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Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

August 2024 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the August 2024 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

Parade Lineup

 Sheriff  Honor Guard  Children’s Parade  Kingdom Crusaders Pipe Band  Cabot Fire Department  Cabot Trails Brandon Pecor - water cannons  All Together Now! Summer Camp  Marshfield Fire Department Most Historic -  Country Corners Squares Square Dance Club  Cabot Arts  Mangan PI Pest Control

 The Maclay Family  Christ Covenant Church  Plainfield Fire Department

 Wood Truck - Stephen Newton Skip & Rose Bothfeld - on tractors  E. Pluribus Unum – Anna Westervelt Most Patriotic -  Bread and Puppet Theatre  Marshfield Monarchs 4-H Group  Peter Duval for Governor  Twinfield Snow Travelers

 Celley Antique Snowmobiles  John Rogers for Lieutenant Governor  1930 Model A – Richard Degreenia  Tom Ziobrowski for VT House  Washington District State Senators  Cabot Creamery Hazel Greaves Tax Service - bear at desk  Washington County Republicans  Larabee Family Judge's Choice - All Together Now!  Hazel Greaves Tax Service  Greg Burtt for VT House  Woodbury Fire  Bothfeld Farm  DG Designs  Water Fun  Catamount Tree Service  Senator Ann Cummings  Midnight Capers Morris Dancers  Alex Hinson  Wonder Why Farm  Green Mountain Builders Summer Camp - kids on stilts and with  Walden Fire Department puppets  Cabot Ambulance

SPECIAL THANKS TO STAF, VOLUNTERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

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Tribute to a True Friend

by Beth Wade Her sons, Michael and Stephen, asked that donations in her honor be sent to At this year’s annual Friends of the the library and, according to Library DiCabot Public Library July 4 th Book Sale, rector Kathleen Hoyne, so far $916 has although it was a great day and a good been raised. The Friends treasury is sale, there was something missing. No, used to supplement the library’s municisomeone… pal budget, and in the past has purMary Lou DeLacy… who was a chased much needed replacements for Friend indeed. Mary Lou was a Friends computer hardware, books for the infant of the Library founder over twenty years and toddler program, supplies for chilago, a tireless worker sorting and trans- dren’s programs, and additional furnishporting books after book sales, a cheerful ings for the reading room, among other and perceptive member of the library’s things. book discussion groups, a song leader at Inquiries about Friends of the Library the library’s preschool story hour, and a membership can be made to Friends lovely, happy person with a huge smile. President Sandy Atkins at the library’s Mary Lou passed away on June 12 email address: cabotlibrary@yahoo.com. after a short illness.

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HILLTOP AUTO BODY

TIM and JENNIFER GOCHEY

Professional collision repair, associated with all insurance companies, we’ll handle your claim from start to finish including rental cars. The Cabot Chronicle is published monthly and is provided locally free of charge. DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to production Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

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Design/Pagination: Todd Jones

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

Cabot Chronicle Mission Statement: The Cabot Chronicle is a home-delivered newspaper devoted to telling the story of the Cabot community.

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EMORIALS

the Adult Group, Women’s Fel-

Mother’s Club and Nature

Club. Upon retirement, she delivered died peacefully at her Meals on Wheels, a volunteer activity home on July 8, 2024, she enjoyed very much. following a brief illHelen was predeceased by her husness. She was 96, the band of 65 years, her beloved dog Rosie, oldest living resident her parents, her brothers Guy, D. of Saxtons River. Eugene Jr., Earl, Donald, John and Helen Jean Porter David Porter, as well as her sisters Ruth was born on April 1, 1928, in Penn Yan, Dell and Grace Overacker NY, the third daughter and ninth child She is survived by her children Susan of D. Eugene Porter, Sr. and Susan Re(Jim) Dineen, Cabot, Lynne Woodard, becca Hoover Porter. She attended local Calais, and Scott (Mary Beth) Carroll of schools and graduated from Penn Yan Saxtons River. Her grandchildren PeAcademy with the class of 1945, shortly ter, Benjamin (Danielle), and Sam Frey, after her seventeenth birthday. Hannah (Alex) Woodard Cohen, Rory Following graduation, Helen took a (Caleb) Woodard, Evan (Kate) and Brenjob as the sole overnight operator for the dan (Sofia) Carroll, as well as her great Penn Yan Telephone Company; she rode grandchildren who brought so much joy, her bicycle to work. She recalled that Jackson and Torrin Frey, Camilo and her first long distance call was to HaLucia Carroll and the newest member of waii, which seemed exotic.

thrilled. She was the family, Sylvie Shannon Carroll. She

is survived as well by several nieces and On July 12, 1947, Helen married nephews. Richard S. Carroll, Sr. The young couple A gathering to honor and celebrate lived in Penn Yan and Geneva, NY, beHelen’s life will take place on August 10, fore moving to Rochester with their 2024, at 1:30 pm at Main Street Arts in three small children, Susan, Lynne and Saxtons River. Burial will be in Saxtons Scott. In 1957 the Carrolls moved to River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts Saxtons River. Helen worked at Verin Helen’s memory may be made to mont Academy in both the Admissions Main Street Arts, Saxtons River. Arand College Counseling offices for many rangements have been entrusted to the years. She later worked with her huscare of the Fenton and Hennessey Fuband and son in the family business, neral Home, 55 Westminster Street, R.S. Carroll Agency. She was a member Bellows Falls, VT 05101. of Christ Church in Saxtons River and

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Donald DeLacy F. DeLacy

Donald Francis DeLacy peacefully passed away at his Vermont home on July 4, 2024. Donald is preceded in death by his beloved son David and his cherished wife Mary Lou, who passed away just three weeks before him. She was the planet around which he orbited, and without her love and companionship, he had no touchstone to keep him here. Survived by his sons Stephen and Michael, Stephen's wife Holly, their children Kieran and Skyler, and a large circle of extended family and friends, Donald will be remembered for his visionary spirit, humor, and profound love for those fortunate enough to know him. Born on February 23, 1933, in his home on Parsons Street in Brighton, MA, Donald was the youngest of five children. His youth was marked by the love of family and fun exploits with his neighborhood friends, who remained lifelong companions. During summers, he enjoyed carefree days as a Swan Boat driver in Boston's Public Garden-a role later shared by his sons and grandson. After graduating from high school, Donald was drafted and deployed for two years to the 38th parallel in Korea, serving as a forward observer in a large artillery unit. To his great fortune, he was on his way overseas when the truce between the North and South was declared, so he never saw combat. Upon his return, Donald spent many happy times on Cape Cod and Plum Island, where he loved surf casting for blues and stripers with his friends Joe and Johnny, among others. It was in Boston that he met the love and companion of his life, Mary Lou, on a blind date. They were married in 1961, had three children-David, Stephen, and Michael-and lived in Newton, MA. Donald's natural charm made him an ideal promotional rep for RCA Records, where he forged enduring friendships and collected countless stories with recording artists. Among his many career highlights were a memorable escapade with Patrick Swayze and a faux diamond 'heist' orchestrated at the behest of Harry Nilsson and pulled off with the help of Mary Lou. Donald was a peace activist and a staunch believer in the dignity and rights of all people. He marched on Washington for civil rights, in Boston for LGBTQ rights, and was arrested for civil disobedience while attempting to prevent the train transfer of draftees during the Vietnam War. As a young father, he commuted to work in Cambridge by bike and often took his sons on cycling adventures, exploring near and far. He also had a deep appreciation for art, filling the walls of his home with pieces he collected. A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Donald captained the Brighton High School Tennis Team and continued to compete vigorously into his eighties, combining Zen practice with athletic discipline. After retiring, he became an honorary member at the Boston Badminton and Tennis Club, relishing matches with his son Stephen. In 1977, after a lengthy search for the perfect piece of land (and a tip from his friend John), Donald found his dream retreat in Cabot. This picturesque spot, with its beautiful meadows, forests, and glorious pond, became a cherished escape for his family and their many friends, who gathered there often to enjoy the peace and beauty. In retirement, he and Mary Lou divided their time between Vermont during the summers and the Boston area in the winters. Wherever they were, so too

