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Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

July 2023 · 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 July 2023 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

From page 1

Cabot Harvest Hub Farmers Market, Field Games (giant jenga, cornhole, hoola hoops & more!), Bouncy Houses, Food Vendors

Live Music by The Old Rocket String Band - the newest addition to the local lively music scene. The quartet has grown out of the regular oldtime jam sessions at Harry’s Hardware and plays traditional Southern old-time stringband music. Featuring Christopher Jennings, Dana Robinson, Susan Robinson and Kathleen Moore.

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Linda Savoca Receives Cabot Community Award

by Cabot School Board Last month the Chronicle detailed Linda Savoca’s 16-years of service to Cabot School. During Cabot High School’s graduation ceremony on June 7, 2023, Linda was selected by the students to provide the commencement speech and was also provided the Cabot Community Award, in recognition of her service and commitment to the town of Cabot as well as the students, families, faculty, and staff of Cabot School. The Cabot Community Award is given annually at graduation to recognize achievements and service provided to the community. Linda’s recognition this year may be considered “lifetime achievement” for her dedicated work on behalf of the school, and going above and beyond to support students and families. Beyond her role as the face (and eyes and ears) of Cabot School, Linda has been instrumental in extending education on Vermont’s Abenaki history and culture to the school and community.

Linda’s role as graduation speaker was a perfect capstone, and although she is “graduating” to retirement, she will always be a part of the school community and a leader to look up to in the town of Cabot.

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Rory Thibault Appointed Superior Court Judge

Governor Phil Scott on June 9 announced that he has appointed Rory T. Thibault, of Cabot, as a superior court judge.

“Rory has a proven track record of public service in Vermont throughout his time as a prosecutor, in the U.S. Army, and as an active member in his community,” said Governor Scott. “I’m confident his experience, work ethic and temperament will make him a strong Superior Court judge.” Thibault has over fifteen years of experience practicing law with a background in criminal, juvenile, and military law. In 2018, Thibault was appointed by Governor Scott as Washington County State’s Attorney and was elected to a full four-year term later that year. Previously, Thibault served as an assistant attorney general, deputy state’s attorney, and served in the United States Army as a judge advocate where he earned the rank of Major. “I am appreciative of the opportunity to continue my service to the State of Vermont and am incredibly thankful for Governor Scott’s trust and confidence in my ability to serve as a Superior Court Judge,” said Thibault. “I am excited to begin this new chapter in my career and look forward to being part of a judiciary committed to promoting fair and efficient justice for all Vermonters.” Thibault earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Richmond, and a J.D. from Vermont Law School. Thibault is a member of the Vermont Sentencing Commission and previously served as a member of the Governor’s Community Violence Prevention Task Force. Thibault and his wife reside in Cabot, with their two children.

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Lead in Soil is Common: Know Before You Plant!

If you live in a building constructed before 1978, or a newer building on a site where an older building once stood, there is an excellent chance there is lead in the soil. Prior to 1978, many types of exterior paint contained lead, and when the paint weathers, the lead settles around the perimeter of buildings. Lead is a heavy metal, and does not break down over time. Once it is in the soil, it stays there. In some instances, you may not know that a building once existed on a part of your property, but lead will be concentrated around the old perimeter: a sort of toxic “ghost”. If there is a chance of lead in your soil, have it tested. It’s easy and inexpensive. The University of Vermont Extension fee is $17, plus the cost to mail ½ cup of soil to the lab. You will receive a report in 1-2 weeks with the lead concentration, and helpful information on interpreting results and taking appropriate action. If your soil tests show high lead levels, you have a few options.

 Care and caution: take precautions to minimize your exposure to lead, while still enjoying your garden.  Physical removal: remove soil contaminated with lead, dispose of it in a landfill, and bring in new soil.  Bioremediation: research is ongoing as to whether certain plants may take up lead in large enough quantities to remediate leadcontaminated soil. These plants would be planted on contaminated sites, “harvested” when they are full sized, and disposed of in a landfill. However, the effectiveness of this method is uncertain.

Of all these options, the least expensive and most effective is “care and caution”. Here are a few examples of care and caution practices:  Don’t allow children to dig and play in lead-contaminated soil, and make sure they wash up after spending time in the area  Construct deep raised beds, with a water-permeable liner (landscape fabric or stone) between the ground and the raised bed soil  Add a layer of fresh garden soil and mulch, and avoid digging below that level  Plant edibles that stay high above the soil, such as tomatoes, blueberries, and apples  Avoid planting root crops such as carrots and potatoes in leadcontaminated soil  Leave your gardening shoes outside  Wash gardening gloves and clothes after work  After gardening, wash your hands before eating or drinking You can have great gardens, even with high lead levels. It just takes a small investment of time and money to test your soil. You’ll be rewarded with the peace of mind that you are gardening safely…especially important if you are growing edible plants, or have small children spending time in and around the garden. Be safe, and happy gardening!

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OBITUARIES & MEMORIALS

Valerie Covell Valerie Covell, 62, of Cabot, died suddenly on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at her home with her husband by her side. She was born December 1960 in California, the daughter of the late William Butler and Goldie (Kescy) Butler. She attended Gabriel Richard High School while living in Wyandotte, Michigan, graduating in the late 1970s. Val was employed in Michigan for many years in medical billing. Her billing colleague set up the blind date that led to her marriage. Following her marriage to David R. Covell on May 29, 1993, in West Danville, the young couple traveled and worked in many areas of the United States, including Massachusetts, Arizona and finally Puyallup, Washington, before returning to the Covell family home in the Green Mountains of Vermont in 1999, where they have since lived their lives. Val was very much a people person. She learned to work the food counter at Joe’s Pond Country Store as her first job in Vermont, making friends she still has to this day. She willingly gave of her time, helping with the Cabot Food Bank for five years, and the St. Johnsbury Warming Shelter for the homeless.

Josiah (Jesse) Klingler Josiah (Jesse) Klingler, beloved son of Diana and Ken Klingler of Cabot, died suddenly on March 31, 2023, from an undetected brain aneurysm. He was one week shy of his 39th birthday. Jesse arrived on April 6, 1984, to brighten our lives and be loved by his sister, Rebekah. It wasn't too many years before we realized he was always about a half step ahead of us. He was engaging, curious, and quick witted, which kept everyone on their toes. As a teenager, Jesse's interests were multifaceted. He pursued an interest in music, learning the piano and guitar. A focus on history led him to reenacting with local Revolutionary War groups. He learned to sail, kayak and waterski on Rangeley Lake in Maine in between the time spent learning to fix lawn mower engines with his Grampa. Skiing and later snowboarding at Burke Mountain with friends and family was a winter passion. Fishing with his dad was a springtime ritual. As a student at Cabot School he found intrigue and accomplishment in mathematics. This set him on the path to become an engineer in his adult life. Jesse earned a green and gold scholarship from UVM upon graduating from Cabot School. He entered the engineering school and proceeded to graduate with honors from the electrical engineering department four years later. After several Val helped the Walden Volunteer Fire Department, successfully writing grants in 2006, becoming a first responder and doing administrative support until her last day. At many a Cabot 4th of July parade she tossed candy from her fire truck with her loved dog, Angus. She drove a school bus for Wild Cat in Hardwick. Her route was Woodbury, all grades. Those children were her pride and joy. She was a caregiver to the elderly, including her mom, and enjoyed listening to their memories. Val was an intensely strong woman but always happy and loved to laugh. She will be deeply missed by her husband, David, her two black labs (Michael and Roxanne) and all who knew her. Survivors include her loving husband, David, of Cabot and a brother, Steven Butler, of Wisconsin. She was predeceased by her mother, Goldie, and a brother, Chris Butler, both in 2019. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, July 3, 2023, in the Plains Cemetery in Cabot. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Walden Volunteer Fire Department, 12 VT RT # 215, West Danville, VT 05873, or to the charity of one’s choice. Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm St., Hardwick, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 4 onward.

