks’ office.  Copy of bidder’s Insurance policy submitted to the Cabot Town Clerk’s office.  Removal and proper capping and recording of the exact locations of the existing utilities. (Recording data to be filed by the Cabot Town Clerk in the site deed).  Structural backfill and compaction of

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Chitty Returns in May!

Cabot Community Theater is planning to finally bring “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” to the stage this spring! If you missed out on being involved in 2020, when we were first rehearsing for the show, we’d love to have you join us! Some of the people in the original cast are continuing in their roles, but others are not, so we will be looking for new cast members for both lead roles and chorus parts, and for people to help with technical and backstage activities. Performances will be May 5-7, and auditions will be held 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, January 8 and Saturday, January 14, at the Cabot School Performing Arts Center. More details will be announced in the January Chronicle, on Front Porch Forum, and on our Facebook page.

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Mummers’ Play January 7

And if you’d like to be part of some foolishness and rollicking fun at the turn of the year, with only a small time commitment, Cabot Community Theater will be performing a mummers’ play at Cabot’s Twelfth Night Celebration, and we’d love you to be involved! A mummers’ play is a type of comedic skit from English roots, with stylized characters full of bravado and gumption, often performed at solstice, Christmas, or Twelfth Night celebrations. CCT will be performing our own version of this traditional fare on the Common in the afternoon of January 7.

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January

6:00 p.m., Willey Discussion of items for Town

monthly and is provided locally free

05647 ~ Published by the Cabot Community

express written permission from The Cabot Chronicle advertising 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.

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subscriptions $12.50 ~ www.cabotvermont.org

newspaper devoted to telling the the entire foundation limits with an “approved structural material”.  The person would report directly to the Cabot Fire Chief. Please submit your resume, references, insurance coverage, and bid to tc@cabotvt.us. You may also drop your bit off at the Town Clerk’s Office, 3084 Main Street. or mailed to Cabot Town Clerk, P. O. Box 36, Cabot, VT 05647 by 5:00 p.m., December 5, 2022. Please mark the front of the envelope or email “Demolition Bid”. Bids will be opened on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. The Town of Cabot has the right to reject any and all bids.

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Theater

We need people of all ages for the cast: we have parts both large and small, for actors who have a lot of energy! We will have just a few rehearsals in late December/early January. If you’d like to join our merry band of performers, please let us know by mid-December at karen@praxisworks.org (or email with any questions). This show is a perfect fit for a parent and child who’d like to act together!

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Afterschool Theater Club December

6-February 21 Also, if you have a child in grades 1-6 who is serious or curious about theater, CCT is again running our Tuesday afterschool Theater Club 3:30-4:30 p.m., December 6 - February 21. If your child attends Cabot School, just look for the information the school sends home; if you homeschool or live in another town, email karen@praxisworks.org for more info!

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All Are Welcome

Cabot Community Theater always welcomes performers of all ages and levels of experience, and we include folks from Cabot as well as other towns. We plan (as always) to have flexibility in our casting in terms of age and gender, to offer performing opportunities to as many participants as possible.

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Merger with NEFCU

The proposed merger of Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU) and New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) was approved by VSECU members who voted during a period that began on September 20 and concluded November 8 at a VSECU Special Meeting held at the Barre Opera House. The VSECU membership vote was the culmination of a months-long process that began in February 2022, when both credit unions’ Boards of Directors unanimously supported the agreement to merge. The merger application was submitted for approval by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which authorized the member vote to move forward on August 15, 2022. Although the merged credit union is effective January 1, 2023, uniting the two credit unions will be a gradual process over several months and a new name will be created and announced later in 2023 for the merged credit union. “Our membership is highly engaged in the democratic process as memberowners evidenced by the highest credit union voter turnout ever in our history,” noted Miller. “As we look toward the future, we are excited about the opportunity this partnership promises and ready to take VSECU into our united future for all of our members.” Dwyer emphasized that the new merged credit union would remain a local cooperative banking option and will be better positioned to serve all members throughout Vermont in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace. “Our ability to bring two, likeminded, Vermont credit unions together will create tremendous opportunities, not only for our members, but employees and communities we serve.” The two credit unions will continue to operate separately as VSECU and NEFCU until January 1, 2023. On that date, VSECU will become a division of New England Federal Credit Union. No changes will occur for members of either credit union while integration of sys-

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Cabot Tree Warden

As most Cabot residents know, Roland (Slim) Payne was my father. He passed away from cancer on October 14, 2022, at his home. He will be missed by those who knew him. He was the previous Cabot Tree Warden; during his time as Tree Warden he planted many trees around town and on the town green. He also worked on trails at the Cabot Town Forest with students from the Cabot school while Tree Warden. Since his passing, there has been some discussion of an honorary tree being planted in his memory along with a memorial plaque. I agree, with all the work he has done in town; it would be nice to plant a tree in his honor along with a plaque to remember him by in the coming years. Two of the trees he planted on the Town Green as Tree Warden were elm trees. Both have died from insect damage, leaving space to plant new trees.

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Approve

tems, services, and products occurs. While there is no firm deadline for the conclusion of the integration, it is expected that the combined credit union will operate as one entity later in 2023. At the same time, a re-branding process will be conducted to create a name and brand identity for the new, merged credit union. Dwyer stated that “The new entity is truly greater than the sum of its parts, calling for a dynamic name and brand that are relevant, descriptive, and evocative.” John Dwyer will lead the new organization as CEO and Rob Miller as President and COO. The merged entity will be Vermont’s largest credit union with 165,000 members, 460 employees, 17 local branches, and $3 billion in assets.

Snowy Owls occasionally visit us in the winter from the tundra. Rollin Tebbetts photo

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ARDEN

The replacement of these trees was already discussed at a July Selectboard meeting. The elm tree closest to the monument on the town green also had a post and plaque nearby, calling this tree the Liberty Tree. I am suggesting replacing this tree with a tree suitable for the town green. In the previous meeting with the Selectboard, we discussed replacing both trees with chestnut trees. The post and plaque were to be removed at the time, as the elm tree was previously removed. It will be relatively easy to repurpose the post for a new plaque. I am planning to discuss this with the Selectboard at an upcoming meeting in December and hope for a show of support to do the planting as described above. About five years ago, my father started about ten chestnut trees, which are about the right size to transplant next Spring to replace both trees. If you are interested in having input on the Honorary tree, please attend the early December Select board meeting.

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West Danville Book

A very congenial group gathered at the Danville Historical Society on Thursday, November 17, to witness the presentation of two important awards for “West Danville, Vermont Then and Now, 1781-2021,” published by the Danville Historical Society. Snowflakes drifted down outside and the pungent fragrance of spicy hot mulled cider filled the pleasant, historyfilled Choate-Sias House great room, cameras flashed as Steve Perkins, Executive Director of the Vermont Historical Society presented the Richard O. Hathaway Award, and Eileen Corcoran, Directory of Programs and Outreach for the Vermont Historical Society, presented the League of Local Historical Societies and Museums award to the coauthors, Patty Houghton Conly and Jane Bolton Brown. Both awards are similar in that they are given annually to recognize outstanding contributions to Vermont History by individuals or organization for collecting, preserving and sharing Vermont history. The Hathaway Award included a generous check for the Historical Society. Accepting the awards, Patty Conly paid tribute to two deceased members of the original committee formed in 2013: Jane Hastings Larrabee, local historian, and fellow author Dorothy Ayer Larrabee who, in addition to her writing contributions, was a steadying influence and reliable resource on all things West Danville. Both women died before the book was published. She explained that this was a joint effort that took eight years of research and writing, and it would not have been possible without the efforts and support of many people, including family and friends, numerous individuals who were interviewed or who gave information or donated news clippings or photos for use in the book. Jane Brown credited their editor, Linda Bishop, for making them seem far better writers than they are; DHS staff member Randee Leightcap for her endless hours cleaning and restoring old photographs so they could be used; Howard and Peggy Tuttle of Foster Design Collaborative for their expert and expeditious layout and page design of the book; and Nate Somers for creating the aerial view cover photo to the precise specifications of Dot Larrabee, who unfortunately never got to see it. The authors acknowledged their families and friends, many of whom were in the audience, for their understanding and support; the Danville Historical Society Board of Directors for their patience and generosity; and finally, Leahy Press of Montpelier for their expertise, advice, and their above and beyond effort that made the book available by Christmas. Copies of the awardwinning book are available through the Danville Historical Society by emailing book@danville vthistorical.org, or at Hastings Store, West Danville, Joe’s Pond Craft Shop, or at Stop Inn Shop at Walden Four Corners.