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Albert W. St. Cyr St. Cyr

Albert William St. Cyr, 70, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He was born to Bertelle and Amber (Powers) St. Cyr on June 24, 1953, in Hardwick, VT Albert was a lifelong resident of the Plainfield area. He grew up working in the woods, logging with horses and later owned and operated A.W. St. Cyr Logging and Excavating. years he enjoyed deer In his earlier hunting and was an active member of the Plainfield Fire Department. He will also be remembered for his love of playing cards and enjoyed sharing in games with family and friends. Albert is survived by his daughters; Emily (and husband Mikeljon) St. Cyr Mascitti and Amanda (and husband

Patricia Patricia Quinn Quinn di diStefano Stefano

Patricia Quinn di Stefano better known as Pappy to family and friends — left this world on May 22, 2024, after a long struggle with several illnesses. With her typical upbeat determination and spirit, she lived three-plus years longer than doctors predicted. She made the very most of those final years and inspired all who journeyed with her through this period of her life. Born on September 17, 1949, in Tempe, Ariz., to Bill and Margie Quinn, she grew up with her siblings, Pete, Mike, Peggy and Janet. She graduated from Paterson State College in 1971. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Marc di Stefano. They married in Vermont in 1972 and built a beautiful log home on a hill in Cabot. Pappy worked as a nurse’s assistant and physical education teacher until they created a Christmas tree farm and nursery, which they maintained for many years. She also served on several town committees and was town clerk for a while. Together she and Marc created an active, fulfilling life in Vermont and had two beautiful sons, Chris and Joe, who grew up in Cabot. Marc passed away in 1990. Though Chris and Joey both lived in other states for a while, they returned to

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Wedding, Engagement & Birth Announcements

Wedding, and the of the was the welcoming atmosphere, the warmth, the laughter, the sounds of Red Sox games and always, Donald's trademark mischievous humor and captivating storytelling. Donald was laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mary Lou, on their Vermont property on Saturday, July 20. A gathering to celebrate the lives of Donald and Mary Lou will take place in Boston in September.

David) Deubner; his grandson and 'birthday buddy,' Mikeljon Hollister St. Cyr Mascitti; and granddaughter Alyssa Deubner. He also leaves an uncle, Wendell Powers as well as his extended family; David, Rene'e, Matthew, David, Paul, Dore', Shannon and too many close friends to name. A memorial celebration befitting the life of Albert St. Cyr will be held on Friday, August 16, at 2:00 pm at his pond located at 928 Hollister Hill Road, Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Albert's memory may be made to the Plainfield Fire Department, 169 Main Street Plainfield, VT 05667. ** Albert's family welcomes your stories and memories of him however funny or tearful. Please feel free to share with them by clicking on the Tribute Wall above this obituary. ** h t t p s : / / w w w . h o l c o m b desgroseilliers.com/obituary/Albert-

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StCyr#tributewall

Vermont and were fortunate to spend many years close to Pappy. In the years prior to retirement, she worked at National Life Group in Montpelier. Pappy was a woman of many talents: She was a skilled gardener, avid reader, scuba diver, golf and tennis player, knitter, craftswoman, and, especially, an amazing cook. Family and friends will remember many delicious, joyous meals at her table, filled with laughter and love. Pappy loved nothing more than simply spending time with her family — sons; daughter-in-law Wendy; grandchildren Marc, Althea and Nina; and her siblings. She was a devoted and loyal friend to many, quite a few of whom became part of her and her sons’ extended family. Though she loved discovering new places to vacation and traveling to Jamaica and Florida, relaxing on their beautiful beaches, she treasured her land, birds and wildlife in Cabot more than any other place. The log house and land will remain with the family. Pappy’s strong character, wonderful sense of humor, kindness and generosity will carry on in her sons and grandchildren, and she will remain vivid in the hearts of so many who loved her dearly. A celebration of life is planned for August 24, 2024, 200 p.m., at the family home in Cabot. In the meantime, if you are able, plant a tree or make a donation to cancer research in her memory. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

are FRE in the engagement and birth announcements photos should be received within two months of event by digital submission no later than the 15 th

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Flood Recovery

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer At the July 16 meeting, Sid Griggs was present to update the Selectboard on the conditions of the roads, and how recovery from the flood was proceeding. Sid told the board that they got two pipes installed on Blodgett Road that day, and would be finishing up the road over the culvert the following morning. He said the town of Belvidere sold them the extra pipe, and it was installed next to the pipe that had been in the hole before the washout from the July 10, 2024, flood. Sid also said that Jeremy Greaves was working on Jug Brook Road, where they were also putting a second pipe and hoped to have that road open by Thursday. He also explained they were running the grader around town fixing the edges of the roads. Sid then explained that Whittier Hill Road is a big problem. He said the two gravel pits they use are out of ditch stone. He explained they need to dig out the ditch on Whittier Hill going up from the senior center to the corner, but they have nothing to put back into the ditch. Sid said that in the interim, they would pull what is there against the road to make it wider until they can get stone and do the work. Sid described that the way the stone was put in after the last flood, and the fact that it was dense grade stone, didn't allow the stone to lock in place. He said he believed that is why it let go again. He explained they need to dig the ditch down and pack the stones into the ground to lock it all in place. He stated that as soon as the stone is available, he is going to hire four or five trucks to haul the stone so the road crew can focus on doing the job. R.D. Eno asked about the drainage on Whittier Hill Road, specifically the culvert at the corner. He mentioned they had a message from the Creamery regarding where it drains. No one was present from the Creamery, so the discussion was postponed. R.D. then asked about where the catch basin at the bottom, in front of the senior center, drains. Sid described that it drains into the storm drain, and it is joined by what comes down the ditch in front of Maxfields’. Sid said that the problem is when silt comes down the ditch along Whittier Hill Road, it plugs the grate and causes the overflow problems. Karen Larsen asked about Blodgett Road, and if the engineer had looked at it. Sid answered that Tyler, the engineering consultant, looked at it on Monday and said to throw it back together to get it open, and that Tyler would put it out to bid and try to get both Blodgett Road and Jug Brook Road done by the end of summer. Mike Hogan noted that these projects are FEMA projects, and Tyler was also going to apply for an extension.