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MICHAEL BASHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Please join us for a celebration of life for Mike Bashaw on July 29, 2023, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Cabot Rec Field Pavilion. We will be gathering for a potluck to honor Uncle Mike. This is a casual event, just how he would like it, so come and go as you please. Shoes are optional!

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Damaged Battery Disposal

Did you know the lithium batteries so common in many of our beloved and useful electronics can become defective and could potentially catch fire? Yikes! We collect batteries of all sorts at our many district locations. Keeping them out of the landfill is important work and fire prevention should be everyone's priority. Residents can be a big help by talking to the recycling attendant when they are dropping off a suspicious battery. Swollen? Leaking? Recalled? Put the offending battery in container of sand or kitty litter for safe transport to a drop off location. Find a designated drop off spot https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/ and then make sure to tell the person at drop off that you have potentially dangerous battery to dispose of. It all begins with you the consumer.

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Public Safety Building Update - Demolition

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The Public Safety Building (a.k.a. Firehouse) Committee held another meeting on June 1 to bring the public up to date on the progress of the demolition and plans for a new building. There were only two people physically present at the meeting, and a few others in attendance online. Fire Chief Dean Deasy started the meeting by describing the progress of the demolition and state of the site at 2466 Main Street. He talked about the twopost lift that had been buried under the concrete slab of the left garage bay and said the third party had tested and removed 14 yards of contaminated soil. He said they did additional testing in the areas below and surrounding the location of the buried lift. Dean explained the lift was taken out and drained of all the oil, scrubbed and then recycled. The contamination was located and encapsulated in plastic wrap and sealed above grade. Additionally, there were 55-gallon drums used for the liquid. Dean said all contamination had been picked up and sent away for processing. He explained the contamination was mostly hydraulic fluid, with a little bit of cleaning solvent. He went on to say that at a depth of 11.5 feet the third party found clean soil and noted that nothing was found on the side walls. He explained the silt fence was left in place until everything was completed, then removed, and the area was seeded and hayed to bring the project to a close. Gary Gulka attended and asked if any testing results were still pending. Dean answered that they were still waiting for the actual contamination lab report. The results were reported verbally, and they are just waiting for paperwork. Dean explained they had a conversation with Connor Contracting to keep them in the loop, and they advised him to get a “SMAK” letter to ensure all i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. Dean did not explain the acronym “SMAK”, but Gary described his understanding of the letter. Gary said his familiarity is from his work on the old sawmill site. Gary explained that the state eventually sent a letter to the owner, and copied the town, that stated they had oils in the soil. Gary also asked about the level of the water table. Dean said they never hit the water table at 11.5 feet. He went on to say that the one thing they did find, when they pulled the lifts, was a concrete vault, elongated shaped like a canoe. He explained the vault was part of the adjustment apparatus for the lift to allow for different size cars. He said, when the lift leaked, it filled up the vault before it leaked into the soil. Dean continued his description of the excavation by describing two floor drains in the garage bays that were linked together by pipe and then went out the back of the house. When the drains were lifted, concrete was found in them. The pipe was excavated outside of the foundation and at that point there was still concrete in the pipe. He said the pipes emptied into a septic tank with no leach field. He speculated the tank appears to have been manually emptied when necessary, and thought when the floor was refloated several years ago it caused concrete to enter the pipes. Dean explained the tank was lifted out and scrubbed, then soil was tested below the tank. He said all the test results were negative. Dean added that the only other contamination was from the buried oil tank, which wasn’t rated to be buried and had begun to rust. He said they only obtained half of a 55-gallon drum of contaminated soil due to the oil tank. Towards the end of the meeting, the committee approved submitting the final invoice for the project to the Selectboard in the amount of $24,824. Dean noted that the original bid on the project was $39,000, but there was $4,000 in change orders to bring the total to $43,000. The committee also approved submitting the invoice for the third party handling the contamination for $2736.58, but with the recommendation that the payment be held until the paperwork is completed and reviewed by Gary Gulka.

Dean outlined the ongoing schedule. The next step is flagging the driveway according to the required information from Vermont AOT and flagging the four corners of the building. He added that soil core samples are needed to determine the required size of the concrete slab. The amount of concrete would be a factor in the cost of the building. Dean said, if the Selectboard agrees to move forward, the costs associated with this could be transferred to the point of sale if the voters turn down the proposed building. Dean said their goal is to get as close as possible to the actual cost before they go to the town for a vote so people can make an educated decision. He expects all of this to happen this coming summer and plans to meet with the Agency of Natural Resources to show the flagged corners of the building and learn where the wetlands start and where the building can be placed upon the property.

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Public Safety Building Update - Site Plans

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The later half of the Public Safety Building (a.k.a. Firehouse) Committee meeting on June 1 concerned plans for the site at 2466 Main Street. Dean Deasy referred to a drawing of the proposed building and site and explained that the proposed curb cut had been modified. He said they had previously shrunk it down, but they are attempting to make it even tighter to add more green space between the driveway and the neighboring residents. Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) will provide the minimum width for fire trucks to make the swing when turning out onto the road. Dean said the additional green space would make more room for a vegetation screen. They are trying to provide another three-and-a-half feet on each side, on top of the five feet already added with the previous reduction. He went on to describe changes in the building plan. The tower has been removed and the bay doors are slightly different. A stock door will be used to save cost, which fortunately comes with more glass to increase the natural daylight inside the building. Dean also reported they deleted six parking bullions at $800 apiece because the bays are drive-through. He added that, without the tower, the building can be pre-engineered, which will save a lot of money because the engineering is already completed. Tricia Scribner, a neighbor to the property, asked if the proposed building was being voted on at next year’s Town Meeting and if there is a backup plan if it doesn’t pass. Dean responded that the plan is to put it to a vote next year, and if it doesn't pass, they will need to figure out why. Dean explained this is a prime location, and if it gets voted down, it will be difficult because there isn’t a secondary site.

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Selectboard Happenings

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

At the June 6 meeting of the Selectboard, there were a number of topics discussed and action taken. The evening started with a road discontinuance hearing just before the Selectboard meeting. The hearing started on site at Walbridge Road and then moved to the Willey Building for its conclusion. The Selectboard approved unanimously to discontinue Walbridge Road from Lee Blackwell’s farm, at 1233 Walbridge Road, to its terminus. The board also discussed the new town website and were interested in any feedback that had been received, but Michelle Leclerc said they had not gotten any feedback yet. The Selectboard also approved an easement for Washington Electric to erect poles on Dubray Road to get power out to the residents at the end of the road. Betty told the board that Chriss Jennings had signed an easement for a pole so the project could go forward. R.D. Eno gave the Selectboard an update on the progress toward a childcare center in the village. He met with the Development Review Board (DRB) and Planning Commission (PC) as a representative of the Cabot Community Association (CCA) regarding what needs to be approved for change of use of the church basement and use of the school driveway for a play area. R.D. explained that two grants have been applied for, and noted the CCA needs approximately $61,000 to perform all the operations needed to open the child care center by September 30. He explained that the United Church has agreed in principle to the lease of the basement, and he already received a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from the school for usage of the driveway for the play area. He noted that the school owns all the land between the church and the high school building. Karen Larsen asked for a brief review of the project, the number of children, and the cost structure. R.D. didn’t want to go into costs yet but said there would be between 12 and 15 children, dependent upon their ages. He explained there are higher costs for infants and lower costs for toddlers. R.D. also gave an update on the rental of the recycling building to CVFiber. He indicated that CVFiber told him the MOU was acceptable and he was trying to meet with Justin Tearcot about putting up surveillance cameras. He thought CVFiber wanted to move in there before the end of June and he suggested they get in touch with Sid directly. R.D. said there were two outstanding issues, how much square footage they are going to use, both inside and outside. He explained that this is important because the town would be billing on a square foot basis. The board also approved the contract with Washington County’s Sheriff Department. Betty noted they would only be sending one patrol car out for the July 4th festivities. The board also discussed during the “other business” section of the meeting some questionable activity happening around the Willey Building. R.D. suggested the installation of some security cameras and expressed that he did not feel comfortable leaving his car unlocked in the Willey Building parking lot.