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BITUARIES

Michael Michael W. W. Bashaw Bashaw

Michael W. Bashaw, 66, of Cabot passed away at his home on November 4, 2022. He was born on April 29, 1956, to Henry Bashaw Jr. and Eunice (Coates) Bashaw. attended Cabot Mike School, graduating in 1974. After spending 4 years in the US Navy, he returned to Cabot, working at various jobs including Cabot Creamery, Headwater Lumber and Guy's Farm and Yard, later becoming self employed as a logger and excavator operator. Mike was a free spirit who lived a Evangeline Evangeline Bell Kirsch Kirsch Evangeline Kirsch's passing on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, has been publicly announced by Keefe Funeral Home in Arlington, MA. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Evangeline Bell Kirsch (Cambridge, Massachusetts), who passed away on September 21, 2022, at

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Rachel G. Hood

Rachel G. Hood, 90, of Whittier Hill Road and most recently of Berlin Health & Rehab Center, passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2022. She was born on March 31, 1932, the daughter of Harold and Olive (Ormsbee) Goodall and grew up on the family's farm on the County Road in East Montpelier. She graduated in the Montpelier High School class of 1950. During her youth, Rachel was very active in the 4-H club. On July 25, 1959, Rachel married Wallace V. Hood and lived in Connecticut for 24 years before moving back to Cabot. Her work history includes working as a bookkeeper for Nyren Brothers Florist in Plantsville, CT, and later for the Noyle Johnson Insurance group in Montpelier. Her love and interests include spending time with her family and friends, making quilts and hooking rugs, playing cards, and baking cookies with her grandsons. She loved to travel and together with her husband has been to the

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EMORIALS

simple humble life on the land he loved and was known to many as "Uncle Mike" and "Barefoot Mike." Mike was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by an Uncle Dale Allison and wife Bea Anna, a sister Wendy Barnett and husband Wayne, a niece Jennifer Dunham and husband Damien and their children Hannah, Chloe and Jackson, a nephew Matthew Barnett and longtime companion Judi Joy, her daughter Flower and daughters Sophia and Maya. A celebration of life will be held in May when we can all honor Mike and be barefoot around a bonfire.

the age of 86. She was born April 11, 1936. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Keefe Funeral Home. Interment at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA. You may leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Evangeline Bell Kirsch at https:// www.keefefuneralhome.com/memorials/ evangeline-bell-kirsch. lower 48 states- all but Alaska and Hawaii because she wouldn't fly or get on a boat, as well as all of Canada. Besides her husband, she leaves her daughter, Valerie and husband, Jim Jankoski of Bristol, CT; two cherished grandsons, Tyler of Burlington and Justin of Bristol, CT; siblings, David Goodall and his wife Elaine, Joyce Fowler, and sister-in-law, Janetlee Goodall, brother-in-law, Don Hood; and several nieces and nephews. She was also survived by several close friends including, Lyndal Lumbra and Georgette Almeida. She was predeceased by her brother, James Goodall, brother-in-law, Stanley Fowler, nephew, Randy Goodall, and sister-in-law, Patricia Hood. A funeral service was held on Monday, November 14, at Guare & Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Bayada Home Health Care, 600 Blair Park, Suite 300, Williston, VT 05495, or to the Berlin Health & Rehab Center, 98 Hospitality Drive, Barre, VT 05641.

are very excited.

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Roy W. Potter, Jr.

Roy W. Potter, Jr., 89, a long-time East Montpelier resident, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Mayo Health and Residential Care Center in Northfield. Born on July 20, 1933, in Cabot, he was the son of Roy and Marion (Bean) Potter, Sr. He attended Cabot Elementary School and graduated from Cabot High School. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Sergeant in the Korean War, stationed in Germany. On April 14, 1956, he married Mary Lou Stebbins in a ceremony in Cabot. The two made their home in East Montpelier, where they raised their three children and spent 66 wonderful years together. Mary Lou passed away in August of 2022. Roy was employed as a truck driver for Cabot Creamery until 1962. He then became employed with Brimblecombe Electric as a master electrician until 1993. In his spare time, Roy enjoyed

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Open Letter to Cabot Selectboard

From Amy Hornblas, Representative to CVRPC October 17, 2022 Dear Cabot Select Board, Thank you for appointing me to the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. For the past several years I have been an active member of the Commission, served on two of its committees, and was chair of the Clean Water Advisory Committee. In these roles, I had the honor of participating in discussions and informational presentations on topics affecting our region. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about the plans and regulations being put in place to address human and environmental issues, and to provide our town’s perspective. The CVRPC Board of Commissioners and staff are made up of caring individuals with expertise in numerous relevant areas. We truly have a group whose skills and perspectives could effectively weigh the costs and benefits of various proposals and enact solutions that work. I respect their time and dedication to the commission, but I am also saddened by the lack of responsiveness to their input. The commissioners themselves do not actually have any influence on policy or planning in our region. Time and again,

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See January 2023 edition

fishing, bowling, antique cars, and motorcycle riding. He also established a legacy with stock car racing that his family continues today. Survivors include his daughter Cindy Hier and her husband, Jeff; his sons Jeffery Potter and his wife, Nancy; and Michael Potter and his wife, Kimberly; his grandchildren Jacob, Rachel, Matthew, Timothy, Kayla and Chandler; his great-grandchildren Kaden, Landon, Ethan, Colin, Madden, Kylee, Ryan, Nolan, Madison, and Paisley as well as his brother Roger Potter. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Lou Potter, and his sister Judy. A graveside service to honor and celebrate his life was held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in the Plain-Mont Cemetery on U.S. Route 2 in East Montpelier. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Mayo Nursing and Rehabilitation, 71 Richardson Street, Northfield, VT 05663. The Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre is in charge of the arrangements. For a memorial guestbook, please visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com.

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OMMENTARY

in the Community Commentary (LTE), those of this newspaper or its affiliates. commissioner’s feedback has been ignored. The policies and plans being enacted with funds funneling through the planning commissions are not open for debate. Even when the harms of them clearly outweigh the benefits. In the end, these plans are not helping humans or the natural world. They are only placing us both under increasing amounts of control, protecting polluters while punishing average people. This has been pointed out time and again at our meetings, and there has literally been no response at all. It appears that the commissioners, while unable to influence these policies and plans, are ultimately responsible for them. With all due respect to my fellow commissioners, this realization has prompted me to resign from the commission. While Cabot has received numerous grants with the assistance of CVRPC staff, we have also allowed them to write our town plan, emergency and energy plans, and create maps of our land, resources, and historical trails. If the select board decides that the risks of continuing to work with CVRPC do not outweigh the benefits, I suggest continuing this relationship with caution. Thank you. Sincerely, Amy Hornblas

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Sale of Masonic

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer At the 2021 Town Meeting, the voters of Cabot defeated an article which would have authorized the Town of Cabot to sell the piece of property located at 39 Main Street, known as the Green Mountain Masonic Lodge. The vote tally for Article 11 was 277 nays and 271 yeas. Under state statute, a Selectboard can sell a building in one of two ways. Either as a vote seeking approval of the voters to sell the property, as had been done in 2021, or negotiate a sales and purchase agreement with a buyer and post it for public review. If the latter method is followed, the voters of the town can petition a vote on the proposed sale within 30 days of the posting, otherwise the sale can be completed by the town. Over the past several months, the Selectboard has been meeting with representatives of Neighbors in Action, formerly known as Faith in Action, in executive session. The executive sessions have occurred at the September 6th and 20th meetings, the October 4th and 17th meetings, and the November 14th meetings. On the agenda, the sessions were listed as either “real estate discussion,” “discussion of sale of Masonic Hall,” or “sale of real estate.” The public can not attend executive sessions, nor can minutes be published, so the Chronicle has not been able to report

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Road Reclassification

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The Selectboard took action at the previous meeting to reclassify several Class 3 roads to Class 4 roads, the details of which were reported in the last issue of the Chronicle. The motion as documented in the minutes reads “A motion was made by RD with a second by Skip to have these driveways go from a Class 3 to a Class 4 road.” This is the documented action taken by the Selectboard but under Vermont State Statute 19 V.S.A. § 709, a process of examination and hearings are defined for reclassifying town highways. At the November 1st Selectboard meeting, several residents that live on some of these Class 3 roads attended to speak to the board. Joseph Smith spoke in regards to Blodgett Road, a Class 3 road starting at West Hill Pond Road and then changes to Class 4 after a short distance. Joseph stated the road is wide enough and there is ample room for the town to continue to plow the Class 3 portion of the road. He stated that they bought the house under the understanding that the town would be plowing the road. He added that there is more than enough reason for keeping that road as a class 3. He mentioned that it cost pennies to plow the 750 feet. Mike Hogan responded by asking Joseph if he received a letter from the town. He went on to talk about the process in general terms and stated that he just wanted to clarify that Ian,and the road crew will evaluate the roads before the promotes their mission to enhance is to empower Cabot residents to participate writer to cover selectboard and other meetings, able to attend. Most meetings are available are posted regularly on Front Porch available on the Town website, CabotVT.US

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Hall

on any happenings, and no action has been taken after each of these sessions. At the November 15th Selectboard meeting, the board entered into an unwarned executive session to “discuss a real estate matter” after exiting from an executive session that was on the agenda, which was for a proposed public safety building, a.k.a. new firehouse. After exiting the second executive session for the real estate matter, a motion was made to “authorize Mike to sign the evidence of community support for Neighbors in Action’s USDA Rural Development Community Grant.” It carried. Then a special meeting was called for the morning of November 17th. At the meeting Mike Hogan explained there was a time sensitive matter. The meeting was for the sole purpose of meeting with representatives of Neighbors in Action in executive session. After exiting executive session, a motion was approved to authorize Mike to sign the purchase and sales agreement as amended between the “Town and Faith in Action Northern Communities Partnership Inc. DBA Neighbors in Action for the sale of the Masonic Hall.” After the meeting Mike explained that a notice of the Proposed Conveyance of Real Estate will be posted by the town during the week of November 21st, and a copy can be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk.