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UPDATE UPDATES UPDATE SS S

Mike also told the board that FEMA is coming on Thursday to talk about last year's flood and the reimbursements. He said they would also talk about the bridges, because the Elm Street bridge is critical and has been damaged. Mike mentioned that AOT re-inspected the bridge after this year's flood and there is some concern. Mike also said they have a large grant from USDA for various projects. The board also discussed that a massive amount of the bank behind the old firehouse site washed away in the recent flood. Mike then mentioned the debris piles on the tributary behind the Willey building. He noted that the governor put out an emergency order and they can work in areas they usually cannot. Karen said they should rely upon the experts when making decisions about debris piles and not act out of fear. She wanted to know about the professional advice regarding the two debris piles. R.D. said he and Gary walked the tributary with ANR before the last flood. He said they looked at both debris piles, one located just above the VAST bridge, and the other up by Glinka’s cabin. He said the lower pile is stable, but the cabin pile needs to be tracked, and if it is moving, they have authorization to remove it. R.D. went on to say that the last time it flooded, what came down the tributary was stones, not wood. Mike then talked about West Hill Pond dam. He said he was really concerned about that dam, and the recent flood has increased his concern. He said the state engineers came out and inspected it and created a report. Mike said the dam needs a sluice gate so the pond can be drawn down before possible floods. He expressed dismay if the dam should burst since all the water would rush down to Lower Cabot. Mike said he also talked to the new owners of the house next to the dam. He said they are concerned about liability should the dam burst. He described that a load of stone will not fix the dam. Karen asked if the state engineers expressed any urgency in regard to the condition of the dam. Mike said they just said the town should be proactive. Sid then told the board about the condition of the temporary bridge site on Menard Road. He said that a significant amount of material was lost on both sides supporting the bridge. He described that on the far side, there is only about 15 feet of material left, but its a straight drop down to the stream. He said that on the near side, the Danville Hill Road side, the old culvert is gone. He said that Tyler is nervous about the situation, and told the board that if the bridge falls into the stream and is damaged, the town has to pay for the cost of a bridge. He added that the six inch concrete wall is now 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.

tipped and forcing water into the bank on the far side. He told the board that the project is something the road crew can’t do because the town’s excavator is not big enough. The board discussed putting out an RFP for the project as soon as possible. At the end of the meeting, under the

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Approvals and Updates

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The Selectboard meetings in July saw a flurry of approvals and updates to various topics. At the July 1 meeting, the board reviewed a permit change for The Den to include consumption of alcohol on the new deck. Mike Hogan said he had a discussion with Johanna Thibault regarding the changes and noted that he worked in that area of State government for many years and pointed out that outdoor consumption permits are amended all the time. The board approved the permit change. Gary Gulka, speaking for the Flood Resilience Task Force, presented the board with a draft contract for an engineering study of the tributaries. Gary said it has been a long process, they had started back in December working with a consultant to define the scope of work. The task force then got FEMA to pay for the study and put it out for bid and got three proposals. He said that Chris Tormey and Peg Elmer Hough reviewed the proposals with him, and they selected SLR Consulting. This is the same group that assisted in writing the scope for the request for proposal (RFP). Gary said the hope is to have the engineering study completed by November so they can apply for FEMA implementation grants. Gary reviewed how the study will be conducted as documented in the contract. Mike said he has heard positive opinions about SLR Consulting, and the board approved the contract. At the July 1 meeting, the board also reviewed two contracts with H2O Innovation for the maintenance of the water and wastewater systems. The first contract presented by Betty Ritter was for a compensation adjustment; she read the contract stating a 2.5% increase raising the annual contract to $73,408.13. The second contract presented by Betty was for the purchase of the new skid at $98,209, and 30% is needed for a downpayment. The board approved both contracts. The board also discussed possible noise control at the July 1 meeting. Mike noted he wasn’t at the last meeting and R.D. explained the zoning amendment that he had presented. He stated he felt his proposal addressed the concerns of property owners around the Pransky property. Mike told everyone that they are not making a decision on the proposal that night, and there is a process for changing the zoning bylaws. Following, there was a discussion regarding the upcoming Jerry Jam Festiresiding, doing business, and visiting of our town. members informed about issues to listen in person. Instructions for

other business agenda item, Mike told the board they need to borrow money to help pay for the July 2024 flood, just as they did for the July 2023 flood. He explained they need money to pay for any contractors, and to spend on materials. The board approved borrowing another half million dollars.

val and how it is planned to be four days, even though the current permit specifies three days. Mike responded that they can’t do much with the current permit. The board also got an update from R.D. regarding Larry’s Ballfield. R.D. said he got an email from Tim and Jennifer Gochey stating that they are sticking with their decision not to renew the lease. Mike noted that they have to move the structures off the field by the end of July. The board discussed that the structures will have to be disassembled, and speculated if anyone else might want the structures. At the July 1 meeting Mike also updated the board on the status of the discussion with Cabot Ambulance. Mike recommended the board put in place a temporary memorandum of understanding while they finalize the contract. Mike predicted that a contract might be in place in the next month or two, and starting next year the Ambulance would be part of the Town. Fred Ducharme stated that they are working on a longterm plan to make Cabot Ambulance part of the Town. Mike added that the board wants to help put aside bad feelings between all the organizations. Skip questioned if Cabot Ambulance was willing to be part of the Town, and Jenn responded that at a recent meeting the membership voiced support to proceed in that direction. At the July 16 meeting, the board revisited the Wastewater plant to discuss the options for shipping the new membranes. Betty explained there were two options; the fast option was to air freight the membranes at a cost of $6700, and the slower option would take over a month and cost $3835. The board discussed that the sooner the membranes can be replaced, the sooner they would be able to stop trucking wastewater, which is a big expense. The board approved the air freight option. At this meeting Betty also informed the board of changes to the animal control officer requirements that took effect on July 1. She said animal control officers are entirely different then someone who is just catching dogs. Betty explained that animal control officers now must have training, but there is no training program established as of yet. She said she would try to get ahold of Ruth Goodrich to ask if she would still be willing to be the animal control officer and become trained when the program is available.

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School Year End Update

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The June 24 School Board meeting was Principal Becca Tatistcheff's last meeting as the principal of Cabot School. The board asked her for an update regarding ongoing projects and Becca started by noting the current open positions. She said there were still three open positions: a Middle Grade (5/6) educator, an Elementary Grade (1/2) educator, and the Spanish language teacher. Becca then talked about the facilities work and mentioned the repair on the nurse's office outside entrance had started, and required more work than anticipated. After the visible rot was removed, more rot was found in the walls. Mark Tucker noted that the facilities manager is also a carpenter and that is saving some costs. Becca also said that the chip plant still needed to get up and running. She then talked about the playground and said the playground was supposed to be done by July 1, and that the funding is being managed at the CCSU office and is kept separate from other funding. She added that they are looking into whether the contractor is fulfilling the contract. Mark added that he had talked to the contractor about lack of performance and he believed the project was back on track, but doubted it will be done by July 1. Becca also spoke about the community grant status which will end on September 1. She said that it is up to the next leadership to apply for any sustainability money to continue the community program. She added that the grant the school received for the after school program grant will become available on

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Interim Principal

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer Several members of the public were in attendance at the June 24 meeting of the School Board; it wasn’t readily apparent, based upon the agenda, why they were there until public comment commenced. As public comments proceeded, it was mentioned that an email had gone out to the school community identifying Assistant Principal Sarah Ainsworth as the one to fill the interim Principal position. Alicia Heber was first to speak, and shared her thoughts about the recommendation of Sarah as interim Principal. Alicia noted that she had volunteered for the principal selection committee. She expressed serious concerns with Sarah, and had shared those concerns with Becca Tatistcheff and Mark Tucker. She went on to say that Sarah had been responsible for the behavior system for the last three years. She added that there was a lot of community concern about Sarah’s effectiveness and performance. Alicia quoted results of the 2023 climate survey and noted that 80% of respondents felt the behavior intervention system was ineffective. She added that other parents were afraid to speak up, and that there is consistent mishandling of negative behavior in the elementary

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UPDATES

July 1, and will last for three years. The school will be receiving $130,000 each year for the after school and summer programs. The status of the campus flip was also discussed at this board meeting, and Becca said that at the point she resigned, she didn’t continue with a contractor. She told the board that it is up to them if they really want to continue down the path of flipping the campus. She said that Brandon, the facilities manager, knows the vision and has an understanding of what is needed. She emphasized that the decision should fall to the next administration. Mark pointed out that the voters of the town authorized the loan to pay for flipping the campus. He said that the financial manager had done the work to set up the loan, but can’t proceed without board authorization. Chris Tormey asked about the expected time frame, and Becca explained that she had expected to take a year for planning and do the bulk of the work in the summer of 2025. She said it was never the intent to open the school in 2024 with it reconfigured. Chris clarified that if the board wanted to proceed, they could and meet the same time frame and Becca concurred. Mark added that to proceed they first need to secure the funds. Kerri Moll made a motion to execute the loan so they could proceed with the design process. Kerri added that this is something the community voted upon and she doesn’t see why they would not proceed. Chris clarified that at this point they are only borrowing money, and the board approved moving forward with the loan.