Karen expressed that there are those in the community that would be hesitant to have another set of cameras, and asked who would do the monitoring. She asked if there was something happening at 3:30 in the morning, who would call the sheriff? She agreed that Cabot is not immune to some of the problems, but asked if they actually have a documented problem? The board did not discuss the topic further.

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Road Salt Additive

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer At the June 6 meeting of the Selectboard, Sid Griggs, the road foreman was present to discuss topics regarding the Highway Department. Sid started out by explaining the grader had broken the day before, but they had fixed it that day. Sid went on to discuss some items he had been researching. Sid reviewed his research into a salt additive mentioned to the board at a previous meeting. He explained it comes as a liquid that is a combination of magnesium chloride and molasses. He added that it is a certified organic fertilizer. He explained it encases the granules on the salt and causes the salt to work slower; normally when you spread salt it melts and runs away. He talked with East Montpelier crew about their use of the additive and they noticed they go out a fair amount less since they started using it. They believe they save 75 tons of salt a year. Sid said the additive is $1.75 a gallon, and they would have to buy a tank for storage. The additive is mixed with the salt as they load it, not all at once. He said the salt is 70% less corrosive on the trucks with this additive. R.D. Eno related Sid’s explanation to the same principle as coating aspirin. Mike Hogan asked how many gallons would be needed. Sid said the salesman thought they would use a tank, but they need two tanks because it's delivered by the tractor trailer load. Karen Larsen asked if Sid had a back -of-the-envelope calculation on the savings. Sid responded that salt was $96 a ton, and the road crew won’t have to go out as often. He said every fall they get 600 tons. He added that it also creates less deterioration on the trucks. Fred Ducharme said that anytime we can use less salt, it’s a good thing, and suggested they should try it out.

To be timely, such grievance must be in writing and received (postmarks not

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

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Cabot Harvest Hub

by Sarah Spletzer

Farmer’s Market

on 4th of July It is July and we are looking forward to the Cabot 4th of July parade! This year the Harvest Hub will host a Farmer’s Market on the Recreation Field again. Next to the big bouncy house you will find a number of local vendors that sell fresh food, artisan goods and handmade wellness products. The market will start right after the parade. During the market we are going to hand out flyers with a free 6-week membership to the Hub! When you pick up your first order from the Harvest Hub you will also receive a free cooler bag with your purchased products. Our regular Harvest Hub Farmer’s Market is on the 29th of July at our 3339 Main Street location in Cabot. These regular markets take place on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Both markets make for great opportunities to buy fresh, local food products, such as bread, pickles, jams and more! They are also a great place to buy gifts for family and friends! One fun idea would be to assemble your own picnic basket and surprise a loved one with a locally sourced and delicious picnic! If you prefer online shopping you can visit our website at www.cabotharvest hub.org and shop in the nine different categories: Baked Goods, Bulk Foods - Tea & Coffee, Eggs and Dairy, Fruit & Produce, Gardening - Gifts and Crafts, Health & Wellness, Meat & Seafood, Prepared Foods, and Specialty and Added Value Items. Last month we celebrated our twoyear Anniversary! When we looked at the numbers, we realized the Harvest Hub has created over $31,000 of income for local farmers and artisans in the last two years. That’s reason to celebrate. Come and celebrate with us at one of our markets.

More than just a cheese lover's adventure, the 10 clues in each region's clue packet help visitors find things "to do" in an easy-to-digest format. Tucked into the event's recommended resources to find food and farm trails, beer trails, historic guides, cycling, hiking, outdoor art installation, and other "experience" suggestions – are links to over 1000 other non-cheese Vermont experiences and things to do. The event was originally designed in 2020 to help both locals and visitors to Vermont get out and about, have fun, and get some guidance on "what to do" during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the event has grown and been enjoyed by visitors to the state when planning cheese lovers' birthday weekends, honeymoons, and weekend adventures for Vermont guests. "We've had prize winners from across the country," shares Mundy. "Our furthest participants have been, as far as we know, from Kazakhstan – guests of Vermont residents who used The Hunt to help introduce them to the state."

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NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS

Agreeably to the provisions of Title 32, Vermont Statutes Annotated, Section 4111, notice is hereby given that the undersigned listers within and for the Town of Cabot, have this day completed the abstract of property owners as of the first day of April, 2023. The listers have this same day lodged the abstract in the office of the clerk for the inspection of taxpayers. On the tenth day of July, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. the undersigned listers will meet at the Willey Building to hear appeals of the taxpayers aggrieved by actions of the listers from whom timely grievances have been received.

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

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VT Cheese Council’s 4th Annual Hunt

Clue Packets will be released July 1: https://vtcheese.com/hunt/

The Vermont Cheese Council has announced that July will mark the start of The Hunt for 2023. On July 1, the event will launch clue packets for its fourth year – providing curated "to do" list of cheese-oriented, outdoor, food and beverage, history, and art experiences for both visitors to the state and locals alike. The event is designed as a scavenger hunt in which participants can explore six different regions of the state, selecting region-specific activities and experiences to do – with the end "prize" of potentially winning cheese at the end of their adventures. "In the last few years, our cheese prize boxes usually have cheeses from 5-7 different cheese producers from around the state, and each box has included three and a half to four and a half pounds of cheese. If you love cheese – that's a pretty delicious win," says Marty Mundy, executive director for the Vermont Cheese Council. "

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Assessing the Respiratory Hazards of Masks in Vermont

by Amy Hornblas How does the use of face masks and coverings affect our health? The pandemic brought their widespread use with little or no thought given to the respiratory hazards of masking, and those hazards are continuing to cause a public health emergency. It’s time to assess how the widespread use of masking has been affecting our health. The Vermont Emergency Forum to Assess the Respiratory Hazards of Masks began the process on May 12 in Burlington’s City Hall auditorium. Presenters included experts addressing the current use and effectiveness of masks and the importance of respiration to all of the body’s systems, OSHA specialists who explained our rights and responsibility to assess the hazards, and business owners, students, journalists, and medical and legal professionals from Vermont who have been standing up to protect themselves and others from the harms caused by mask requirements. Here are some quotes from the interdisciplinary team of experts who came from out of state to present at the forum:

“Mask wearing is putting our kids at risk for chronic respiratory, cardio-respiratory, stress; for hypoxia, which is low oxygen; for impaired kidney function and kidney inflammation… In extreme cases, usually involving exercise, [mask wearing puts children at risk for] the possibility of respiratory arrest, brain damage, and even sudden cardiac death. What the hell are we thinking?” Dr. Christina Parks, recipient of a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from The University of Michigan.