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Continued

decision is made. Mike added that there is an appeal process and added the board is basically in a fact finding stage. Next Dave Pike, a retired member of the road crew, spoke about how he plowed Blodgett Road for 30 years, and never had any problems, “there is plenty of room.” Mike noted that the statute is clear about what defines a Class 3 road and Joseph responded that the road meets criteria. R.D. Eno speculated that the reasons there are dead end Class 3 roads is probably due to farming. There was a lot of back and forth discussion, sometimes heated, over the roads with some on the board calling them driveways. Dave pointed out that they are not driveways, they are Class 3 roads. He said the roads used to go through, but they got thrownup at some point in the past. Joseph interjected that he would like to see how much money the town is saving by reclassifying these roads. Dave and Joseph also identified other road portions that only have one house on them. Mike successfully brought the discussion to a close by expressing that the board has a sense of where they are coming from. He added that lots of Selectboards evaluate roads all the time, and change them from Class 3 to Class 4, or visa-versa. He agreed that it’s a contentious issue. He concluded that there is a process, and an appeals process, and that he would appreciate it if they could be present at the road inspections next month. the quality of community life for those in the governance and management for the purpose of keeping community via Zoom for those who would like Forum, or you can call the Town Clerk's by clicking on "Selectboard Meetings.

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Various Committee

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The November 1st Selectboard Budget meeting covered several different funding requests from many of the town committees. Committee, First up was the Trails and Kris Schmitt presented the request for $2000. She noted that last year the committee had asked for $2500, but ended up receiving $1500. She said this year they have a few extra costs they did not anticipate to go along with the grant they received. Michelle corrected the confusion over last year’s appropriation and said that the trails committee received $1250, half of their $2500 request. Kris described that the goal of the committee is to link the Cross Vermont Trail (CVT) and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT). She said that they currently have trails in the town forest, and on Talbert’s and McQueeny’s land. Kris added that they are working to get agreements from other land owners. Mike Hogan asked what are the concerns of land owners regarding trails and Kris responded that some people are afraid to have dogs on their property and others are worried about vandalism. She said that the agreements allow the land owner to restrict dogs, horses, or motorized vehicles; most agreements do not allow motorized vehicles. She added that the committee is promoting nonmotorized activities on the trails. The board then questioned the issue of liability and the trails and a lengthy discussion followed, resulting in Kris stating she will set up another meeting with VLCT to resolve the issue. R.D. Eno asked how the committee would enforce a ban on motorized vehicles. Kris responded that they really can’t enforce anything and can only rely upon people adhering to the signs. She noted that landowners can rescind their agreement if the rules are not followed. Jenn Miner presented funding requests for Emergency Management, Town Health Officer and the Planning Commission. She stated that the Emergency Management director does not collect any stipend and the $500 request for funds would be available for materials should the town have to open a shelter. Jenn also requested $500 for the Town Health Officer, which she says has never been funded, to cover the costs of writing reports and mileage.

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Budgets Discussed

The Planning Commission requested $2650, which would be used for a 10% match for a municipal planning grant. Jenn said the grant would be used to hire someone that is a zoning writer. She said the Planning Commission wants the zoning bylaws to be written so a lay person can understand them, and the language needs to be cleaned-up. She added that they are looking at zoning for the shoreline and fences. Stephanie Burtt presented the Recreation Committee’s funding request of $17,425. She stated that payroll isn’t being increased, and they are actually cutting back on a few things because the Cabot PTO has started picking up some activities. Steph went on to describe that the picnic tables at the rec field have seen a lot of use and are in need of repair, as well as the benches down at Larry's Field. She added they also want to put a footbridge over the swampy area next to the field. R.D. noted that the request is substantially higher than last year and wanted to know where the increases are coming from. Steph responded that usage has increased and they are expecting the need to double the amount for facility repairs. She also said inflation has impacted the cost of setting up the skating rink. The board and Steph talked about the rec field being wet and what options there are for fixing it and how much it might cost. Fred Ducharme said that whether the school or we do it, the taxpayers are supporting this for the community. Further budget discussion occurred on November 14th, with Melvin Churchill presenting a request from the Cemetery Commision, which did not include an increase from last year. The board and Melvin discussed what the commission had accomplished recently and Melvin described all the trees that have been taken down, and the stumps that were just recently grounded along the road. He said there are more trees that need to come down and more stumps that need to be ground, but the quotes for remaining trees and stumps are around $20,000. The board decided to put extra into the commission's request until they go over the entire budget.

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New Firehouse Building

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The Selectboard has the authority to enter executive session under state statute when the board finds that “premature general public knowledge would clearly place the public body or a person involved at a substantial disadvantage.” The board can do this for only specific topics, such as contracts. The November 15th agenda identified the reason for an executive session under 1 V.S.A. Sub Section 313 (1)a: Discussion with Public Safety Building Committee on proposed contract for demolition of 2466 Main Street Building and review of submitted bids. After the motion was made to go into executive session, R.D. Eno proposed letting the people talk about it before the board voted. Kris Schmitt stated that a lot of people don’t really know what's going on. Mike Hogan briefly summarized the history of the building. He noted that when the town purchased the building several years ago, it was thought to be the site of a future firehouse, and there was a working group put together to draw up plans. He then jumped forward to this past summer and recalled that at a June Selectboard meeting, the board formed a building committee to study what can be done with the current site. Mike mentioned that there are a lot of issues with the building. Dean Deasy talked about the activities of the committee and noted that Kris Schmitt had recently been brought on to the committee to represent Cabot Ambulance. He said they had been through the building several times, and had reached out to the two neighbors. He said they had a public meeting on November 3rd, but only 3 people showed up. One in attendance was the neighbor on the left. The Chronicle did not know about the meeting and thus was unable to attend and report upon the meeting. Nor did the Chronicle know about any meetings of the building committee, which as an entity of the Town, is required to operate under open meeting law. The minutes for the public meeting on November 3rd were located after some searching on the town website. They can be found under the Cabot Volunteer Fire Dept, which is under the “Community” menu tab. Dean continued explaining that this was the proposed site for a possible Firehouse, and he needed to make the current place as safe as possible. He mentioned that there is a possibility of ground contamination because it was a repair garage, and that there is also a buried oil tank. He stated that the town needs to raze the building, deal with hazards, remove the oil tank and test the ground for contamination. Jenn Miner confirmed with the board that at the June meeting, the Fire Department was tasked to seek grant funding, open an account to accept donations, and to obtain the proposals free of charge. She asked if anything else had been done beyond that? She continued by praising the fact that Dean has a very extensive plan in place, but expressed concerns that if the Selectboard moved forward with the plan, people might come back to the Selectboard and say they were blindsided because they had no idea of what was happening. She continued by advising that when decisions are made, they need to be broadly communicated so people can get behind the public safety building and support it. The discussion continued covering alternative sites that were looked at and how they were all eliminated because they didn’t meet the fire department's requirements. Dean also said they did scale the building back significantly, and switched to a metal building. Kris Schmitt then asked about how the process got from the three things authorized by the Selectboard back in June to the plan being considered by the board. Mike responded that part of the overall thing was to have the building committee go forward and look at a potential firehouse, and all the steps that were needed. He added that “this is the first step, they are recommending to us that we will look at these bids in executive session about contracting with somebody to take the building down.” He added that this is the first step in a long process to build this project. The board ended the discussion with the public and voted to go into executive session, at which point everyone had to leave the meeting room. When the Selectboard exited the executive session, R.D. Eno moved that “we raze the structure at 2466 Main Street by the Town of Cabot”, motion carried unanimously. Mike said that a motion was needed on Connor Contracting's offer to do the initial phase of the project, preconstruction, free of charge. R.D. added that in the event that the public safety project is approved, that this commits the town to contract with Connor for project management. The motion was finalized by R.D. as “we contract with Connor Contracting for preconstruction services … with respect for the construction of a public service facility on the understanding that … in the event that this project is authorized by the town this commits us to contract further with Connor … project management services.” Ian asked if this should be bid out? R.D. responded that the board is authorized for services. Michelle noted that the amount that is required is $20,000 and this is $16,000. Ian mentioned that if the building does get authorized, then we are committed to a contract with them. Mike said he thought it was different because this was a purchase of services. The discussion continued about how the costs would be included in what is put forth to the voters. The motion passed. Mike then announced that the bids for demolition of 2466 Main Street are being advertised with a submission deadline of December 5th, with decision on December 6th. R.D. added that the current bids that were opened during executive session are being resealed. This action was moved and approved.