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Decision

school. She concluded by saying that if the argument for the recommendation was continuity, then the best middle ground was not to accept the recommendation and keep Sarah in her current position. Next to speak was Randilee Raynor, a teacher at the school. She asked the board if they had received the letter from the staff in support for Sarah to be interim Principal. Chris Tormey acknowledged the board had the letter. Randilee told all present that the staff supported Sarah for the one-year position as interim Principal and agreed that the year could be used to find the next candidate for the Principal position. Rory Thibault spoke next, and said he agreed substantially with Alicia. Rory pointed out the board has the sole authority to hire the principal, and he said history suggests an intentional design to override any meaningful choice for the board. Rory said an email went out to the school community on the 11th of June indicating the consideration of appointing Sarah as the interim principal. He added that an email the next day clarified that it was only a recommendation. He noted that there had been an assembly with all the students to tell them that Sarah would be the interim principal. Rory went on to express concern regarding the sequence of events, and the apparent lack of involvement of the board. He went on to say the desire for change is not due to just a few vocal people in the community. Rory added there are widespread views of discontent as revealed by the climate survey. He expressed that the town passed the budget on the promise of change and are jeopardized by the recommendation for someone that many families have serious concerns about. Rory pointed out that the assistant principal position was created without board approval, and it was the evolution of a PBIS coordinator and student success position. He expressed that the board is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He explained that regardless of their decision, it will cause more discontent. Rory concluded by saying there are other parents that didn’t want to come and say things that might not be popular, and possibly jeopardize friendships in the community. The board voted to go into executive session in accordance with 1 V.S.A. § 313

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Cabot Tree Warden

My father was the previous Tree Warden for Cabot, stepping down from the Tree Warden duties in 2017. During his tenure as Tree Warden for Cabot, my father planted forty-two trees in the green spaces in Cabot. He also created a municipal tree inventory on paper for the trees he planted at the pavilion building recreation field, town green, the Willey building, and along Main Street. The municipal tree inventory is three pages long, giving tree types and locations for trees planted during his time as Tree Warden. Nine of the trees in the original municipal tree inventory have since succumbed to various tree threats such as insects, disease, and flooding, other trees have thrived and are growing into beautiful mature trees. I am working on an update for the municipal tree inventory with the municipal tree inventory tools provided by the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry program. Joanne Garton is the Technical Assistance Coordinator for the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry program; she is responsible for the iPads with the GIS software used for creating digital municipal tree inventories. If available, Joanne will help with data collection for the digital inventory. Creating a digital tree inventory is easier than creating a paper tree inventory and improves the ability to track the

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No session in

(a)(3) to discuss the appointment or employment of a public officer. The board spent 40 minutes in executive session and upon reentering the public meeting the board voted to table the recommendation of Sarah Ainsworth for interim Principal and leave the advertisement for the position posted until the board meets again. The board met again on July 11 to discuss the position of interim Principal. At that meeting, the board immediately went into executive session after public comment, for which there was none. Upon reentering the public meeting, the board accepted the recommendation from Matt Foster, the new superintendent, to appoint Jennifer Blake as the interim Principal. After the meeting, Ellen spoke to this Chronicle Staff writer to explain that Sarah had withdrawn her application for the position after the last meeting, and the school subsequently received two other applications. The selection committee interviewed both candidates and Jennifer Blake was the applicant recommended by the committee to the board.

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ARDEN

trees in the inventory. The software allows descriptions of trees, as well as photos of each tree for inclusion in the data file on each of the trees in the digital inventory. The photos are extremely helpful in viewing the growth of each tree over time. The GIS software makes sharing the digital inventory with other people much easier with the proper software for viewing of the tree inventory data. Once complete, the municipal tree inventory will then get uploaded to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources GIS database for municipal trees. Uploading the digital inventory will allow anyone to view the municipal tree inventory with a computer or smart phone by visiting the following URL: https:// anrmaps.vermont.gov/websites/ MuniTrees/ then selecting the appropriate town from the dropdown menu on the webpage. I am currently planning to collect the digital tree inventory data with one of VT Urban and Community Forestry’s iPads in late August or September, if an iPad is available then. If anyone is interested in assisting or learning about the collection of tree data for the digital inventory, please contact me. There are approximately forty municipal trees in Cabot’s green spaces to collect data on for the inventory, so I am planning a full day to collect data for the digital version of Cabot’s municipal tree inventory.

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at National and International

Cabot Creamery received high marks from industry experts at two prestigious contests held domestically and abroad — the American Cheese Society and International Cheese and Dairy Awards. "We are incredibly proud to see our cheese and butter at the top of the winners' lists in these competitions," said Jason Martin, SVP, Operations. "These achievements belong to our entire team, from the farmers who supply the milk, to our dedicated production crew, and our diligent supply chain employees. Their care and craftsmanship are the true foundation of our success." "As a cheese grader, my job is to taste our products, identify their characteristics and make sure they meet our high standards of excellence," said Gina Accorsi of Cabot Creamery. "In addition to our flagship products like Extra Sharp and Salted Butter, it's great to see our unique cheddars like White Oak and Alpine receive high praise from industry experts at both competitions too." The American Cheese Society Awards, announced in Buffalo, NY in July, highlight cheesemakers throughout the industry that are committed to the highest standards of cheesemaking, food safety and sustainability.

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Second Place Awards

Alpine Cheddar New York Sharp Cheddar

Wouldn’t It Be Great if the Cabot Chronicle

Did you enjoy reading about Camryn Were you interested in Will Voight’s astounding Cabot residents who share your passion. for the Cabot Chronicle on a monthly or

let’s see if we can make it happen.

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Third Place Awards

Unsalted Butter The International Cheese and Dairy Awards, held in Staffordshire, England in June, is one of the oldest of its type and receives over 5,500 entries from world class producers of cheese and dairy products every year. This contest allows entry in the following classes: USA, nonUK, and All Countries.

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Bronze:

Pimento Cheese Spread (All Countries) Sharp Cheddar (USA) Alpine Cheddar (USA) Here at Cabot, we are proud of our cheesemaking heritage and honored to work alongside the other award-winning cheesemakers that call Vermont home. Congratulations to all the other winners. Cabot Creamery, a farmer-owned cooperative and certified B-Corp, has been making award-winning products with love, pride and purpose for over a century. The high-quality milk produced by the Cabot farm families throughout New England and New York is crafted into dairy products including, "The World's Best Cheddar", other styles of cheese, butter, Greek yogurt, sour cream, dips and other specialty products. For more information visit cabotcreamery.com.

had a Sports Reporter?