“It begs repeating, and with great emphasis, that every mask you have ever seen on a child is unregulated, untested, and unsafe, with zero efficacy, fit, term of wear, or medical clearance standards. Zero.” Megan Mansell is a former district education director over special populations integration, has a background in hazardous environs PPE applications, as well as protocol implementation for immunocompromised student access under full ADA/OSHA/IDEA compliance. She addressed the misuse of special education laws to enforce continuing mask mandates in Vermont schools.

“We are required by law, as Industrial Hygienists, to present risk reduction methods that provide a 90% reduction rate. So, when you hear people say…. ‘A little bit is better than nothing’ we would say no, in our profession, it is illegal to implement any control measure that does not provide a relative risk reduction rating of 90% or greater. What does your surgical mask, or T -shirt provide for you? Nothing. What does your N95 provide for you? Maybe 1%. So, we do not implement those controls that create a greater hazard for a small fraction of a percent of a protection. That’s insane.” Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Professional and Industrial Hygienists Kristen Meghan Kelly and Tammy Clark. Local presenters at the Forum included:

Two Vermont business owners who stood up to the mask mandates. As a result, one was fined and brought to court by the State, while the other business overcame Ben and Jerry’s to become the top tourist attraction in the state.

Two students shared how wearing masks made them feel unwell, and how they were similarly mistreated by their school administrators when they defended their right to be allowed to breathe freely at school. One still has an open court case which is supported by the Children’s Health Defense legal team.

A family physician and respiratory therapist who have been speaking up about the importance of informing the public of the risks associated with masks and the importance of protecting respiration, which is a legal responsibility known as “informed consent.”

Journalists who spoke about the censorship around this issue, and the importance of allowing the public’s interest to share the open airwaves. Thanks to the generosity of the presenters, sponsors, and other volunteers who helped make this event possible, information shared at the Forum is now available online. Vermonters can learn to have the courage and confidence to address ongoing mask mandates at work, school, and essential services such as health care settings. To view these presentations and learn more, links to The Vermont Mask Survey Odysee and Rumble pages can be found at: vtmasksurvey.com.

Gayle Brown, Business owner, Board member of Vermont Stands Up.

“We valued the creation of an environment in our small business of no fear and no judgment for our customers, but most importantly, for our staff.” Gayle Brown, one of the speakers at the Hazards of Masks Forum, is applauded as she explains how her small business became the top tourist attraction in the state.

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Igniting Civic Engagement: Introductions to CCA’s New Internship Program

A novel program is bringing interns to an organization near you! Recently, the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation, one of 12 regional development corporations in the state, partnered with UVM’s Office of Engagement to stimulate engagement with rural communities. This opportunity allows current students and alumni to connect with Central Vermont employers with internships to promote professional development with career-focused work. This is possible due to UVM-sponsored workshops and wage subsidies, which ensure interns are financially capable to take these positions. This program brings mutual gain to the interns and the towns welcoming them. The Cabot Community Association (CCA) is taking in two interns this summer to promote civic engagement; I am proud to announce I am one of them.

Bryce

My name’s Bryce Hird, and I attended high school in Northfield, VT. I recently graduated from UVM with a Public Communications major, concentration in Media & Journalism, and a minor in Psychology. This summer I am beginning a Journalism graduate program through Harvard Extensions. In my second year at UVM, I worked for WCAX writing scripts and curated content promoting civic engagement for CCTV/Town Meeting TV. Throughout my final year as an undergrad, I had the opportunity to work in two unique roles. One position was as a Resident Support Specialist at Collaborative Solutions Mental Health Rehabilitation Center. There, I was able to learn about the hidden hardships of Vermonters. It strengthened my desire to help people– especially in the communities that I am part of. I also challenged myself as an online sports journalist at Pro Sports Fanatics, writing about everything but the game highlights. It was only a challenge because, ironically, I do not have an interest in watching sports. So, I will have a lot to say about how the three-point line changed the NBA or how a Superbowl watch party can be illegal: but do not ask about last night’s game.

The Cabot Community Association’s headquarters sitting at the entrance to the town – overlooking the town happenings on June 16th.

On June 13th, the CCA’s interns Matt Levy (Left) and Bryce Hird (right) standing in the Cabot Public Library gleaming with excitement for their continued work throughout this summer. Both are looking forward to connecting with you to promote civic engagement and a better community. (Photo by Lori Augustyniak)

This summer I will be working with the CCA to stimulate community involvement through a variety of projects. With the Cabot Chronicle, I will curate a host of articles to shed light on different aspects of the community. Also, I am collaborating with the Trails Committee to promote their new trail networks and engage people to join in the vital work of supporting the trails.

Matt

Matt Levy is currently a sophomore Business/Economics double-major with a minor in Psychology. Growing up in Westchester, NY, he experienced a vastly different environment than Vermont. He needed a change of scenery and found a place that aligned with his desire for the outdoors. This led him to combine his love for the outdoors and business. One combination of his ambitions was made with the ski pants brand called Anytides, where he was a Business Strategy Coordination Intern. There, he forecasted the future of the organization, initiating conversations with suppliers and providing insight into strategic decisions. Another position is as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Vermont Rugby, UVM’s Rugby team of which he is a member. Both opportunities have been centered around self-starting projects, cold calling, and building relationships with relevant communities. Matt hopes to use these transferable skills and sharpen new ones while working with the local community of Cabot on a project to connect with local stakeholders. He will create a business directory that aims to fit the community’s needs. He asks that any business owner, patron, and anyone with input or questions reach out at business@cabotver mont.org. We are both very excited to connect with the Cabot community and hope to see you around town!

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July 4 Through the Years

Parley Wheeler stands behind Maurice and Cleora Wheeler as they prepare Betty the cow for the 1918 July 4 parade. Photo courtesy Cabot Historical Society.

by Amanda Legare The early years of Cabot's July 4 celebrations are reflected in newspaper clippings from those days. In the 1895 July edition of "Vermont Watchman" readers were encouraged to celebrate in Cabot:

"Don't fail to go to Cabot village tomorrow to celebrate the glorious Fourth of July. The town will be at its best and intends to entertain everybody in right royal style. Young America will open the entertainment early in the morning, and there will be no lack of amusement from that time onward." The local correspondent for the Barre Daily Times wrote in 1918:

"One of the largest gatherings seen for several years in Cabot was on Thursday, July 4, when from all nearby towns and some from far away came in autos, carriages, horseback and on foot to pay tribute and homage to our nation's birthday. Although somewhat different in spirit than in former years, when all countries were at peace and families were all united at home, the Fourth of July was considered a holiday and a jolly day. This year many families were broken up by the terrible war, which all had hoped and prayed would be at an end, and the boys be home to help celebrate the one day of all the year, July 4.

At 10:30 am a street parade was formed, headed by the Marshfield band, which marched up Main Street, reaching nearly half its length and encircled the park, the different societies being aptly represented. Following the band were carriages and autos, appropriately decorated, the G.A.R. [Grand Army of the Republic], Red Cross, prize calf, Huns, Studebaker Auto, farmerette wagon carrying the pig which was donated by two parties, hayseeds, a steer drawing a young couple, a pony and young couple and many other oddities.

I.O.G.T. [International Organization of Good Templars] served a bountiful dinner, donated by the townspeople, in their hall, to over 300 people, the tables being tastefully decorated with ferns and daisies. At 2 pm a few field sports were carried out, a tug of war, potato race, etc. At 2:30 the crowd mostly gathered in front of the schoolhouse to listen to a message by President Wilson read by W. Walker. ...[and more political speeches]... Following was the sale of the registered Holstein calf donated by Angus Smith to the Red Cross. ... Mr. Ricapy of Danville won the pig which brought $20.15.

