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

Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

October 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 October 2024 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

Potential Merger

(see ‘Potential Merger’, page 2) Before anyone gets alarmed, we want to be very clear that a merger will only happen if a majority of voters in both towns support it. Neither the committee nor the board are trying to push this through - we are doing what we told community members we would do - have difficult conversations about the future of Cabot school. We are hoping for reasoned discussions- with the understanding that some people have strong views and emotions on the subject. We believe we can have open dialogues and hopefully come to a consensus on what is the best path forward for our town and our students.

↑ contents

Next Year Will Not Be Easier

In a recent letter from the governor (shared in this Chronicle) to school leaders, Governor Scott said we could expect another difficult budget year: Because $69 million of one-time money was taken from the education fund this spring to buy down property taxes, there is already a large financial gap going into next fiscal year. Additionally, health insurance costs for educators are likely going to rise again this year, which will put more strain on the ed fund. Just those two factors could increase property taxes an average of 7 percent next year — even if school spending stays flat. Governor Scott encouraged school boards "to consider all options to contain education spending growth" this year. We need to be having these difficult conversations now. Before we know it, it will be time to vote on a budget again. We are so grateful to the voters of Cabot for supporting the school budget last year, and we know we can’t continue to present budgets that will result in everhigher property taxes. That is not sustainable. So, what are the options? In the past when we couldn’t pass a school budget, one solution was to cut music for the elementary grades. Cutting any of the arts seems like a terrible thing- so what are the other options? In this article, we will present what we see as the pros and cons of merging with Twinfield at the high school level, or possibly looking at merging grades 7-12, with the Twinfield 7 th and 8 th graders coming to Cabot for those two years. We heard loud and clear last year that our 7 th and 8 th grade program is extremely popular, and we do not want to lose it.

↑ contents

Preserving Morale

Before we get into the pros and cons of the merger, we also want to say that last year was a very difficult one at Cabot School, with some teachers being unsure if they would be losing their jobs if the school choice vote passed. We don’t want

DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to production

Coordinator: Jeannie Johnson

↑ contents

Cabot Chronicle Mission Statement:

to bring about low morale - the school year is off to a great start and we want to keep that great energy going strong. So just to be clear, no one is talking about reducing staff. But how would the merger save money if we didn’t cut staff, you say? It’s possible that staff numbers would be reduced through natural attrition, and there could also potentially be some changes in assignment, which is very common in schools these days with the teacher shortage throughout the state. Even if all teachers kept their same positions, there would still be some immediate cost reductions as well as longer-term savings as we right-sized the faculty over time through attrition or reassignments. We have wonderful, caring, skilled teachers - we value them and do not want to lose them!

↑ contents

Pros & Cons

So, now - here are the pros and cons that we see in a potential high school merger. There are likely others, and we look forward to your participation in the community forum next month, and if you can’t attend that, we will certainly provide many opportunities for you to ask questions and provide your input. Pros:  More social opportunities  More course options/academic opportunities  More extra-curricular opportunities  Cost savings  Could reduce competition for teachers and make it easier to hire when we need to  Easier to participate in sports since many of our merged teams meet at Twinfield now  Still small enough to not ‘fall through the cracks.’ Cons:  Longer commute  High School students not able to work with younger kids in Cabot as easily,  High School students not in town to participate in community (FD, Ambulance…)  Fewer people in town during the day could impact local businesses One question that has come up already is “What about Danville?” At this time, we have heard from the chair of that school board that the community is not interested in merging. However, they have facility issues of their own, and who knows how their views might change as budgets continue to rise. We are keeping them in the loop and will invite them to participate in the soon-to-be formed study committee.

↑ contents

Next Steps

Forming an official 706b Study Committee is the next step in this process. The committee will be comprised of repand will study the issues and make recommendations to the two school boards. If the committee recommends a merger and both boards vote to accept the recommendation, then it will be on the ballot for town approval. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact Ellen Cairns at ellen.cairns@

We thank you in advance for your thoughtful participation in this process. We know that whatever the outcome is, it won’t please everyone, but if we can listen to each other, respect different points of view, and realize we all want the same thing in the end - the highest quality education for our students at a cost our taxpayers can afford - we can come together to figure out how to achieve our goals.

resentatives from Cabot and Twinfield (see ‘Potential Merger’, page 13 for continuation of letter and statute)

The Cabot Chronicle is published monthly and is provided locally free of charge.

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.

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

↑ contents

Cabot Community Theater

Cabot Community Theater is thrilled to announce that our spring 2025 show will be The Music Man! We chose this delightful musical by Meredith Wilson for its great music and entertaining dialogue, combined with a large number of fun lead roles for all ages, as well as rich performing opportunities for ensemble performers. We are now looking for some key people to make the dream a reality! First and foremost, we are seeking a Director or Co-director, who has had some experience directing, and enjoys working with people of all ages and levels of experience, supported by an experienced Music Director and an organized Producer. If you don’t have directing experience, but would like to learn those skills, please reach out about being an Assistant Director. CCT is also hoping to have some Apprentice Choreographers, of any age, with dance experience, who would like to have the opportunity to plan and teach the choreography for one or more musical numbers, with guidance. If you have choreography experience, and are interested in being the lead Choreographer, we’d love to have you take on that role!

↑ contents

The Music Man!