Hoffman’s athletic success last month? coaching career? There are other Would you be willing to cover Cabot sports occasional basis? We’d love to have your

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YouTube Singer

by Jeanne Johnson

I discovered two aspects of Bon Lafayette on the same day. I almost said conflicting, but, really, there is no conflict at all. Bon delves deep and changes focus as needed – finding his own direction and understanding himself well enough to know when he needs to change course. My first awareness of Bon was shortly after the Codlings, formerly of VT Route 215 North and Cabot Heights Property Maintenance in Cabot, moved to West Virginia, when I saw a Facebook post with Mark Codling celebrating the work he and Bon did rewiring the whole Codling house in just three days! I knew Mark was friends with Rick, Bon’s dad, but I’d never met Bon. (Turns out there was plenty I didn’t know about Rick, too.) That same day I showed up at the Willey Building and Brittany Butler, fellow Lister and Zoning Administrator, was buzzing about a You Tube posting by Bon Lafayette of a song called “Leaves”, which mentions Vermont living and even Cabot cheese. The same Bon Lafayette? How many “Bon Lafayettes” could there be?! Unlikely coincidence. I reached out to Rick, and he helped me get in touch with his son. I learned Bon is 80% deaf since age four and wears hearing aids, and might eventually lose more, but I almost forgot about any hearing limitations immediately because he’s so easy to talk to. He clearly has his dad’s gift of gab. It’s only remarkable when you consider his musical presence. “Everyone has limitations,” he says. Bon grew up in central Vermont, Middlesex and Plainfield, attending Rumney Memorial School in Middlesex and five years at U-32 in East Montpelier, doing his senior year at Norwich University and graduating in 2017. Pre-med was his focus because he planned to be a trauma surgeon, but he could not relate to the impersonal lecture environment in gigantic classrooms. He coursecorrected, switching to Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH. “At Franklin Pierce I was studying Health Science. I completed one year and realized that

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& Electrician

path wasn't for me. I love math and science and I still love medicine, however the style of learning that I love is handson. That's why I became an Electrician. That and job security, I told myself everyone I know uses electricity!” “I started out with our very own Benoit Electric. I would get picked up every day early in the morning by my grandfather and he would drop me off at the job and pick me up and take me home at the end. He was never late. I worked for a few companies, ending with C.E Wendel Electric owned by Chad Wendel. I then moved to Texas, where I worked for a small period doing commercial work, which was the same as Vermont, just in a high-rise. Then I found Trutec Electric, which is a residential/ commercial company. I got in on the ground floor with two owners and I've been with them for almost five years now. I work in the field selling jobs for my technicians, as well as doing the installations myself. I am also the Safety Officer and the Fleet Manager. I will test for my Masters in a year and a half. I lost all my hours from Vermont moving because they don't transfer.” While working as a Journeyman Electrician, Bon also writes music and sings. He plays piano and bass guitar, but most of his focus is on writing and vocals. He started with rap but is evolving into his own style, with a lot of country influence in both the music and the message. When I asked if he ever had his own garage band, he said: “I did want one but when I started rap it really was a one man stage. However, I met my best friend back in 2015 and we started hanging out and never stopped. He was a techie at U-32 and knew how to run sound and computers and record, something I had no knowledge of at all. He was with me when I started discovering rap and when I made my first ever song (rap), "Flashback". He helped me record on a MacBook in his mother’s kitchen at midnight. We've been doing it together ever since. With the last couple albums we have gone to more professional people who really know how to engineer. Now that I am getting into country music I would love to have a band, that would be amazing. I have written music with my cousin before and I had a friend do a featured chorus on my last album track called "No Mind." However, the musician I have to give the most shoutout to is my father, Rick Lafayette. He was in a band for a long time as a rock and roller (see ’Bon Lafayette’, page 10)

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SIX WORD CABOT FLOOD STORY IS .

 We all went beyond our expectations.  I worked online from my home.  I had a safe place to evacuate from Main Street.  Thankful for such a helpful community.  I thank God for our Community!!  Trapped, scared, alone, worried, stressed, pray.  Mopped the floor in the store.  I lost two culverts on my road, beyond the town road, and just completed repairs!  Thanks, neighbors, for shelter and rescue!  Running around my yard building small dams to divert water, getting soaking wet.  Destruction can cause community connections fast.  The river rose really fast.  Severe damage and neighbors helping neighbors.  Flagging.  Helping at Neighbors in Action.  I went out of the house for awhile.  Never again! But once again! No more!  Being able to do business with closed roads!  We flew home on July 10 and could not get home (both years).  Help the Cabot Garage clean all the mud.  6,000 gallons of water in our basement!  Amazed, grateful we were so lucky.  Community Coming Together.  We got help from High Mowing friends.  I saw the videos and was amazed!  We got a better swimming hole!  In Barre we lost a bridge.  Inconvenient, devastating, scary, unexpected, sad, awful.  Husband sick, me away, neighbors pumped cellar.  Everybody helped everybody – twice and more!  A quick way to get blisters.  I volunteered at Neighbors in Action.  My car was swept away in the flood.  The road crew fixes the roads.  I lost part of my backyard.  Coming to the village to help Sandy Ducharme clean out her business space.  Our driveway was washed out.  People of Cabot were so helpful to each other.  Langel culverts.  Checking on our neighbor’s house.  Bayley Hazen was a wreck. (see “One Action I’ll Take to Get

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Jeanne Johnson

Governor Phil Scott, Lieutenant GovDavid Zuckerman and members of Governor’s Cabinet held a press confocused on flood recovery at temporary fire station on South Road on July 9. By the time the conference was over the rain had which lead to additional flood on the one-year anniversary of Great Flood of July 2023.

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USE

On a mostly sunny day on Saturday, July 13, residents of Cabot and surrounding communities came together for a ‘After the Flood – A Wave of Gratitude,” a street festival designed to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the devastating floods that wreaked havoc here in Vermont in

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THIS

July 2023. The recent heavy rains and flash flooding that struck the community just days before didn’t dampen the atmosphere of this gathering, a mix of celebration and education intended to highlight the importance of recognizing the danger of future floods and exploring lessons learned that can be applied to make the community more resilient. ↑ Michael Hogan gives Organized by the Cabot Library in partnership with the ↑ Photo by Brittany Butler commemoration speech. Flood Resiliency Task Force, and featuring free food, music, Photo by Brittany Butler art, theater performance and informative exhibits, the celebratory gathering drew large crowds throughout the day, enjoying the great weather and strong spirit of ↑ Photo by Brittany Butler community. Starting with a community sing, a variety of ↑ NIkki Jiraff & Daiki musical performances, flood resiliency stations where visitors of BurlAington Taiko. could learn about ways to better prepare for future floods, Photo by Amanda Otto a video and photography exhibit documenting last year’s flood, touch-a-truck courtesy of the Cabot Road Crew and a community art project to recognize volunteers. The day culminated in a circus performance and epic rubber duck race on the still swollen Winooski River with a large crowd mobbing the bridge behind Harry’s Hardware to cheer on the contenders. This event was made possible by a grant from the VT ↑ Camryn Hoffman of Flood Response and Recovery Fund of the Vermont Daddy Daughter Date ↑ Touch-A-Truck Photo Community Foundation and the Water Wheel Foundation, Photo by Brittany Butler by Amanda Otto and organized by master of ceremonies Amanda Otto, ↑ Bleeding Hearts Cabot Library’s Youth Librarian. Food and drinks were Family Band, Photo provided by Stag & Thistle, The Cabot Village Store, E.N.D.s by Amanda Otto Blends, Heyday Farm, Nama Farm & Neighbors in Action. Many thanks to Cabot community members: Peg Elmer Hough, Gary Gulka, Chris and Mary Ann Tormey, Chris Duff, Thomas Dunbar, Beth Wade, Jeanne Johnson, Roland Payne Jr., Randy Hough, Dana Robinson, Mike Hogan, Karen Larsen, Sid Griggs, Lori Augustyniak, Sarah Spletzer, Janet Van Fleet, Roz Daniels, Neil Bainton, Betsy McKay, ↑ Cabot Community Greg Moore, Daiki Hirano, Nikki Jiraff, Erin Ruddell, Brad Theater - Mummers’ Play Woelfle, Elizabeth, Spencer, Lucas and Orion Vitale, Jana, Photo by Amanda Otto Nola, Marco and Luca Welters, Ella Lacelle, Forest King, ↑ Dana & Susan Rob- Bobby, Stephanie and Wyatt Searles, Shane Baker and inson Photo by B. Ruby Dale-Brown, Rylan Sirianni, Taeryn Szepi, Luke and ← Rubber Duck Butler Alaina Robbins, Camryn Hoffman, Lucia McCallum, Stella Race Winners Photo by ← Community art Herber, Aspen Long, Jen and Jacob Tidd, Bill and John Lucia McCallum project with Sarah Delgaudio, Riley Burak-Dunham, Dan Dunham, Sandy Spletzer Photo by Atkins, Johanna and River Thibault, Ruth Reisbeck, Amanda Otto Stephenie and Ezra Manning, Kempton and Carrie Randolf, Betty Ritter, Fred, Shirley and Anthony Ducharme, Rose Bothfeld, Dean Deasy, Elizabeth Bean, Nate Smith, the Cabot Fire Department, Cabot Arts, Hook & Peel, Seth O'Brian, Brittany Butler, Ama Peyman, Karen Mueller-Harder, and more! Additional thanks to all the performers and resilience station volunteers who came from other towns to make this event happen!