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CCA and Chronicle Budgets

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

Before the Selectboad discussed the CCA and Chronicle budget requests at the November 14th budget meeting, R.D. Eno noted that he is on the board of the CCA and felt it was appropriate to recuse himself from the discussion on these specific requests. leave the room, but the He offered to board felt it was ok for him to stay seated at the table and just remain silent. Lori Augustyniak started her presentation by noting the CCA request for funding is remaining at $10,000. She stated that given the state of the world, the CCA felt it wasn’t appropriate to ask for an increase. Lori went on to describe some of the activities the CCA organizes and runs. She noted that the CCA organized the 4th of July, but the community as a whole runs the event. She said the CCA just connects the dots. She added that this year they minimized the out of town food so the local businesses could make money. Due to the pandemic, this was the first year it was really done, and she noted that she wasn’t even present due to unforeseen issues. Lori also talked about how the CCA ran Fall Foliage, trying to spur sales for local businesses and artists. She said she was able to convince the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce that Cabot did not want Tuesday again, and was able to do it on a Saturday. She then spoke of the other big piece that the CCA was actively working upon, which is child care. Lori said a working group has been meeting and did receive a grant to hire a project coordinator. She said the group is moving forward to create a child care center.

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Water Ordinance Amended

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The Selectboard adopted changes to the Water Ordinance at the November 1st meeting. As documented in the minutes, “Fred moved that we accept the draft version of the amended ordinance of the Water Ordinance, with a second by Mike. Motion carried.” When a town adopts an ordinance, state statute 24 V.S.A § 1972 states “The legislative body shall arrange for one formal publication of the ordinance or rule or a concise summary thereof in a newspaper circulating in the municipality on a day not more than 14 days following the date when the proposed provision is so adopted.” The statute also states “Unless a petition is filed in accordance with section 1973 of this title, the ordinance or rule shall become effective 60 days after the date of its adoption…” It is unclear by the wording of the motion whether the board adopted a “draft” or adopted the “draft” as the ordinance. Further discussion of the formatting of the ordinance followed the adoption of the motion, and at the next meeting on November 15th. A final formatted version of the ordinance has not been produced at the time of this writing. The major changes to the ordinance appear to consist of the following:

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Discussed

Lori summed up her presentation by noting the $10,000 appropriation from the town enabled the CCA to leverage $75,000 in the groups the CCA supports, stabilize staff, and match funding for grants. She added that all the money is going back into activities and programs for the people that live here in Cabot. The discussion then turned to the funding request for the Chronicle. The Chronicle is currently publishing on a monthly schedule due to an ARPA grant from the Selectboard to pay for the extra editions. Jeanne Johnson, the Chronicle Editor, said that the staff is striving to make the paper more meaningful. She added that they are making an effort to get more ads, and this past year was successful, but mostly due to the elections. She said that they are trying to figure out how to pay the writers a better rate than they are currently receiving. Lori presented a request of $15,000 to the board to fund nine issues of the Chronicle for the next fiscal year. Jeanne and Lori described how they came to use the current printer of the Chronicle, which is located in Concord, NH. Mike asked if there is any feedback from the public and Lori responded that the staff is hearing from people voicing appreciation for the coverage of the Selectboard. She added that they are looking to do coverage on the School Board too. Jeanne added that she used to worry about filling the paper, but now she has to prioritize articles so they can drop things if they run out of space. She noted the maximum size of the paper is 16 pages.

 Addition of a requirement for permission in writing from the Board for usage that exceeds 5% of the system output over the previous twelve (12) months.  Addition of a connection fee deposit  Removal of “allocation schedule”  Removal of allocation fee will also be assessed upon disconnection of an existing service for unoccupied properties.  New requirement that each dwelling unit, occupied or vacant, in a multiunit structure built or converted after the date of adoption of this ordinance shall be required to have a water meter installed.  Removal of annual user fees  Redefinition of base fee to be for an allotment, the amount to be established by the Board, of gallons of consumption per year, regardless of actual use.  Redefinition of consumption fees to be the per-gallon rate at which metered water usage over and above the base usage will be billed One can assume that when the formatting of the updated ordinance is finalized, the board will adopt and sign it following the procedures set forth in state statue.

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Ambulance Budget Discussed

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

Jenn Miner was present at the November 1st Selectboard Budget Meeting to represent Cabot Ambulance. Unlike the Fire Department, Cabot Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc., is a 501(c)3 Non Profit, and not a formal part of the town, but is supported by the town through an appropriation. Jenn started her appeal by announcing the funding request is for $40,000. She noted that last year the request was $35,000, and that the increase is needed to cover repairs to the ambulance to keep it in service. She added that it also includes renting a truck when the ambulance is being repaired. She indicated that the major repair that is needed is replacing the suspension, and that the request to the town is less because a Cabot resident donated a car which was sold to help cover repair costs. Jenn continued by describing that the ambulance is 20 years old, and the truck is too old to replace the chassis. She indicated that they don’t make am-

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Library Budget Discussed

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer Even though the library budget wasn't on the agenda for the November 1st Selectboard Budget Meeting, the topic was discussed briefly during a lull in the proceedings between two topics on the agenda. Mike Hogan said he was looking through the numbers and questions the 8.7% cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase for the librarian salary. He said he had never seen that big of an increase in his time in government. R.D. Eno added that he thinks they are asking for what they got last year, plus an additional $25,000 for the youth library program. He stated that this is essentially an after school program, and wondered if there is an arrangement the board could work out with the school. He added there was an understanding last year, this position would be funded once and then be sustainable. Mike said that they can’t use ARPA funds because the board doesn’t know how much will be needed for the water and wastewater systems until we get the engineering study back. The discussion turned to using APRA funds for some more repairs to the Willey building before Mike brought it back to the library budget. He said he wanted the library trustees at the next meeting for further discussion, and added that the school should be part of it. He noted that the request is a big jump from $87,000 to $120,000, but he doesn’t want to be adversarial because the trustees will just put out an article and the town will approve it. R.D. and Fred said they don’t have a problem with the library having a separate article. At the November 14th budget meeting, Mike addressed the trustees and librarian about the salary increase. He stated that he is a big supporter of the library, but that the board needs to put together a responsible budget for the town. He said he did research and the normal COLA is 2-3% and some employers are going as much as 4%. He added that during all his years in government bulances on F350 chassis anymore, but only on F450 chassis. She noted that a new ambulance is over $200,000. There was some discussion about how Cabot Ambulance makes money, and Jenn pointed out that they bill for anyone they have to transport, but that insurance pays pennies on the dollar. Jenn said she hopes to get the ambulance to last another ten years with the repairs, and that they have started looking for a good used ambulance, but they need to make sure they are not just trading problems. She also added that Cabot has the only four-wheel drive ambulance in the district. Dean Deasy pointed out that Cabot Ambulance is housed in a public building, and there needs to be some type of agreement for a private entity to use a public building, and the budget should have enough to cover a share of the building expenses. Mike Hogan asked about the number of volunteers and Jenn answered that there are 19 on the roster, with about 10 active.

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Again

that's what he usually saw. The trustees emphasized that the increase was not only to account for the effects of inflation, but is aligned with their efforts to adjust the librarian’s salary to be more inline with other libraries. The board and the trustees went on to discuss the youth librarian position and the size of the overall budget increase. Kurt Steinert noted that it’s not an incremental increase, but rather it’s a change in what the library provides. R.D. said that he shares Mike’s reservations about putting the youth librarian into the budget and asked about fundraising. Beth Wade spoke of the fund raising that they already do, but didn’t think there was much more they could do. There was discussion about what other libraries in the area provide, and Kathleen Hoyne said Marshfield, Danville, and Hardwick have a similar program, but not Plainfield because they are much smaller. Mike stated that the board doesn’t want to be in an adversarial relationship. He added that if the board doesn’t approve the library budget, then “you guys” could put out an article and the town will approve it, but that just makes it look like “we don’t work together.” Fred said that the board has to justify it to the taxpayers, and with everything else going on, it comes down to the numbers.

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Executive Director

The Expanding Infant and Toddler Child Care Capacity Grant was awarded to the Cabot Child Care Initiative (CCCI) to help start a center that will increase the number of childcare spaces in Cabot for infants and toddlers. In addition to the $27,000 grant award, the CI will receive technical assistance provided by LGK early childhood experts. Let’s Grow Kids (LGK) is a nonprofit organization on a mission: ensuring affordable access to highquality child care for all Vermont families by 2025. With over 30,000 supporters from all walks of life, Let’s Grow Kids is facilitating the movement to strengthen the early childhood education system today and calling for lasting investments in child care. “Investing in and working alongside local communities to increase the capacity and quality of child care programs in Vermont is such a crucial part of our work at Let’s Grow Kids. The pandemic exacerbated the child care crisis families and early childhood educators have been dealing with for decades. Even before COVID-19, three out of five of Vermont’s youngest children didn’t have access to the child care they needed,” said LGK CEO Aly Richards.