Other proceeds, including those from selling ice cream, the wild west booth, the mystery tent, moving picture show and a baseball game - $424.08 was donated to the Red Cross."

The photo of Bill and his dog is courtesy his daughter - Cheryl Wheeler Baranow.

The July 4 festivities in Cabot continued expanding and shrinking over the years, depending upon the national political situation and local enthusiasm. For a period of time there was no parade and then Cabot's Fourth of July celebration became a fund-raiser for the PTA. It was that group's responsibility to raise $800 for hot lunches for Cabot's students.

Dude Thompson and Mule, courtesy Bill Wheeler's daughter - Cheryl Wheeler Baranow.

In a 1994 interview Warren Alexander remembered, "Herndon Foster was the first one that started the Fourth of July parade business. He was president of the PTA at the time and he needed to raise some money. He was always one that had good ideas." Herndon was also interviewed in 1994 and he remembered a contentious situation within the group. "I became head of the PTA and boy when I started taking it over, there was women in there that was really getting right after each other," he said. "They was having trouble. I won't name names, but they was fighting." Early barbecues were beef prepared in a pit by Homer Darling in Lower Cabot (brick house across from Durant Cemetery). Warren Alexander remembered in his interview: "Homer bought rounds of beef and wrapped them in this and that and then put a coat of mud over them. Then he built a big fire and let it burn down to coals and cover them and he'd cook them overnight." Irene Carroll was interviewed in 1995 and she remembered the beef roast. "They buried this animal in a pit and roasted it," she said. "Homer Darling had charge of that and of course when they dug it up and went to use it there was a lot of meat on the outside that was really almost burned. He took that all off and gave us a lot of that. We lived on that all one winter; 'twas good. It was overdone, but it was good." Herndon wanted to create a field that could be used for July Fourth as well as for school sports and there wasn't enough space on the common. Erma Perry remembers the area at the north end of town was essentially a swamp.

The Creamery supported the community and volunteered to help turn the wet area into a more recreational piece of land. Winton Walbridge worked for the Creamery at the time as a truck driver. He remembers hauling load after load of gravel from East Hardwick to the field to fill it in. "The Creamery donated their efforts," he said. Herndon remembered preparing structures on the field for July 4 activities. "We went up there and cut cedar poles and made places to get under. We made tables underneath. Everybody pitched in and worked like hang. We made a kitchen and we ended up feeding about 800. Beatrice and Leon Perry worked faithfully every year," "The Bellavances came and played music and we had a stage on the front side and Dick Sicely and all of them used to sing and play guitars. We had a great time," he remembered. When Homer Darling died, nobody else knew how to prepare beef in a pit, so they switched to barbecue chicken. Initially the chicken was cooked in Groton by Gerald Morse of Morse Poultry Farm. He brought the chicken over to Cabot in boxes, ready to eat. When he could no longer supply the meal, community members took over the food preparation. This meant building equipment to cook the chicken. Larry Gochey remembered working in the Cabot Garage with Bunchie Cookson, Keith Morrison and John desGroseilliers. "Everybody found parts. The grates for cooking the chickens were originally used for construction, to sift sand and keep the stones out," Larry explained. The racks were built on wheels and could be flipped to roast each side of the chickens. "We bought 600 half chickens from Buggy Morse (Lower Cabot Store) who sold them to us at cost. He supplied anything we needed for cooking at cost," Larry recalled. Jan Westervelt remembered as they put the chicken on the roasters, they would line the boxes the poultry came in with aluminum foil. They would then put the almost cooked chicken in the foil, close the boxes and cover them with tarps. This would cook them slowly and keep the moisture in. Preparing the chicken barbecue started at 5 a.m. Franny Walbridge and her crew handled the rest of the food preparation. The potato salad was about as popular as the chicken. They peeled potatoes July 2 and soaked them in cold water. They were then cooked and combined with radishes, cucumbers, eggs and Miracle Whip. Elaine Metcalf made dressing for a green salad. A lot of the food was solicited," Linda Walbridge remembered. "Mothers whose children had been out of school for a long time were still very much involved. Many people in town made the rolls and cupcakes." The creamery provided butter and cottage cheese and supplied a cooler to keep the potato salad fresh. Matt Parker organized students he worked with in Northfield to help bring the food to the field. Franny had one strict rule: She never started to serve until exactly 12 noon.

1868 program, July 4th Celebration, Courtesy Cabot Historial Society

There were many games set up for children and adults including a dunking booth and a ring-the-bell hammer game. Bill Wheeler remembers Carroll Houghton had a decorated paper barrel about three feet tall. Children were given a fishing rod and put them into the barrel and would pull out a prize. Over the years horseshoe tossing was enjoyed on the field and Little League games were popular played on the Common. A rummage sale was started in the "old" cafeteria at the school and then moved to the Masonic Hall. An auction was held on the field. One year it rained the entire day before July 4 and when the festivities

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

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The Rummage Sale will be July 4 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. July 5 will be a free day, open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

All proceeds from the Rummage Sale will be donated to the Cabot School Activities Fund. Thank you SO MUCH for considering us while doing your spring cleaning!

We accept donations of clothing of all sizes and types, toys, baby gear, small kitchen appliances (in working order), kitchen items, dishware, home improvement items, chairs, linens, movies, housewares, shoes and more. Books should be donated to the Cabot Library book sale.

We also welcome donations of paper bags that people can use when they come to shop on the fourth. If you have questions, please reach out to Lydia Pitkin at [email protected].

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From page 9

…started it was ankle deep in mud in places on the field. Soon after that the structures on the field came down and were replaced with tents. The parade and activities changed every year depending on who or what groups participated. Erma Perry and Betty Bolton made sure there was good participation in the children's parade and for more than 30 years Eunice Bashaw coordinated the 11 a.m. parade. For many years the Tebbetts family, the Carpenter family and Ed Smith's family always put in floats, usually humorous. Walt Bothfeld remembers his brother Dick in the parade with his

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

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The Crowning Moments of Seven High School Careers

Story and Photos by Sonia Scherr

Cabot School's commencement last month was both poignant and joyful as each of the seven graduating seniors reflected on their time at Cabot and the staff members who had made a difference in their lives. The June 7 ceremony also celebrated the unique contributions of each graduating senior, with high school teachers reading aloud the traditional "senior spotlights" that capture the spirit of each class member, and graduation speaker Linda Savoca sharing warm words about each senior in her speech. "Never lose sight of your true purpose," she told the graduates. Mrs. Savoca, Cabot's executive assistant, retired at the end of the school year. She received a standing ovation for her 16 years of service to the Cabot School community.