THIS EVENT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY A GRANT FROM THE VT FLOOD RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND OF THE VERMONT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND THE WATERFALL FOUNDATION

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Bon Lafayette

(continued from page 8) and it is because of him that I am able to have such range and motivation for mu-

Bon’s work is online, creating quite a sensation in Cabot on You Tube. He says it’s hard to be in the spotlight but enjoys sharing his thoughts and feelings. He says music serves as a catalog of his life, a sort of bookmark, and makes us reflect and brings back memories. He enjoys his work as an electrician, but he would be fine giving up his business plans to go on the road performing wherever his music takes him. He doesn’t like to waste time waiting for a chance that some people never get; he says he has friends who never got a chance to get old. He’s not a guy who will look back one day and say, “If only I’d tried.” You can find Bon’s music on You Tube Music under “Green Mountain Boy”: Three for Three (which includes Leaves ), Welcome to the Shitshow, Fell on Deaf

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By Bon Lafayette

I am surrounded By tall buildings Feeling fenced in I can't escape It's hard to know my place Anymore Grew up in a small town Kinda moved around Always someone there To hold me down But they ain't around Anymore Times are changing Just stop and feel the breeze From the mossy rocks Oh, to the maple trees Yeah I miss the summertime And the rainfall, too I miss the winter cold That leaves your lips turning blue I know that someday I'll be coming home For now I'm bound to be Taking paths I've never known Missing the seasons I wish you called But I know we're always changing Like leaves in the fall I know there's no answers But I'm still searching for what is real Ears, Dopamine. Asked about the best way to access his work, “My music can be found on all platforms! My Youtube is a bit messy at the moment because Youtube locked me out of my other account and my old phone” (which he dropped in the ocean on a fishing trip!) “is the only "verifiable" way to unlock it. My Instagram is @the.real.gmb and I post all updates as well as releases on there first. I am bad at social media, but I am trying to be better!” Check him out – you’ll be glad you did!

It's hard to be apart So I'll start with a home cooked meal Hike a mountain you've never climbed And watch the sun fade away Cabot cheese, and Snow Farm Wine It's always a holiday I keep on dreaming Of a new world Tryna find my place in time I keep on hoping My soul is going Finding a place among the divine I miss the summertime And the rainfall, too I miss the winter cold That leaves your lips turning blue I know that someday I'll be coming home For now I'm bound to be Taking paths I've never known Missing the seasons I wish you called But I know we're always changing Like leaves in the fall Yeah I miss the summertime And the rainfall, too I miss the winter cold That leaves your lips turning blue I know that someday I'll be coming home For now I'm bound to be Taking paths I've never known Fresh from two recent flood events, individuals val shared thoughts about reducing risk next

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ONE ACTION I’LL TAKE TO GET FLOOD-READY

 Plant more trees next to the river.  Make sure I have my safety kit!  Make a rain garden.  Reduce or remove sprays and treatments on lawns.  Rethink landscaping on ditches.  Put in French drains around the house  Help neighbors set up sandbags to prevent overflow.  Install a better cellar drain.  Dig drainage channels.  Fill a “Go-Bag.”  Cover all entrance doors to house.  Tie bridge to a tree.  Schedule drain inspection and clean out.  Stay out of the workers’ way!!  Roadside ditching.  Find a close place to go for shelter when you hear something, before it’s too late.  Be safe before it’s too late.  Keep neighbors’ phone numbers handy to be able to check in with them.  Have a to-go bag ready.  Set up secondary sump pump.  Improve drainage around the house.  Have an evacuation plan - be prepared and stay safe.  Install flood barriers on windows and doors.  Put our chicken coop on piers!  Elect a different governor who understands ecosystems’ role in resilience.

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Take Advantage of Citizens Assistance

Emergencies can take many forms. Ice accidents and similar events can cause prompt the need for evacuation. For elders such events, if prolonged, can become life-threatening help. The Citizens Assistance Registry for Emergencies help. CARE helps emergency responders special assistance in case of a wide-scale event. NOTE: Registration in CARE does not registrant’s responsibility to call 911 if they have an emergency and need medical, police or fire responders. CARE is a tool designed to assist responders to potentially provide special assistance in the event of a wide-scale emergency. For information on how to register online, visit https://e911.vermont.gov/ care or call the town clerk’s office at the July 13 Flood Resiliency festitime.

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IS .

 Plant more trees on my property.  French drain  Pray more and be nicer to our neighbors.  Prepare an emergency to go bag.  Help people who need it.  Reinforce things to make sure they won’t float away.  Advocate to shift our current emergency shelter from Cabot School Gym to a Resilience Hub at the Willey Building, with a solar-powered battery backup charging center.  Build retaining wall by garden and plant along brookw  WHAT SHOULD THE TOWN OF

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FLOOD-READY?

 Move village back to Old Town Center (away from river).  Restore natural flood plains.  Make diversion cuts along uphill streams to divert water safely.  More storm drains in the road.  Dredge river.  Install willow planting in riparian buffers.  Put window and door shields on the Willey Building.  Better drainage from Danville Hill Road.  Make a bame. (berm?)  Riparian plantings. Make a community resilience hub for Cabot.

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Cabot, Vermont Afterschool

I first want to offer a huge thanks to Cameron North for all he’s done at the Rec Field in general, but specifically relating to the Vermont Afterschool Vermont Youth Project grant money. He and I have been ordering for the Rec Field project, and that ordering process hasn’t always been easy. Because of all the work at the Rec Field, he’s had to check in with multiple people involved with rebuilding the basketball court and completing other repairs because we don’t want to get in the way of the rebuilding process. Due to his perseverance, the storage shed is ordered, and it should be at the Rec Field by the end of July. Simultaneously, we ordered the exercise bars, benches for the basketball court, and a large picnic table. Many of these things needed to be assembled, and Cameron, along with his daughter Chloe, have been doing the assembling, as well as painting the court and assembling and installing the replacement basketball hoops that FEMA supplied. Their work has been vital to this project. Jonny Flood and I completed a lot of the purchasing for CSPAC before school ended, though because of end-of-the-year commitments taking a lot of time, some of the materials still need to be assembled. It was great to see people eating at the tables during presentation night, and I hear students often used the tables at the end of the year. I also was thrilled to see the band and SoundCheck using the new sound equipment. Couches and some other items to make the space comfortable still need to be unpacked and assembled, and I’ll be working on this in August. We’re hoping to hold some teenled evening events this fall, and we’re eager to make sure these are open to the larger community of teens in town, not only students at the school. I’m excited to see all this progress, as the point of the grant project was to offer more options for teens in town. Next fall, I’d love to reconvene Cabot youth who’d be interested in continuing work with the Cabot Youth Council and planning its next steps, beyond the work of the Vermont Afterschool grant. Anyone who wishes to get involved or anyone who has questions or concerns can contact me directly at laura@vermontafter school.org.