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Funding from

The CI is currently a project of the CCA Economic Development Work Group, but will become an independent not-for-profit. This organizational model will help make services equitable, available, and affordable for all families and share responsibility for sustainability among an operator, independent board of directors and other community volunteers/donors/partners. The current leadership team envisions a communitybased center that will be open to children of Cabot residents and local employers. A group of key stakeholders has been meeting since the spring to learn about child care regulations, identify potential locations, and submit the grant application. The Make Way for Kids grant funds will be used to hire a project coordinator and make needed renovations to the future child care center location. The CCA is accepting applications now for a Project Coordinator. This part -time position (approximately 40 hours per month) will support the creation of a new, evidence-based, 5-star licensed childcare facility for ages infant to three years in Cabot. The Project Coordinator will work closely with the CI board and Vermont State agencies to draft plans for creating a childcare facility with the goal of opening in July of 2023.

(see ‘Cabot Child Initiative’, page 10)

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Neighbors in Action

by Elizabeth Vitale I am filled with gratitude for all the hard work Neighbors in Action has done to weather the pandemic years and reemerge in 2022. The new programming and community services we've been able to offer this year mean we are connecting with our neighbors in new and exciting ways. Neighbors in Action has seen several changes in 2022, from a new name to a new Executive Director, and we are excited for everything 2023 will bring. While the pandemic may have been tamed, inflation and a recession now knock at our door. Neighbors in Action Food Share Programs distributed over 234,000 pounds of nutritious food to community members needing support this year. Because of rising housing prices, heating costs, and additional strains on the already limited budgets of our community members, we have seen demand for free food rise each month. Most recently, we saw our food share in Cabot give out 200 boxes to needy families in just one day! We haven’t seen numbers like that since late 2020. Feeding people in our community has always been our top priority, and so we are leveraging our resources to continue to meet this growing demand. However, we simultaneously recognize the need to support people at all levels, and so we are thrilled to be continuing the Harvest Hub, our local online farmers market which provides some economic stability to our local farmers and artisans. Through the Harvest Hub, we facilitated the sale of over $20,500 of locally grown food and handcrafted goods in 2022. We

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2022 in Review

believe we can positively impact the local economy through projects like this one. In 2022, much to our delight, we were able to begin in-person programming again. From Lunch & Learns to Senior Adventures, we've been able to help rebuild the community connections that were so missed these past few years. Much of our programming is focused around teaching self-sustainability and food-resiliency to help our community weather whatever the future may hold. Most importantly, we’ve incorporated farmers, homesteaders and other area experts to share their knowledge during these workshops. And we have been excited to partner with other organizations in Cabot this year, from the Cabot Library to the Cabot Afterschool Program, to bring an added layer of community involvement to our programs. As we look towards 2023, we are excited to expand our services to feed more of the community, offer socially enriching programs, and foster self-sufficiency, all while focusing on healthy food as the catalyst that brings us together. It is a privilege to support our community, and if you haven’t already done so, we invite you to join us as a volunteer, participant, or financial supporter. Be sure to visit our website at www.NeighborsinAc tionVT.org.

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Wally Hood - Never

by Amanda Legare

Wallace Hood was born in Groton 95 years ago, and for the last 39 years he has lived on Whittier Hill Road in Cabot. His father had been a dairy farmer, milking 40 cows by hand. He then went to work for the Main Granite Company in Groton. There were three granite sheds in that town at the time, as well as five saw mills. Ulric Legare was the first farmer in town to own a tractor and he had a hay baler which, used wire for securing the bales. Wallace helped him with custom bailing for local farmers. “Everyone else was using horses, oxen and a pitch fork,” he said. He later worked hauling grain for Gerald Morse, who was then manager of Park Pollard Grain Company. He delivered 100 pound bags of grain to 53 farms in the Groton, Ryegate and Peacham area. “Some days we handled 30 tons of grain,” he said. Gerald Morse enjoyed hunting for raccoons and shared his surplus with Wallace’s family. wealthy,” Wallace “People were not recalled. “You would eat anything you could get. People lived on deer meat in those days, and most of that meat was not legal. I know one family that ate woodchucks,” he added. “We ate so many coon, Mother would sometimes be parboiling all night.” Wallace did not squander his youth. “I had 23 girlfriends that I know of,” he said. In the school yearbook by his photograph it was written: “Wallace had a good head on his shoulder - a different one every night.” He never got his diploma from high school because of WI. He was drafted when he turned 18-years-old in April. Graduation was in June. “You had no choice. There was an automatic draft all over,” he remembered. “I took the physical and they sent me to the Army. In 1945 I was inducted in Fort Devens and had basic training in South Carolina.” “Down there, when it rained, the soil was all red mud. And when the sun came out it would be like a brick.” He was shipped to Naples, Italy. The war was ending. “We went over there to help clean the country up,” he said. “We went into the woods and picked up dead Germans and ammunition.” Wallace said the black market was a source of income for many of the soldiers. “The Italians were starving,” he remembered. “A five cent candy bar easily brought $1. A pound of coffee could fetch $50 and a carton of cigarettes was $30 or $40. If you took a tire off a jeep and it held air, you could sell it to the Italians,” he said. He was assigned to an MP company, where he was a cook. served eggs to 220 men he said. Later, he trains. He stayed in Europe half years. “Three of us every morning,” guarded freight

for two and one-

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Afraid to Work

“After the war, I had a good time,” he recalled. “I went up through Switzerland and Austria. I bought a surplus jeep for $200 and it was delivered to New York. It had 10,000 miles on it and one bullet hole,” he remembered. “I drove it up to Vermont with no registration.” He came back to Vermont in 1947 and reconnected with a distant relative, Rachel Goodall, at a square dance in Tunbridge. “I had known her all my life, but only casually.” She was the daughter of Harold and Olive Goodhall of East Montpelier. “I went out with her for eight years before we got married,” he said. They were married in 1959 in the Old Brick Church in East Montpelier. This year was their 63rd anniversary. Rachel was well-respected as an expert quilter and rug hooker. She died November 6 of this year. When he first returned to Groton as a young veteran, he had several jobs, including logging one winter. For three years, he ran the saw in the Groton Bobbin Mill and he usually held two jobs at the same time. “The mill building was wide open so that logs could come in, and I was always freezing,” he said. He remembers the day he quit - January 7, 1952. “I got sick of working in 30 below temperatures.” After working in Groton’s bobbin mill, he moved south to Southington, CT, where he worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. years. He stayed there for 31

He appreciated the warmer weather. “You could work there in overalls and a t -shirt,” he said. A daughter, Valerie (Jankoski) was born in 1963. She lives with her husband, Jim, in Bristol, CT. A grandson, Justin, also lives in Bristol and his other grandson is Tyler Jankoski, chief meteorologist at NBC 5. He lives in Burlington. When Wallace retired in 1983, the couple decided to return to Vermont. “My mother lived in Groton and my wife’s mother lived in East Montpelier, so we picked out Cabot, a place in the middle,” he said. “I tell people we bought this place for the view for $50,000, and the house was thrown in. They’ve built 13 houses on this road since I moved here.”

(See ‘Wally Hood’, page 10)

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Cabot Child Initiative

(continued from page 7) The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of licensing rules for Early Childhood Centers in Vermont, experience in program budgeting, outstanding facilitation and project management skills, and the ability to work with various town stakeholders to build a sustainable program. They will be responsible for drafting the plans and

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Wally Hood

(continued from page 9) Roger Walker was farming across the road. “His Dad had 800 acres,” Wallace recalled. “Roger didn’t like to farm the way his Dad did and he sold off pieces of the land.” Wallace enjoyed working with him. “I didn’t get paid, I just liked using the tractor.” For ten years, Wallace worked for Kenny Randall’s Construction in East Barre and for other area contractors in central Vermont. He is a voracious reader and has an amazing memory. Wallace remembers the year of every new car he purchased and their make, all 34 of them. organizing the business aspects of the new facility. A retired early childhood educator who already has experience in 5-star programs would be ideal. To apply, send resume, letter of interest and 3 references to info@cabotver mont.org. Community members who would like to get involved or have questions can

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Board Reporter

The Cabot school board meets on the fourth Monday of the month. The Supervisory Union board meets every other month on the third Monday; the next one is in October. If interested, please email in-

Some of his favorite memories have to do with automobiles. “I always loved cars. I’ve been driving for 85 years,” he said. He has been to every state several times except Hawaii and Alaska. His first car was a ’41 Chevy. “That was the biggest lemon I ever had,” he said. “I never bought another Chevy.” He is now driving a 2020 Honda. He also liked to drive fast. “I have had at least 15 speeding tickets,” he admitted with a smile. “And between Connecticut and Vermont I lost my license seven times.” “I loved racing cars,” he added. don’t drive as fast as I used to. If I lose my license now, I probably wouldn’t get another one.”