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Students Present “Senior X” Learning to Community

by Chris Tormey “Senior X” is a required course at Cabot School that gives graduating seniors the opportunity to learn in-depth about a field or subject that personally interests them. On June 1, this year’s Senior X students presented what they’d learned to the community in a “TedTalks” format at the Cabot School Performing Arts Center (CSPAC). The presentation at CSPAC was the culmination of a year-long process for students. Supported by co-teachers Anthony Christiano and Sonia Scherr, they spent the first third of this school year in the “exploration” phase of Senior X: researching and deciding on a specific field to study. During the second trimester, students found field work experience (job shadows, externships, etc.) and also worked on creating a product or service related to their field of study. Finally, students spent the last trimester developing the exhibition of their learning which they shared with families and community members on June 1. After a welcome and a brief overview of the Senior X course from Anthony and Sonia, each student at the event next used slides and a written essay to present why they’d chosen the field they had, what their field work involved, and what they’d learned from the experience. Citing a strong interest in biology as well as a documented goal to be either an archaeologist or a nurse “when I grow up” dating from first grade, Camryn Hoffman job-shadowed at the Danville Health Center. In addition to gradually overcoming her unease around injections, while there she found that many patients were challenged with type 2 diabetes and health issues related to obesity. Using what she’d learned from a CCV course in nutrition along with a lifelong interest in cooking, Camryn put together a cookbook full of healthy, budget-friendly dishes and distributed samples and recipe cards at Cabot’s Neighbors in Action food share. Declan O’Connor’s interest in history, story-telling and recording motivated him to pursue an in-depth study of Old Norse poems and stories. Declan explored the way that the spoken word has been used for thousands of years to share our human relationship with and understanding of the natural world and those with whom we share it. In his externship, Declan worked with Tonio Epstein at the WGDR radio station at Goddard College, and fashioned a small recording studio in an upstairs closet to practice reading and recording the Norse stories at home. After sharing a short audio piece of one of the poems as part of his presentation, Declan encouraged those in the audience to try to speak their own stories. Silas Robbins moved with his family to Cabot at age 11 from a city on the Oregon coast, and introduced his choice of project by describing how that move had driven his understanding of the positive impact that a close-knit community can have on an individual. After learning how valuable emergency-service responders are and how challenging it is for small communities to meet that need, Silas chose the Cabot Ambulance Emergency Service as his Senior X learning opportunity. In describing his experience over the past year. Silas emphasized that a huge part of what an emergency responder does for people is simply to talk to and reassure them, as they deal with what is typically “their worst day”. Using knowledge gained during his experience, Silas became certified as a Red Cross instructor and organized and taught a course in CPR/First Aid/AED to Cabot School faculty this spring. From an early age, Wyatt Searles has enjoyed experiencing Vermont winters while downhill skiing, and chose to focus his Senior X research and field experience on a program whose goal is to allow individuals with a wide range of abilities and disabilities to experience that same excitement and enjoyment. Wyatt traveled weekly to the Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports center at Bolton Valley ski area, joining other volunteers in learning the techniques needed to allow skiers with a disability to use equipment adapted to their needs to safely descend the mountain. His best moment of the winter occurred when he was able to serve as the lead instructor for a young skier. Wyatt shared his experiences at Bolton and his learning about adaptive sports in a talk this spring at the Cabot Public Library. Introducing his research and work experience this spring, Anthony Butts explained that he’s always enjoyed working outside and is interested in potentially working with trees as an arborist in the future. He worked alongside Calvin Alexander this spring, tapping maple trees and setting up the pipeline system for sap collection in a sugarwood in Cabot. Although their syrup production in this first year was below what they’d hoped for, Anthony learned a great deal from the experience. To showcase his learning, Anthony took photographs this spring of the different stages of the sugaring process, and mounted the photos along with his written descriptions along one wall of the CSPAC. After the students’ presentations, there was time to walk through and take a closer look at Anthony’s photos and writing about sugaring, and finally the students sat down to take questions from the audience about their specific topics and the Senior X experience in general. There was general agreement that the process had been both challenging and valuable, and the support of both their specific project mentors and their teachers Sonia and Andrew were crucial. When asked about what they might give as advice to future Senior X students from their own experience this year, most of the panel mentioned the importance of choosing a topic of high interest early on in the year. Wyatt Searles suggested the best combination for a topic was to choose something you love that can also help people.

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Cabot School Update

by Rory Thibault May and June were incredibly busy months on the Cabot School campus. With multiple exhibitions of learning, including most notably SeniorX presentations, the academic excellence of students was on full display – and Brian Boyes delivered a final rollicking spring concert with contributions from the middle school and high school bands. The celebrations culminated with the 8th grade passage ceremony and high school graduation the week of June 5. The high school class is an impressive crew of students – all with postgraduation plans of work or college – and the seven graduates are leaving Cabot with over $380,000 in scholarship money! The Class of 2023 is truly impressive, and the Board wishes them well ahead. Prior to the celebrations and exhibitions, on May 31, the School Board held a “retreat” at the school to begin laying out priorities and vision for the next year and budget cycle. With the changes to education finance coming in FY25, Cabot will have greater flexibility to invest in infrastructure and transition grant funded positions to permanent positions without a significant tax impact. The circumstances are right to finally tackle some of the deferred maintenance on campus and to also ensure valuable intervention positions and afterschool programming continue.

The graduates — Neil Alexander, Anthony Butts, Alexia Churchill, Marc Ducharme, Declan O'Connor, Abigail Scribner and Wyatt Searles — were awarded $378,920 in scholarships. In addition to the graduates on stage in CSPAC, principal Rebecca Tatistcheff recognized another member of the class of 2023, Logan Cookson, who died in 2014. Top row (left to right) in the photo collage: signing yearbook pages before the ceremony; class members waiting to enter CSPAC; and Linda Savoca pinning a boutonniere on School Board Chairman Rory Thibault, who would present her with the Cabot Community Award during the ceremony. Bottom row (left to right): a graduating senior watching the presentation of memories she created; capturing a special moment after the ceremony; and enjoying pizza baked in the school's outdoor pizza oven by school chef Brock Miller.

The Board also heard from an alumni panel that provided generally positive feedback on the quality of Cabot high school education. Cabot’s program was noted to be excellent in instilling the adaptability and skills needed to succeed in college or in the workplace. Areas of improvement included more time and depth needed for some classes, for example advanced placement and science, and a greater emphasis on literacy, reading comprehension, and longer form writing. Literacy has already been identified as a focal point for the next academic year. At a previous regular board meeting, the Board also heard from parents, students, and the administration on campus culture, discipline, and the way forward on ensuring a successful learning environment. These discussions paired well with the concept of alignment – that is, aligning budget with programing, infrastructure utilization, and culture. By passing a budget on time this year, the School Board and administration have had the space and time to be more pro-active than in prior years. This summer will be an exciting time of transition, as some beloved faculty and staff move on to retirement or new opportunities, and others join the Cabot Huskies family. Finally, with my recent appointment as a Superior Court Judge, my time as a member of the Cabot School Board has come to an end. For the past six years, it (see’Cabot School Update’, page 11)

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Cabot School Update

(continued from page 10) has been a pleasure to work with the faculty, staff and students to improve the school and adapt to the many challenges

– whether budgetary or pandemic. The recent retreat has laid the foundation for some great changes and improvements all ages:

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Upcoming Events at the Jaquith Public Library

Upcoming Events at the Jaquith

Old Schoolhouse Common, 122 School St. RM 2 Marshfield, VT 05658 For info: [email protected] 802-426-3581 www.jaquithpubliclibrary.org

Morning Programs with Nicky Auerbach for Kids Birth to Age Seven Six weeks of Fridays from June 23 to July 28th Story time and snack at 10:30 a.m. followed by activities until 12 p.m. Join Nicky for fun activities based on the theme, All Together Now! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and messy! Nicky has a Master Degree in education and loves to create fun learning opportunities for children.

Free Summer Afternoon Nature-

At the Jaquith with Ange Gibbons

July 11-July 27: Tues, Wed and Thurs: 2:30-5 pm Public Library Camp in July!

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 11 onward.