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Cabot Historical Society

Abia and Betsy Hoyt Colburn moved to a farm in Cabot on what is now Urban Road, from Hartford, Vermont, in the spring of 1804. On August 1 their sixth child, a son they named Zerah, was born. The child seemed normal, developing the same as his siblings, but by the time he was five, he began to exhibit a strange talent. His father, a carpenter, first heard his young son reciting multiplication tables while playing in the woodchips in his shop. He suspected Zerah had learned from listening to his older siblings reciting their lessons from school, but after testing the boy at length with complicated math problems, he realized something unusual was going on. The news spread quickly in town and Zerah was subjected to a variety of math questions, all of which he solved quickly and easily. His father took him first to Danville where court was in session, so judges and other learned men could question him. They advised Abia to take Zerah to Montpelier so state legislators could question him. From there he was taken to Burlington for further examination, and eventually to Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where members of the college community proposed that he remain there so they could give him a proper education; but Abia refused to relinquish his parental duties and instead took the boy to Boston. In a book, Memoirs of Zerah Colburn, by himself , published in 1833, Zerah described his abilities, writing in third person: Questions in multiplication of two or three places of figures, were answered with much greater rapidity than they could be solved on paper. Questions involving an application of this rule, as in Reduction, Rule of Three, and Practice, seemed to be perfectly adapted to his mind. The Extractions of the Roots of exact Squares and Cubes was done with very little effort . . . . His memoir contains elaborate details of his life after visiting Dartmouth College. Zerah became well known in the cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. In April 1811, Abia and Zerah returned to Cabot. Soon after returning home, Abia made the decision to take Zerah on “tour” again, this time covering most of the cities along the eastern coast. However, Zerah’s popularity was beginning to dwindle, and Abia was advised to take the boy to Europe where there would be fresh interest. On April 3, 1812, they left Boston for England, and made their way to London. Zerah’s unique abilities were a huge draw in and around London. Advisors proposed that a book should be written about the child, and so Abia, believing that would provide money for proper schooling for Zerah, took him to Scotland and Ireland, where he hoped to secure subscribers for the proposed book. With limited success there, they finally went to Paris, France. Zerah knew how to read and write, but his formal education was very limited. In Paris, he was admitted to a military type boarding school, and his father

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Math Wizard

returned to London to oversee raising funds for the proposed book. Zerah had no difficulty learning French and Latin. However, other studies were more difficult for him. He also found that as his general education increased, his ability to solve complicated math problems lessened. By 1816, Abia was seriously short of funds and Zerah returned to London. Desperate to continue Zerah’s education, Abia contacted the Earl of Bristol, who had earlier expressed interest in Zerah. After thoughtful discussion, the Earl agreed to pay for Zerah to attend Westminster School. Zerah’s future seemed secure, but Abia was without any means of making a living for himself. Zerah wrote in his memoir that, while his father was industrious and had provided reasonably well for his family when he was at the farm in Cabot, he had done little for them since leaving the country, and therefore, Mrs. Colburn had to sell the farm and move to the village. Zerah wrote that his father had obviously listened to bad advice and made poor decisions, but that his intentions were good. Although Zerah was getting a fine education at Westminster School and studied Latin and other subjects each summer with a certain clergyman, Mr. Bullen, all provided by the generosity of the Earl, Abia had doubts about the arrangement, and after a brief visit to meet Mr. Bullen in May 1819, Abia took Zerah back to London. Funds were scarce in the months that followed. Abia decided that Zerah, then about 15, might do well as an actor, so he arranged for acting lessons. Zerah performed with a theater company, but he was seldom paid. They toured Scotland and Ireland with a theater group, but eventually returned to London, penniless. Zerah found work as an assistant teacher at a school in London, and in January 1822, opened a school of his own. The few students enrolled in Zerah’s school were not enough to pay living expenses for himself and his father, so they still depended on the kindness of acquaintances. Zerah found work in astronomy under the guidance of Thomas Young, MD. With Zerah now educated, Abia’s hope was to return to Vermont with some degree of respect. However, his health began to decline, and in Feb(see ’Zerah Colburn’, page 12)

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Zerah Colburn

(continued from page 11) ruary 1824, Abia died. Zerah made the decision to return to his homeland. He worked hard and saved, and with the generosity of friends, he was able to book passage for New York, leaving on May 25, 1824. He had not seen his mother or his brothers and sisters for over twelve years. Not knowing what the prospects would be for finding employment, he carried letters of introduction provided by his London friends, and through these, found a teaching position in New York City. But first he wanted to visit his family in Vermont, so he proceeded to Cabot, intending to return to the city within a few weeks. On Saturday, July 3, 1824, Zerah knocked on the door of the house where he was told Mrs. Colburn lived. He did not recognize the woman who opened the door, nor did she recognize him. Seeing the meager existence his family had, he decided to remain in Cabot to help. He started a school and after a few

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Larsen-Ameden

Rain is good luck on a wedding day, but the showers paused as Will Ameden and Karen Larsen said their "I dos" on Saturday June 22 high in the fields overlooking Under Orion Farm. After twenty years of friendship and an eight-year romance, the general consensus of the 200 attending guests, as well as Karen and Will's sons - Wesley and Wyatt Ameden, and Neil Alexander - was that it was "about time". Family and friends arrived in Cabot from across North America, and the Catamount Airfield (Will's grass strip runway) was open to the flyers who arrived in an assortment of light aircraft and offered airplane rides to accompany the pre-wedding festivities. Will and Karen would like to extend their gratitude to the dozens of people who helped make their wedding so special including: Sue and Dana Robinson and the Den 'Jam Band,' as well as Les Dead Ringers, all of whom inspired two nights of dancing; Sarah Harding and Mark Ouweleen of Beaver Brook Farm who hosted the rehearsal dinner; Brock Miller - the Ducharme Road barbeque king; all the friends and neighbors who hiked up the hill carrying side dishes to contribute to the dinner buffet; Providence Hill Flower Farm, also of Ducharme Road, who provided Karen's lovely bouquet and spectacular decorations; Sue Ackermann who sourced and built the gorgeous floral displays for the tables; Nibbles of Love bakery for five flavors of amazing cupcakes and a tres leches wedding cake; Hannah Pitkin

Advertising in

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For more information, contact

months, took a teaching position in Fairfield, New York. From Fairfield he went to Burlington, Vermont, where he taught French and studied at the University of Vermont. It was during this period that he became interested in theology and began to read extensively on that subject. He returned to Cabot in 1825 to clear his mind and organize his thoughts about his future. He joined the Methodist Society in Cabot and eventually became a minister, serving as a circuit preacher throughout eastern Vermont. On January 13, 1829, he married Mary Hoyt of Bethel, Vermont. After being a minister for seven years, he felt he needed a steadier, more lucrative profession to support his young family, so he found a position teaching language at Dartmouth. He served there until he died in 1840, leaving his wife, five daughters, and a one-year-old son. Zerah is buried at the Meeting House Cemetery in Norwich, Vermont. A copy of Zerah’s book is at the Cabot Historical Society Museum.

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NNOUNCEMENT

Will Ameden and Karen Larsen

whose gorgeous photography will provide a lifetime of memories; and Richard Ducharme whose fireworks lit up the night sky. The wedding party included Will and Karen's friends Judge Rory Thibault who also officiated the ceremonyJohanna Thibault, Marc Dolbier, and Alison Dolbier, all of whom worked to-

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S UMMER IS C OMING

gether tirelessly to plan and execute what was an incredible event. The happy couple is recently returned from a ten-day campervan trip to Nova Scotia. A combining of households at Under Orion Farm is planned in the near future.