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A Natural Playground

Two years ago, we removed the playground because of safety concerns. With the help of our Community Schools grant funding, our new playground planning is well underway. This fall, the 3rd and 4th grade students at Cabot School have taken on a project about play around the world. Several members of our 3rd and 4th grade community met with Ron King of Natural Playgrounds to see how the design was coming along. Ron showed them the topographical images of our playground space and they were able to describe the space to him and continue to contribute their ideas. This is work the 3rd and 4th graders began last year with a design day in which they used natural materials to create inspiration for the design that Ron will create for us. The students then met with him to describe what they would like to see in a natural playground. All of this work will culminate in a comprehensive design that students will begin to consider how to build. When we get to that stage, they will need your help and the help of our entire community to make this happen. Students who met with Ron several weeks ago shared the following information with their classmates: A natural playground is built into the landscape. We talked about the basketball court and wanting to keep that, but perhaps doing something with the fencing to make it more inviting. We asked for some water play area (the younger students love this). We communicated that it would be great to have a slide, balance beam logs that you can hop onto, natural steps, a bridge and a quiet spot for reflection. We love to climb, so we talked to Ron about making sure there were plenty of places for us to continue to climb. We were able to see the elevation and layout on the map and that was helpful for knowing where different structures might go. In the meantime, our 3 / 4 class is continuing to learn about play around the world and to adventure into understanding how different cultures engage in play and what playgrounds look like in different parts of the world. Through this pro-

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Mentors Awaiting Matches

Cabot Mentoring is excited that we currently have a pool of talented and experienced local mentors ready to be matched with local youth. Among these are people with backgrounds in education, arts, science, technology, law, nature and sports. Some are farmers, animal lovers and those who build with their hands. All are excited to share their knowledge, talents and friendship with young people aged 7-17. Personally, I am so impressed by the caliber of the folks who have volunteered and taken all steps necessary to be qualified, vetted and trained as Cabot mentors. Cabot is really fortunate to have

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4 th Grade

ject, students are learning about world geography and identifying continents and countries around the world (an important aspect of our 3rd and 4th grade social studies standards). They are also engaging in reading about the benefits of natural play. When I visited their classroom last week, they had just read a piece about the benefits of play. Each student shared some benefits of playing outside using the natural environment. Some of their ideas were:  It fosters creativity  It can help with selfregulation  Students learn problem solving skills  And, it’s fun! In late November, our 3rd and 4th grade team met with Ron again because he is nearly done with the design! They gave him feedback and learned about his process. We are excited for this collaboration to continue and look forward to sharing the full plan with the community soon!

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Musics of the World

Our 3rd and 4th grade project about play is just one area in which projectbased learning is positively impacting our students' learning. For those of you who may not yet be familiar with the design of our high school program, I hope you had a chance to visit one of the exhibitions that happened at the end of our first trimester. Our Musics of The World high school students will be hosting their final exhibition of learning for the trimester. The format for this exhibition will be an "informance" — part performance, part informative — definitely entertaining and thought provoking! In addition to performing music from Indonesia, West Africa and the Middle East, the students will share, discuss and teach the audience about these musical cultures. You'll even get a chance to try out the instruments for yourself. Students in our Where’s Walden class shared their nature writing inspired by the work of Henry David Thoreau and other nature writers as well as their backpacking excursion on the Long Trail.

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December Chemistry Class Soap

In the month of December, be on the lookout for soap from our Chemistry of Soap class just in time for the holiday season.

such a deep pool of caring adults with a range of talents interested in sharing their lives and experiences with children growing up in this community. Any child is eligible to apply to be matched with a mentor. Parents may wonder if mentorship is right for their child. Studies show that all children can benefit from having another interested and caring adult in their lives. Mentorship can be focused on particular goals or can provide an opportunity for social development and learning beyond family and school. I encourage all parents to consider taking advantage of this amazing Cabot resource. Please reach out to me if you would like to learn more: Karen Hatcher at cabotmentoring@gmail.com.

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Pecan Swirls

from Betty Ritter 2 cups softened butter 2 8-ounce blocks softened cream cheese 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans Cream butter and cream cheese till smooth, beat in vanilla. Combine flour and salt and gradually add to cream cheese; divide into 3 sections, wrap tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours. On a lightly floured surface roll each

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Pineapple Cookies

from Deb Maxwell “Eunice Bean was my boss at Hoveys Shops over 50 years ago and the pineapple cookies are my family favorite. The fudge and popcorn balls recipes were passed down from my grandmother, Bertha Blake from Fairlee, and even my granddaughters request those.”

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Thumbprint Cookies

from Doris Koelnych “Got this recipe in the Yankee Magazine, cookies don’t last very long, very good, one of Dad’s and Liz’s favorites!” COOKIES: 2/3 cups sugar 1 cup Land O’Lakes butter softened, no substitutions ½ Tsp almond extract 2 cups all purpose flour ½ cup raspberry jam In large mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, flour & almond extract. Beat at medium speed until creamy (2-3 minutes), cover and chill dough at least one hour. Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1“ balls, place 2” apart on cookie sheet, with thumb, make indentation in center of each cookie

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Recipes

Food process everything, starting with the sugar and butter. (Though Aunt Elsie didn’t.) Roll out very thin and use a tomato paste can-sized cookie cutter (or perhaps an old tomato paste can, even!) to cut into rounds. Bake for about 10 min. on cookie sheet sprayed with Pam, or on parchment paper, at 375 ° .

¾ cup peanut butter 1 tsp vanilla Combine first three ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook to a soft ball stage. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients. Beat until mixture begins to thicken. Pour into buttered 8-inch square pan. Cut in squares. Chill.

portion into a 16x9 rectangle. Combine sugar and pecans (divide into 3 portions and spread on dough). Roll up each triangle tightly into a jelly roll starting at long end. Wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate 2-3 hours. Unwrap, cut into 3/8" slices, place on greased cookie sheet (or parchment paper). Bake at 400° for 1214 minutes until lightly brown (time may vary). Cool a minute or so on cookie sheet and then cool on wire racks. Makes 7 Dozen. This sounds like a lot of detail, but the end product is worth it.

Cream 1 cup sugar and ½ cup shortening together. Beat 2 eggs separately; add 1 at a time. Add ½ cup drained crushed pineapple and ½ tsp lemon juice or extract. Add ½ tsp soda sifted with 21/2 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt. Drop on tins and sprinkle sugar over top. Bake 350° oven 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned (don’t overcook).

1 teaspoon butter 1 teaspoon vinegar Boil about 5 minutes or until a drop hardens in cold water. Pour syrup over popped corn and stir thoroughly. Dip hands in cold water and while wet form into about 12 balls.

(edges may crack slightly). Fill each indentation with about ¼ tsp of jam. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned, let stand for 1 minute, remove from cookie sheet, cool completely. GLAZE: 1 cup powdered sugar 1-1/2 Tsp almond extract 2-3 Tsp water Meanwhile, in small bowl, with wire whisk, stir together all glaze ingredients until smooth, drizzle over cooled cookies (I add water 1 Tsp at a time for right consistency).

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Peppermint Meltaways

from Betty Ritter 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour ]1/2 cup cornstarch frosting: 2 tablespoons butter, softened (please no substitute!) 2 tablespoons 2% milk 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies 1. In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and

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Harvest Hub Manager

During the last three months of this year, the Harvest Hub is hosting and planning wonderful events in collaboration with other organizations in town. Many Harvest Hub producers share their expertise in a series of classes at the non-profit organization Neighbors in Action – from Ama Peyman of Nama Farm, who taught us how to make medicinal bone broth, to Sandy Pond from Back Roads Farm, who taught a class on flower arrangements. Two Hearts One Love’s sewing class this November was so successful that artist Christina Markwell will likely come back with maker classes in the early spring of 2023. The Harvest Hub will surely be part of another great, established event in the Christmas Market at The Den/ Harry’s Hardware on December 17. And for December and the ongoing months, we are looking forward to provide ingredients for the Kids in the Kitchen (After School) cooking classes that Neighbors in Action will host for Cabot school’s students and our homeschooling students alike. As much as we enjoy the creative busyness of this time, we also like to slow down in the winter. You do, too? Then we might be able to help you out! Do you ever think to yourself: “This year I will make it less stressful for myself during the Christmas season!” But then you still find yourself shopping for last minute gifts for friends and family? You don’t need to search long and far anymore! The Harvest Hub is a onestop online shop that sells locally produced foods and gifts. You can find it at www.cabotharvest hub.org. fluffy. Beat in extract. In another bowl, whisk flour and cornstarch; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle. 2. Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. 3. In a small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in milk, extract and, if desired, food coloring. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an airtight container.

foil; butter the foil with 2 teaspoons butter. In a mixing bowl cream remaining butter with brown sugar, add egg yolk, mix well. Gradually add flour. Press into prepared pan. Bake 350 for 15 minutes until golden brown. In a saucepan combine the brown sugar, butter and honey. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cream and pecans. Pour over the crust. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Cool completely. Use the foil to lift bars out of pan and place on a cutting board. Carefully remove foil. Cut into 24 bars then cut diagonally. Yields approximately 4 dozen.