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Cabot Youth Council Update

Through the end of May and early June, the Cabot Youth Council met to continue its work developing potential projects for the Vermont Youth Project (VYP) grant of $40,000, which Vermont Afterschool is giving to young people in Cabot to increase youth friendly community spaces. What did the council’s work look like? Twice a month, we met for about an hour in the Willey Building on the second floor, in the meeting room with the kitchen. Anthony Christiano and Sonia Scherr walked Cabot School students over to meet me and some homeschooled students. An average of about 15 young people attended each meeting. We started our meetings with general work and updates. Then we’d break into three or four smaller work groups, which spent time on different projects. Sometimes the groups would brainstorm, sometimes they’d research, and sometimes they’d problem-solve. Much of their ideas ended up on large sheets of paper, written in blue or black marker so everyone participating could easily read what was written. During one of our last meetings, a small group and Anthony Christiano dashed over to the rec field in the 90-degree heat to measure the basketball court. They wanted to find out how much asphalt the court might need if the youth council decides to fund basketball court repairs.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 11 onward.

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Answer Nature’s Calling: Become a Trail Steward with the Cabot Trails Committee

Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s natural wonder is the scenic town of Cabot. Amidst the tranquil landscape, a web of captivating trails awaits your exploration. The Cabot Trails Committee – entrusted with preserving this diverse network – is seeking passionate individuals to join their team as Trail Stewards. Prepare to embark on an exciting adventure, as we invite you to uphold the trails that weave through our beloved community. In surveys of the town, Cabot residents indicated that the trails were their most valued recreational feature. As a trail steward, you will embrace the noble responsibility of safeguarding a vital component of our town, ensuring the pristine beauty of the trails persists for generations to come.

Picture yourself walking the trail in the mid-morning sun. Fresh dew fills the air. Attuned to the subtle signs of change, you notice a freshly fallen maple branch on the path. You cast it into the surrounding forest and continue your walk. Your journey as a trail steward will be filled with moments of peace, hidden gems, and encounters with fellow nature enthusiasts. Every adventure will bring its own share of challenges, and scattered debris may test your resourcefulness and determination. Fear not, as these obstacles are only opportunities to forge deeper bonds with the forest and the community around you. Your watchful eyes and dedication will ensure that safety issues are promptly reported, guaranteeing a welcoming environment for all. As a steward, your responsibilities will extend beyond the trails. The trailheads and kiosks serve as a gateway to the natural wonders you maintain. Your stewardship will contribute to upholding the integrity of these structures. This is your chance to cultivate an informative space for people of all backgrounds to learn before venturing off. Becoming a trail steward means immersing yourself in Cabot’s natural heritages, weaving your story into the fabric of the landscape. This is an opportunity to make lasting change that benefits you, your neighbors, and all the generations that will follow. Another chance for you to do your part in the community is with the upcoming Community Work Days. This will be a great chance to connect with the town through group work that makes a difference and will be a sample of the frequent expeditions of a trail steward. Keep an eye out for these events on the Front Porch Forum calendar. The Cabot Trails Committee eagerly awaits you to join the remarkable journey of preservation, community, and adventure. Are you ready to answer nature’s calling? Reach out to [email protected] to join the Cabot Trails Committee and let the trails become your sanctuary. Together, we will create a le

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 11 onward.

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Cow Caper Captivates Cabot

Poppy Seed and Vanilla Bean back home.

by Rory Thibault Bryeanne Russillo has lived in Cabot for nearly two years. Before May 6, 2023, she was best known for her amazing culinary and baking skills, as well as running a small animal rescue called “Nibbles of Love.” However, after May 6, she is now best known for her two miniature highland cows, Poppy Seed and Vanilla Bean. These adorable young ladies were landing at Nibbles of Love after being taken from a hoarding situation. Fresh pasture and much love awaited them at Bryeanne’s place on the flats. Bryeanne’s foray into cow rescue was on display for all to see in the days leading up to the highlanders’ arrival – she spent long afternoons and evenings mastering the arduous art of fence installation. Her fence lines were precise and well-constructed... but just a touch too high to contain juvenile miniature highlanders. The excitement of having the highlanders arrive was quickly turned into a frantic effort to wrangle the escaped cows back onto her property. Bryeanne struck a strident tone on Facebook “[w]elcome Poppy Seed and Vanilla Bean. We have all had a seriously stressful day . . . they are gorgeous perfect miniature highland cows . . . today has been a perfect storm of catastrophe, which is a normal day in animal rescue . . . and I'll share all details another day.” That evening, the highlanders were secured in a large fenced run for Bryeanne’s rescue dogs, Thunder, Cookie Monster, and Morgan. Unfortunately, having had a taste of the unfenced life, the young and mischievous highlanders found a way out. The next morning there was an empty paddock. Queue the panic. For the next ten days Cabot was captivated by updates on Facebook’s Cabot Connects page, stories exchanged and reports of sightings traded at the Cabot Village Store, and many eyes looking for the wily escape artists up and down the flats. For Bryeanne there were fits and starts of hope, bouts of despair, appreciation given to helpers, and tears of exhaustion. There were foot searches, drone searches courtesy of Seth O’Brien and Green Mountain Drone, and a steady stream of sightings reported publicly on social media. There were grain buckets left and the hope that the wayward cows could eventually be coaxed home – maybe by August. The searches by land and air (and by sea if you count the ponds and water logged land of spring) narrowed down where the highlanders were going each day and what they were up to. Ultimately, the great Cabot cow caper came to an end with cowboys – yes, cowboys, coming to the rescue and finally wrangling the young highlanders home. Donations and pleas for help enabled a team of cattle dogs and their cowboys to get Poppy Seed and Vanilla Bean home

– to a newly secured paddock and fence line.

There have been times in recent history where cows have probably outnumbered people in Cabot. Bryeanne’s adventurous mini highlanders calves received well-earned attention and status as Cabot social media stars. They have undoubtedly served as a reminder to many of wayward cows trampling fence lines to forage for apples in the fall or clambering out of a pasture and galivanting when a snowdrift lands just right in the winter. Before May 6, Bryeanne was not a cow person – but she certainly is on her way to being one now. Next time you head out of town on the flats, look right and wave to Poppy Seed and Vanilla Bean who are gracefully keeping the grass short – and be sure to follow these ladies and their kind-hearted keeper’s Nibbles of Love on social media. Anyone who keeps or has kept cows knows this will not be the last cow caper for this crew!

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Cabot Arts Music Festival

Cabot Arts and Music Festival praised by Seven Days Weekly as One of “Seven Offbeat Vermont Summer Music Festivals” that offer something for everyone.

Cabot; Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29; cabotarts.org

Besides headliners, Chris Farnsworth of Seven Days weekly notes, “There will also be a tribute to folk musician Pete Sutherland, who died in 2022, as musicians Patti Casey, Dana Robinson, Colin McCaffrey and Oliver Scanlon perform a selection of Sutherland's songs.”

See ad on page 16

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 12 onward.

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What’s All the Buzz About? Cabot’s Pollinator Initiative and How You Can Help

…but some species are better than others. Many pollinators and flowers co-evolved to exist together – meaning that it is important to ensure planted flowers are a local species. You can find information on local pollinator-friendly plants at https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/vermont-plants/pollinator-friendlyplants. An interesting side fact is that bees cannot see red… so maybe stay away from those red roses. A new member of the community, Soledad, also said she was unaware of the initiative. She moved to Cabot in February because she wanted to be in a place where the global ecological imbalance is acknowledged. Her goal in Cabot is to develop her property into a sustainable farm with a garden and animals. Some of the first steps she has been taking are cleaning up brush and planting trees; she has no plans to use insecticides. She is also considering a no-mow lawn and will eventually get bees. This encouraged her to partake in the Pollinator Walk on the Cabot Smith Farm. Soledad hopes to see the pollinator initiative discussed more and is looking forward to doing more for the pollinators and the community. Even Cabot librarian of 14 years Kathleen Hoyne did not know of the initiative. However, she is knowledgeable about the importance of pollinators to the community and does her part. Each year Kathleen participates in a national movement called ‘No Mow May,’ when you get a perfect excuse not to mow your lawn. The goal of this movement is to allow pollinators time to connect with your lawn. Dr. Gregor Reid, Chief Scientist at SeedLabs says uniting in this campaign creates a huge influx of pollinators. On his own property, he even holds off mowing until July 15, which he found to be very effective in increasing pollinator activity. If tall grass is unbearable to you, there may be a better option for you and the planet. No-mow lawns are rising in popularity for their resilience and their beauty. These lawns use alternatives to grasses, which can be visually stunning, require less maintenance, and are better for