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

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July 10, 2024

“The Flood Mitigation and Resilience Task Force needs everyone’s support in moving forward.”

On July 13, the Town celebrated the first anniversary of the devastating flood of 2023. Earlier in that week on Tuesday July 9, the Governor visited Cabot and held a press conference at the site of the Temporary Fire Department. spoke, as well as many members administration, on the progress since the flood of the previous year. Ironically, as he spoke it started He of his made

thundering and raining- a foreshadow of what would happen the next day, Wednesday July 10. Who would think that it would happen a year later to the date?! The good news is that the damage was less than 2023 and the cleanup was somewhat easier. Most of the damage was on back roads and culverts. Blodgett Road culvert washed out and had to be replaced on a temporary basis. That culvert is due to be replaced with a permanent larger culvert through FEMA, hopefully this year. Jug Brook

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Community Conservation Invited,

by R.D. Eno

The following article will appear on ballot at the August 13 state primary election. Will the voters of the Town of Cabot adopt and direct the Selectboard to sign the following Declaration of Inclusion, written by the Declaration of Inclusion Initiative of Rutland and so far adopted by 150 Vermont towns and cities:

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The Town of Cabot is and will

continue to be a place where individuals can live freely and express their opinions. The Selectboard was asked to endorse this resolution, but we preferred to put the question to the voters in order to encourage a community conversation. So far, that conversation doesn’t seem to have taken place. It’s partly the Selectboard’s fault for not better publicizing the article and promoting the discussion. We did get sidetracked the July 10 Storm, but I think we’ve taken for granted that voters would support such an open-hearted and unexceptionable declaration. Road was also damaged again, and culverts were replaced temporarily. It, too, will be replaced with a permanent culvert through FEMA this year. The Town has been working nonstop since the 2023 flood to come up with a strategy to deal with flood events like we have experienced these past two years. SLR Consulting is working with the Town to address flood mitigation projects which will help divert water away from critical infrastructure and homes. The Flood Mitigation and Resilience Task Force needs everyone’s support in moving forward. Cabot is a leader in this and one of the very first towns in the state to tackle this, starting one week after the 2023 flood. Hard times bring out the best in a community- it’s proved true here! Cabot is a great community, and I am proud to be a part of it. Let’s keep working together. You make a difference. Thank you. Michael Hogan- Chair Cabot Selectboard & Flood Relief Coordinator

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August 6, 2024

After all, a Jew (that’s me) is serving another term on the Selectboard, and for a number of years we elected a woman of color, Tara Rogerson, as Town Clerk/Treasurer. The student population of our tiny school is as diverse in nearly every aspect as any of the larger union districts around us. And last year’s Cabot Community Award went to Linda Savoca, of Abenaki heritage. We’re also a town in great need of more residents, and how better to attract home-buyers and families with children than to assure people that everyone is welcome and accepted in Cabot, and to give voice to that guarantee with a community vote? We have no outsiders here, only neighbors. If my house is on fire or flooded, the volunteers who’ll rush to my aid with the Fire Department or Cabot Ambulance or with shovels in hand to muck out my basement won’t ask about my faith, my political affiliations or my gender identity. Our Town Meetings have always been models of how passion can be expressed with civility. I apologize for having let this issue slide off my personal agenda, and I admit that, after nearly 50 years in this community, I do take Cabot’s good will, fairness and tolerance for granted. Now the Selectboard has decided to convene an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 at the Willey Building after the conclusion of its regular meeting to discuss the Declaration of Inclusion before the vote. Let the conversation begin, and I have every hope the outcome with be a resounding vote in favor of the Declaration of Inclusion.

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Wednesday 2 - 6 pm, Thursday

noon - 6 pm, and Saturday 9 amnoon. Curbside library service is still available during regular library hours. Thanks so much to everyone who came out to the annual July 4 Library Book Sale put on by the Friends of the Cabot Library - together $1,440 was raised! Thanks especially to Sandy Atkins, Beth Wade, Norma Bermingham, Maria Acchione-Goodrich, Shianne Madison Charette, Lucia Charette, McCallum, Emily Fuller, Michael DeLacy, Louis Searles, Matt Otto, John Grosvenor and Jack Daniels's wonderful family. This year we especially remember Mary Lou DeLacy, a devoted Friend of the Cabot library for over 15 years who passed away recently and will be greatly missed. We remember Mary Lou’s huge smile and even bigger heart, her sense of humor, her kindness and generous spirit. Mary Lou’s family asked that donations in her honor be sent to the library and $916 has been raised so far – thanks to all who donated. Youth Programs - Thanks for joining us this summer - we had a great time reading, learning and playing with you! We will take a break from programming in August to prepare for the Fall. Special thanks to Shianne Charette, Alaina Robbins, Aspen Long and Stella Herber for helping to make our summer programs so much fun! Additional thanks to Jen Tidd, John and Bill Delgaudio, Hannah Morgan of Families Rise Up and Kerri Knoll, Elizabeth Bean and the entire Fire Department for helping with our events!

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Summer Reading Program (ages

birth - 18) - June 18 - August 15 Come to the library, pick up your reading chart and stickers to earn prizes. It's easy! Read or be read to for 15 minutes a day for 15 days. Participants earn a Tshirt, book and an additional prize of their choice. Sign up for the 10 page club and earn a free pint of ice cream from the Cabot Village Store. Get ready to read!

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Old Schoolhouse Common bandstand

on Thursday nights 6:30 p.m. We will have our book and bake sale, and if you don’t have time to pack a picnic there will be a different vendor at each concert ready to sell you delicious food. Come on down and hear some music, visit with neighbors, dance, bid on fantastic items in the Silent Auction and have a good ol’ time!!

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Cabot Rec Field Pavilion - Enjoy Wa-

ter Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade Park Passes - Vermont State Parks and other centers are open for your summer enjoyment! Call or email to borrow these passes: - State Park Pass – Free entry up to 8 people in one vehicle to a Vermont State Park - day area - Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – Free Family Admission - Historic Sites pass – Free entry up to 8 people in one vehicle for Vermont State Historic Sites -The Old Stone House Museum and Historic Village in Brownington, Vermont – Free entry with pass - ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – Aquarium and Science Center $7 admission for up to 4 people -Vermont History Museum/ Vermont Heritage Galleries – Free entry with Family Pass - Craftsbury Chamber Players – 2 Free Passes for Thursday performances July 10-August 15 - Free Children’s Concerts -2 pm Thursdays Before you head out, come to the library to borrow birdwatching books, binoculars, wildlife viewing guides, etc. Many thanks to the Cabot Conservation Committee, The VT Dept. of Libraries, the Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation and all the organizations that provide passes. Call or email the library for more info: cabotlibrary@yahoo.com or 802-563 -2721.

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Cabot Book Group – Thursday, Aug

22 – 2 pm The Cabot Book Group meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month at the library. All are welcome! This month’s selection is TBA and books will be available for pick up in advance. Thanks so much to the Library Trustees for their devotion and hard work: Niall McCallum, Angela Ogle, Kurt Steinert, Taeryn Robbins, and Erin Ruddell. See you at the library! Kathleen Hoyne – Library Director Amanda Otto – Youth Librarian

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Read and win an “Adventure Begins

at Your Library” T-shirt, a book and a prize! Here’s how: Come to the library and sign up to read! We will give you a reading log and stickers so you can keep track of your own progress. For every 15 minutes you read, or you are read to, put a sticker on your reading log. Jot down the title of your book. MEarn 50 stickers-- WIN an “Adventure Begins at Your Library” t-shirt and a prize and book of your choice.

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← From the Cabot Chronicle