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Full Time of the Year

Let us help you break it down so you can find the right gifts for all the people in your life!  For your food loving colleague at work? - Sheep Milk Bourbon Caramel Sauce from Sheep Shop . Is your mouth watering already? Buy one for yourself, too!  For your aunt who visits every craft fair in Vermont? - Needle felted Christmas ornaments from movementum .  For your much appreciated wife? A massage from massage therapist Sandy Pond at Back Roads Farm .  For the friend that keeps telling you that they finally want to eat healthier in 2023? – A bucket full of miso from

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Rhapsody Natural Foods .

 For your sister/ brother/ friend who just had a baby? – Prints by Z’s Sleep Tight Farm boardbook for the kiddo and a month worth of prepared meals from NEK Catering for the parents!  For your relative who went to Italy and miss the food? Small batch Tomato Sauce from Nama Farm .  For the sweet tooth in your life? – Handmade goat milk caramels from

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Broadfork Farm .

 Last, but certainly not least: What about your neighbors who have helped you out in many situations, but you have no idea what to gift them? – A gift certificate to the Harvest Hub ! We’ve got something for everyone, and the best thing is: You get everything assembled in a bag and ready to be picked up on Saturday mornings right here in town at 39 Main Street. Feel free to use the code HOLIDAY22 for a six-week free membership. And let us know if you want anything gift wrapped!

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Village 12th Night Celebration!

Cabot Arts presents the third annual Cabot Village 12th Night Celebration, Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7, 2023, at multiple venues throughout Cabot Village. charge. There or restrictions anyone! All events are free of will be no admission costs to attending the event for

The celebration will begin Friday Night at the Willey Building with Rusty Dewees presenting his "Down From The Mountain" comedy and music show. Actor/Comedian DeWees is known for his beloved THE LOGGER persona, through which he offers his stellar talents as full-on comedian, musician, ad libber, and story-teller. Rusty's one-man comedy shows have been described as Blue Collar Comedy meets Prairie Home Companion. Opening up the program will be the " Clash of the Tartans ," a folky fashion show in which audience members are encouraged to bring and model their most funky and clashing flannel plaids for (cash) prizes! Silly hats, kilts and socks will receive extra points! On Saturday, the festival will continue at 12 noon with a three-part program for all ages. Vermont treasure, singer-songwriter Jon Gailmor will have us all laughing and singing in no time. Jon has been honored as an "Extraordinary Vermonter" by the governor, received the Mayor's Peace Prize in Burlington and was awarded a Silver Citation by the Vermont Arts Council. Next, The Midnight Capers will give a traditional dance demonstration. The program will conclude with master storyteller, author and musician, Odds Bodkin. Hailing from New Hampshire, Odds is renowned for his renditions of epic tales, and his ethics-based stories for children. Odds has been called "one of the great voices in American storytelling" by Wired and "a consummate storyteller" by the New York Times .

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Executive Director

Cabot youth have been awarded $40,000 to increase youth-friendly, community opportunities. Cabot was selected as one of just three Vermont communities to receive this award and participate in Vermont Afterschool’s Vermont Youth Project. Cabot’s Vermont Youth Project will work with adults and youth to build a coalition to create more youth friendly community spaces, organize a youth council, conduct a community asset map and needs assessment, and develop implementation plans for youth-driven initiatives/proposals. The Vermont Youth Project aims to create a community environment where youth have opportunities and spaces to have a voice, belong, explore hobbies and At 2:00 p.m. festivities will shift to the Village Common where the Cabot Community Theater will present its annual Mummers Play. There will also be ice skating, bonfires, a hot cocoa tent, games for kids, Wassailing, and a 50/50 raffle. At 2:30 p.m. Cabot's own Diane Huling , a virtuoso pianist in the grand romantic tradition, will perform at the United Cabot Church. Diane's sound ranges from ethereal to thundering, and is stunning in its depth of emotion and expression. In the basement of the United Church there will be craft workshops for all ages. At 4:30 p.m. the afternoon program will conclude with the

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Sunset Lantern Parade led by the

Cabot School Drummers. We are thrilled that the Community Dinner will be hosted by Neighbors in Action. Take-out dinner will be served from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Details on the dinner to be announced. The Cabot Village 12th Night Celebration continues at The Den with a performance from Les Dead Ringers. Formerly, Cookies Hot Club, Les Dead Ringers combine Gypsy jazz with a New Orleans sound and throw in a hint of jug band stomp. Music starts at 6:00 p.m. The festival will conclude 8:00 p.m. at The Den with a community Wassail sing. Volunteers will be needed to help out with decorations and set up/clean up and other small jobs. Please contact Dana (below) to sign up. Details and info about the festival can be found at www.cabotarts.org. Information Contact: Dana Robinson

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Development

passions, connect with peers and caring adults, and be themselves. This work is inspired by youth work in Finland where they believe that being a young person is a special time in a person's life and that young people should be encouraged to find their voice, be engaged citizens, explore hobbies and interests, and connect with peers and caring adults. Additionally, youth expression is encouraged, and youth have a voice in laws and decisions that impact them in the government. Youth councils are mandated by law in Finland and provide a space for youth to use their voice on issues that affect them. The Vermont Youth Project is designed to support the great efforts already happening in our community by giving young people a role and voice to build a more youth-friendly community and state. The goal is to create a healthy built environment in Cabot that supports positive youth development and helps make Vermont the best place for a young person to grow up. As a participant in this project Cabot will receive: Technical support to build a coalition and a local youth council that will oversee a community asset mapping and needs assessment process. Funding to hire a Community Coordinator; and

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Hunger Free Vermont

Cabot Creamery Co-operative is proud to launch its inaugural Cheddar For Better campaign with the sale of a limited-release cheddar in honor of U.S. Senator Patrick J. Leahy, available exclusively online and at the Cabot Farmers' Store in Waterbury Center. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Hunger Free Vermont, an essential statewide non-profit that aligns with Cabot's commitment to nourish communities, foster

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Turkey’s on the Christmas

by Amanda Legare

Once again Fred Ducharme is spearheading the Cabot Community Christmas Dinner. Free meals are delivered to the homebound and to anyone else who might not otherwise get a traditional homemade Christmas feast. This year, all the turkeys will be coming from Bothfeld’s farm and every effort will be made to locally source other foods “There are many fine people helping to make this happen,” Fred said of the traditional meal. “It’s the people of Cabot that make this fly.” Local folks are invited to come down to the school gymnasium between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to pick up meals. Reservations are not required. drive up; meals will be delivered car. Just to your

Please contact Amanda Legare at 426 -3783 if you would like meals delivered to your home or if you know someone who might appreciate a meal Christmas Day. Cash donations of any size are appreciated, as are fresh baked individual

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Joe’s Pond Ice Out 2023

by Michelle Walker Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Most will respond with a terrified “no!” After all, there are still four weeks until Christmas. The Joe’s Pond Association is offering you a suggestion. 2023 Ice Out tickets are available and make an interesting gift. In years past, Ice Out tickets have become an increasingly popular gift. Families can search the Internet for Ice Out related information (and there is lots of it out there), then compare what they find to see who will come up with the best guess. The Joe’s Pond Ice Out is one of the largest ice out contests in the United States. People like to be part of the excitement, not to mention the chance of taking home some of the winnings. Last year over 13,000 tickets were sold. Additional funding, estimated at $40,000, to expand youth-friendly afterschool opportunities in Cabot. If you are a community member (youth or adult) interested learning more or participating in the coalition or youth council, please contact the Cabot

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as a Certified B Corp

cooperative relationships, and steward the land. The limited-release two-pound cheddar bar retails for $13.99 and can only be purchased online at CabotCreamery.com or at the Cabot Farmers' Store located at 2657 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, Vermont. The Cheddar For Better program will be an ongoing initiative, with each new offering benefitting a different non-profit organization.

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Day Menu

deserts. Donation checks can be written to “Cabot Christmas Dinner" and sent to

See full-page ad on back cover of this Cabot Chronicle .

When the block fell through the ice at 4:51 a.m. on April 19, 2022, there were two guesses made just four minutes from that time. This gave two winners each half of the winner’s share of just over $4,000. Joe’s Pond Ice Out tickets for Christmas gifts are available at Hasting’s Store in West Danville or Marty’s First Stop in Danville. They are also available on-line at JoesPondVermont.com. You can also request tickets from Mi-

mail at Walkermecats@charter.net. After the Holidays, tickets will be distributed to the usual vendors in Danville, St. Johnsbury, Montpelier, and Barre.