There are many alternative lawn options to choose from. Moss lawns are lowmaintenance options that prefer shaded, moist areas. This is great as it provides space for you and the pollinators to thrive. While moss lawns themselves do not provide nectar, they can offer shelter for ground-dwelling pollinators, as well as help retain moisture for nearby flowering plants. Clover lawns are my personal favorite option – specifically white clovers. They are native to the area, grow with mini- Amidst the rolling hills of Vermont – a hidden symphony of life unfolds every day. The stars of this performance are none other than the pollinators, and their story is vital to our community. When you think of pollinators, the mind often drifts to bees. You may be picturing a bumble bee or a honeybee right now. If you could name five different species of bees, I would applaud you. However, there are far more than five in Vermont alone. According to the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, there are over 350 individual species in the green mountain state, and they believe there are more to find. These diligent pollinators are necessary to cultivate the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other plants in the Cabot community. The vitality of these resources is exactly why, in the spring of 2019, the people of Cabot declared themselves to be pollinator-friendly. The goal of the pollinator initiative is simple on paper: commit to avoiding insecticide use, avoid planting flowering plants that require insecticides, plant more pollinator-supporting species, reduce mowing frequency, and plant native species whenever possible. All of these objectives aim to increase food and habitat for pollinators, leading to a more successful and diverse ecosystem. But change is hard – and people do not know where to start.

In a flowering strawberry sits a Nason’s Mining Bee. Spectating is Spencer Hardy, who led the Pollinator Walk on June 11 and studies Vermont bees for the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. (Spencer Hardy/Retrieved from inaturalist.org)

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 13 onward.

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CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS

Cabot Public Library News

The Cabot Public Library is open! NEW HOURS! - Monday - Noon - 6 p.m. Tuesday Noon – 6 p.m. Wednesday 2 - 6 p.m. Thursday – Noon - 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. noon. Curbside library service is still available during regular library hours.

Join us for a summer full of special programming. Programs take place at the Cabot Rec Field Pavilion unless otherwise noted. All programs are FREE! For updates and added programming, check cabotlibrary.com and FPF.

Summer Reading Program - Come to the library, pick up your reading chart and stickers to earn prizes. It's easy! All you need to do is read or be read to for 15 minutes a day for 15 days. Participants will earn a T-shirt, book and an additional prize of their choice! Sign up for the 1000 page club and earn a free pint of ice cream from the Cabot Village Store! Get ready to read.

Family Fun Events - July - Cabot Rec Field Pavilion Outdoor Story and Activity Time - Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. - Noon June 6 - August 8 - Join youth librarian Amanda Otto and teens, Camryn Hoffman and Lorelai Bastress, for stories, songs and crafts! Stay after for snacks and active play! Ages Birth to 6 (all are welcome!)

Tuesday, July 4 - Friends of the Cabot Library Book Sale – 9 a.m. - Join the Friends of the Cabot Library and peruse hundreds of books for sale by donation, before and after the July 4 Cabot Parade. Books will be on the front lawn of the library all morning. Many thanks to the Friends of the Library - for their hours sorting and organizing books.

Soccer and Ice Cream Social - Wednesday, July 5 6:30 p.m. - Cabot

Common Join Camryn Hoffman and Lorelai Bastress for fun soccer themed games and small prizes, with ice cream sundaes to round out this night of fun! All Ages!

Seasonal Sing and Potluck with Heidi Wilson - Wednesday, July 12 - 10:30 a.m. Come sing songs to celebrate the season together. Heidi will lead the group in simple, engaging songs that fill our bodies with harmony! All voices welcome. The singing will be followed by a potluck. It's time to connect with our neighbors and friends again by sharing music and food! All Ages!

Dance with Ashley Hensel - Wednesday, July 19 - 10:30 a.m. How can we use movement to collaborate and make things together? Come explore dance, partnering, and working together with choreographer Ashley Hensel-Browning to explore the summer library theme of “All Together Now”! This class will use collaborative play and improvisation to make dances with each other, exploring how movement can be used as a source of expression, connection, and imagination. Bring your curiosity and your desire to move and groove! All Ages!

Music with Fletcher – Lehman & Geordie Lynd, The Resonant Rogues and Joe’s Truck Stop – Friday, July 21 7:00 p.m. Rec Field Pavilion – Three fantastic bands at the Cabot Rec Pavilion in one unforgettable night – it doesn’t get any better than this!

Support our Pollinators with Jerry Schneider - Wednesday, July 26

10:30 a.m. Learn about our local pollinators, featuring bees, bats, hummingbirds, beetles, dragonflies and butterflies. These important critters help pollinate our orchards, backyard gardens, and our rain forests. How do we build a habitat to help our pollinators? What time of year should we mow our fields that are most beneficial to pollinators? Learn about it, and more with this fun, educational program! T-shirt craft to follow! T-shirts available to purchase at $5.00 or bring your own light-colored t-shirt to decorate.

All Ages!

Upcoming Adult Programs

Many thanks to Rebecca Wallick for organizing a diverse and stellar lineup of authors for our spring series - Branching Out Author Talks. Stay tuned for more info about a new series in the fall.

Yoga for Everybody! Is on break for the summer – see you in the fall!

Cabot Book/Discussion – Thursday, July 27 – 2 p.m.. Based on a Real Life - Please join in for this Book Discussion series co-sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council and facilitated by VHC scholar Mary Hays. The fourth book in this four-part series is All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren. Books can be picked up in advance at the Cabot Library. All are welcome to join in lively conversation with friends and neighbors!

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 Erin Ruddell and our student representative, Ila Steinert.

Additional thanks to our wonderful library volunteers: Vicky Palmer, Louis Searles, Ila Steinert and Spencer Vitale and Beth Wade. Many thanks to Lorelai Bastress and Camryn Hoffman for their hard work helping with programs this summer. Much appreciation to our library subs who always go above and beyond: Grace Hoffman, Anne Miller, and Christina Sacalis. Special thanks to the Friends of the Library: Sandy Atkins, Mary Lou DeLacy, Maria Acchione- Goodrich, Beth Wade and Janet Westervelt. And last but not least, thanks to Jeannie Johnson for countless hours managing the Chronicle!

See you at the library! Kathleen Hoyne – Library Director Amanda Otto – Youth Librarian of previous awards include expenses of Cabot Arts-sponsored

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 14 onward.

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NOTICE

Joe’s Pond Association members voted to cancel fireworks for 2023 because of the marked increase in cost for the display. It is not decided if this decision will remain permanent.

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Freelance Writers

The Cabot Chronicle seeks local freelance writers to chronicle the people, places, stories, history and news of the Cabot community. Paid by article and upon publication.

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Cabot Senior Housing on Glinka Road offers

· Eight apartments: seven affordable, one market rate.

· Full kitchen, living room, bath, dining area, one or two bedrooms, deck or porch.

· Solarium, large common area with deck, laundry, bathroom, kitchen, f unction area.

· Mail delivery and trash and recycling pickup.

· Free parking, garden plot and storage unit.

· Support services in Central VT help residents maintain independent living.

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