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Garden Goddess Consulting

and Gardening Poinsettias are a favorite holiday flower, with all those splashy, festive red blooms. Except they aren’t flowers; they are bracts. Bracts are leaves that turn bright colors, mimicking a flower. The actual poinsettia flower is the tiny yellow bit in the middle, which you may have never noticed. It’s called the cyathia, in case you are looking to impress folks at your next holiday party. Poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family, whose members are commonly called spurge. You may have pincushion spurge in your garden; it’s a common sight in Vermont gardens, making a lovely yellow sphere of “flowers” in spring. Like poinsettia, these “flowers” are bracts. All Euphorbia plants have bracts that look like flowers, with tiny true flowers in the middle of the bracts. Another characteristic of the Euphorbia plants is their milky sap. Some people develop a rash from contact with the sap. As a precaution, wear gloves when cutting Euphorbia plants, and avoid getting the sap in your eyes or mouth. Contrary to popular lore, poinsettias are not poisonous when ingested by people or pets. Besides red, poinsettias also come in white, pink, green, orange, and pat-

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Cabot Rink #11

by Susan Socks

The Cabot Common has been a periodic location for ice skating for decades. In 2011, the Cabot Rink was built in the configuration that we currently use. This year marks Cabot Rink #11 (there was no rink during the pandemic winter 2020-21). Kids born when the first rink was built are now in middle school! The rink would not happen without the dedication of many volunteers. There are many ways to help: building the frame, signing up for a once-a-week maintenance & cleaning shift, assisting with resurfacing, hosting a skating party, or posting to the Cabot Rink social media. If you want to help, we have a job for you. The rink frame will be built in midDecember. It will be lined and filled once the temperatures are consistently cold, usually the first part of January. As-

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CHILDCARE INITIATIVE SEEKS PART-TIME

The Cabot Child Care Initiative (CCCI) hours per month) project coordinator to support 5-star licensed childcare facility for ages infant The project coordinator is a grant funded CI board and Vermont State agencies to ity with the goal of opening in June of 2023. The ideal candidate will have a strong Childhood Centers in Vermont, experience tation and project management skills, and stakeholders to build a sustainable program. the plans and organizing the business aspects childhood educator who already has experience Send resume, letter of interest and 3 references contact Lori Augustyniak at the CCA for more

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Facts

terned white/red, white/pink, and white/ green. Left on their own, poinsettias tend to grow in an open, scraggly habit. To create the bushy compact plants we know, commercial growers use techniques including grafting different varieties together, and deliberately infecting plants with tiny parasites that cause multiple buds to form on each branch. The latin name is Euphorbia pulcherrima. Its common English name is derived from Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and the first US Minister to Mexico. In the mid-1820s, Poinsett began sending poinsettias from Mexico back to his greenhouses in South Carolina. You will hear it pronounced “poin-set-ee-ah” or “poin-set-ah”, but which is right? English dictionaries list the pronunciation as “poin-set-ee-ah”, but some also list “poinset-ah”. So don’t go picking a fight over this one; they are both fine ways to talk about this lovely plant. Happy Holidays from the Garden Goddess! 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, visit www.SocksFamily

suming a good cold winter, we will have skating from early January to midMarch. A chiller system would extend the season, November to April, but sadly the $100K needed for such a system is a wee bit outside our budget. So, we’ll gratefully accept whatever cold temps Mother Nature grants us. As in previous years, there will be skates available for borrowing, in sizes toddler through adult. We are always seeking donation of quality skates; our Cabot Comunity Memorial

Tre Lighting on the Comon

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6:00 p.m. Tree Lighting

biggest need is for larger sizes for older For many years, the people of Cabot have purchased bulbs in youth and adults, 7 through 10. Skates are kept in the shed between the benches, with smaller sizes on one side and larger on the other side If you don’t see the size you need, make sure to check both sides. If you would like to help with the rink, donate skates, or have any other questions, please contact Susan Socks at

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PROJECT COORDINATOR

is seeking a part-time (approximately 40 the creation of a new, evidence-based to three years in Cabot. position that will work closely with the draft plans for creating a childcare facilunderstanding of licensing rules for Early in program budgeting, outstanding facilithe ability to work with various town They will be responsible for drafting of the new facility. A retired early in 5-star programs would be ideal. memory of or in honor of loved ones. Bulbs are $3.00 for each name listed. This year proceeds will go to planting a tree on the Common in memory of tree warden, Roland “Slim” Payne. Please fill out the names you wish to be read at the tree lighting ceremony. All are welcome to participate. You may have names listed by filling out a form found at the Cabot Store, the form below, or downloaded from the following link: shorturl.at/Ooux6.

Names to be read (use back of page for extra names):

Enclosed is payment of $ @$3.00 per bulb Your name and phone number _

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What’s this all about? Wednes-

In this workshop, we will learn how to days and use new tools to foster joyful interactions Fridays with loved ones who have dementia. We from 7:30will learn creative ways to engage in active listening, use our imaginations, and ask open-ended questions where there are no wrong answers.

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Who should attend?

Friends, family, neighbors, volunteers, caregivers and their partners. This is a free, dementia-friendly activity. All are welcome! Come join us for a Home Made Meal at Noon and stay for an interesting workshop. If you prefer, we offer Grab and Go Meals you can pick up between Noon and 2:00 p.m. Want a Menu? Call for more

on our website. We offer door to door transportation year round through GMTA. Call us and we will make all the arrangements. Stop by anytime between 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., to enjoy some cribbage, a puzzle or light banter; all ages are welcome. We also offer several classes, available in person or via Zoom for your comfort level: ● Bone Builders with Cort Richard8:30 a.m.

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East Montpelier, VT 05651

● Bone with Sue irector@twinvalleyseniors.org Carey; in person on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 a.m. ● Tai Chi with Pat Boyle; in person on Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. ● SASH sponsored Bingo with prizes is held every 1st and 3rd Monday at 1:00 p.m. in person ● Blood Pressure Clinics are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ● Mystery Book Club is held in person on the first Thursday of each month ● Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice provides Foot Clinics every three weeks ●In-person Art Classes are advertised periodically as well Check out our website, which is finally up and running, for a complete schedule of activities and menu.

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UBLIC

The Cabot Public Library is open! Come visit in person Monday 3 - 6 p.m. Tuesday noon – 6 p.m. Wednesday 2 - 6 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. Book delivery available upon request for those unable to get to the library. Winter Programming - Be sure to visit our website: cabotlibrary.com and check FPF for updates, registration information and added programming. All programs are free!

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Field

StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. As you stroll down the trail, you are directed to the next page in the story. Cabot's current StoryWalk features the book Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle and starts at Rec Field pavilion.

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Cooking up a Storm with Brock

Miller - Six Wednesdays - 2:15 - 3:30 p.m. November 2 - December 14 (ages 12-18) Brock Join Cabot Food Service Director Miller and whip up some tasty treats together with friends. Learn how to make granola, muddy buddies, popcorn with variations, pizza from scratch and holiday cookies and treats! Please sign up in advance by emailing amandaotto.cabotlibrary@gmail.com or calling the Cabot Library 802-563- 2721.

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DIY Crafts for Teens (ages 12-18) -

Tuesdays - 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. - November 15th - December 20th. Come to the library and learn how to make beautifully handcrafted products such as dipped and poured beeswax candles, decorative mugs, marbled paper, bath bombs, salves, lip balms and more. Snacks are provided. Pre-registration is appreciated. Email amandaotto.cabotlibrary@gmail.com to sign up.

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Cabot Book Group – Thursday, De-

cember 1 – 2pm All are welcome! Meet at the Willey Building 3 rd Floor to discuss The Alienist by Caleb Carr. Copies of this book are available to borrow at the library. “The year is 1896, the place, New York City. On a cold March night New York Times reporter John Schuyler Moore is

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EWS

River by his friend and former Harvard classmate Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, or "alienist. Fastpaced and gripping, infused with a historian's exactitude, The Alienist conjures up the Gilded Age and its untarnished underside: verminous tenements and opulent mansions, corrupt cops and flamboyant gangsters, shining opera houses and seamy gin mills.”

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Thursday, December 8th - 6:30 - 8:30

p.m. All are welcome! Come learn how to make Holiday Stollen with Cabot Food Service Director, Brock Miller. Stollen is a cake-like fruit bread made with yeast and flour, and although it is sweet, it does not have to include a lot of sugar. The sweetness comes from the orange and lemon zest, the dried fruits and raisins . Please sign up in advance by emailing or calling the Cabot Library (cabotlibrary@yahoo.com or 802-5632721).

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Yoga for Everybody is back! Sunday

mornings - 10:30-11:45 a.m. Join Christyn King at the Willey Building for an accessible, playful, skillful invitation to land in your body, just as you are right now. Stressed out? Not flexible? Too old, too young? Skeptical of new adventures? These are great reasons to come try it anyway. As a community, we will expand our sense of aliveness, strengthen, stretch, breathe, and have fun doing it! Yoga for Everybody is open to all, suggested donation $10/person. Some mats and props will be available, but bring your own mat, cushion, and blanket if you are able. Many thanks to Friends of the Library – Sandy Atkins, Mary Lou DeLacy, Maria Acchione-Goodrich, Beth Wade and Janet Westervelt for their generous donation of funds to purchase a new librarian’s desk. The work was completed by Jon Deerfield from Real Tree Woodworking and it beautifully matches the cherry book shelves. Many thanks to Paul Wade, Monique Gerbex, Gary Gulka and three high school students - Sarah Thompson, Jacob Tidd and Eryne Searles - for volunteering a number of hours to help put the climbing dome and outdoor play kitchen together. Thanks so much to the Library Trustees for their hard work and support to 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

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← From the Cabot Chronicle