We also need a Set Designer, a Props Coordinator, a Stage Manager, an Assistant Producer, and people to help with sets, costumes, props, lights, and publicity. CCT welcomes people of any age to participate at a level appropriate to their experience and motivation--over the years we have supported teens and even younger people to take on responsibilities including lighting and set design, stage managing, directing, and music directing, and consider nurturing their leadership skills part of our mission. If you are interested in any of these positions, please email the Producer (Karen Mueller-Harder) at karen@praxisworks.org 5617. or 802-793-

Performance dates have not been determined as of press time, but will be sometime in April or May, with auditions in December or January. If you are interested in performing, watch the Cabot Chronicle or Front Porch Forum for audition dates and information! Cabot Community Theater has long had a mission of being welcoming, supportive, and inclusive, and we have a great time while producing high-quality, affordable local theater. We like to involve people of all ages and levels of experience so that we all can learn from each other. More than 400 people (so far!) from Cabot and nearby towns have been involved in our productions, including adults, kids, and teens, and we’re thrilled to be supported by this community!

↑ contents

Introducing Myself

To the Editor:

I write in an effort to correct some errors in the latest Chronicle and to introduce myself to the town. In covering the August 6 Selectboard meeting, you state that “when the (wastewater) system was put in place (in 2001) his house (referring to my summer house) was beyond the distance for homeowners to be included in the original system installation and therefore his house wasn’t hooked up”. Two separate houses are involved. The article does not distinguish this. My summer house, 42 Elmridge Road, the structure I am seeking assistance for today, did not exist in 2001. I built it in 2004. In 2001, I was still living at my year-round house at 329 Elm Street, (just beyond where my summer house is located). That house was being constructed at the same time that the sewer proposal was being discussed (a 13 -year long process). Years went by with no resolution, so, eventually, I put in my own septic system. Further, 329 Elm was the last house on Elm Street and would have required an additional pumping station. It was for THESE reasons I was not hooked up. My summer house (42 Elmridge Road) was built in 2004, long after the free hookups were provided. It is also located just beyond the 200’ mandatory hookup zone. It is this house for which I am now asking the town’s financial help. The existing water line is 100’ away and the existing sewer line ends just 50’ short of my driveway, roughly a 300’ extension in toto. Unlike at my former house, my summer house can be served by gravity with no pumping station required. hope this clarifies.

↑ contents

OMMENTARY

in the Community Commentary (LTE), those of this newspaper or its affiliates.

I have lived in Cabot for nearly 40 years. I moved here only as a result of ruinous adverse development across the street from my former home in Montpelier. This wiped out the value of the work I had done in completely renovating that 1845 structure. Therefore, upon its forced sale, I could no longer afford to live in the capital city and moved to Cabot. This move happened to coincide with onset of Creamery warehouse construction, the further proposal for a propane fired generating plant 500’ away and – a year or two later – the onset of the sewer project, whose preferred disposal site was my newly acquired property. In reaction to all three of these projects, all adjacent to, or upon my property, I was seen as this new and unknown person in town, the proverbial “flatlander” “not in my backyard” kind of pest, upsetting to local and Creamery officials. So, subsequently, I have had to keep to myself. Very few people in Cabot know me: a person who does cutting edge research on reform of the American economy, particularly with regard to its post-industrial and nonmarket elements. While here, however, after removal of these threats, I have developed my property and added many thousands of dollars of NEW tax dollars to the town’s coffers. At the same time, as a single person, located close-in, I have not caused the town a single dollar of added expense. There is a growing awareness of the burden of the sewer fees and the need for additional hookups, an awareness that has the attention of several of the town’s current officials. As a former employee of Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, I am in accord with this need and urge that it be taken seriously. Thank you for your attention. Fred Jagels

↑ contents

BITUARIES

Sandra Sandra Noyes J. Noyes Sandra Jeanne Noyes, known to many as Buckwheat, a name lovingly given to her by her sister Brenda. Sandra graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy class of 1969. She worked for the State of Vermont joint fiscal office for 25 plus years. After retiring Sandra worked at the Heath Center in Plainfield and volunteered at the Cabot senior meals. She was very active in the Cabot Church and community. She enjoyed kayaking, camping and her yearly "Sisters" trip to Maine.

Mary Mary L. L. Shatney Shatney It is with great sadness that the children of Mary L. (Foster) Shatney announce her passing on August 27, 2024, with her children by her side. Mary was born April 16, 1942, to Harry and Ida (Woods) Foster. She married Bernard “Bernie” Shatney of Cabot on June 15, 1963. Their daughter Tammy was born the following year as well as daughter Terrie a year after that, both in New Britain, Connecticut. After returning to their hometown of Cabot, their son Monty was born. Mary was a kindergarten teacher’s aide for several years where she and teacher Nancy Deforge became best friends. They continued to meet every summer with another dear friend, Martie Mazza. Living in Florida did not keep Nancy from getting together, sharing memories, laughter and hugs. In 1977 she began working for her brother Calvert Foster as he started his company which is now known worldwide as Caspian Arms. She was very proud to work for her brother Cal until 1999. Later in life Mary decided to take early childhood development classes at CVCC and later started her own daycare at her home in Cabot. For seven years she felt so blessed. She enjoyed watching “her kids” grow up into fine adults. Two of her very special “kids” Kyle and Alisha still stopped in and visited with her and Bernie. Mary served as secretary to Cabot PTA, also secretary to Cabot Skylighter

↑ contents

October 11 Community

by Karen Mueller-Harder Kick off the long weekend by coming to the Cabot Community Contra Dance on Friday, October 11, featuring the wonderful calling of Don Stratton, of Bristol, VT! The dance takes place in the lovely third floor space in the Willey Building (Cabot Town Hall, 3084 Main Street), from 7-9:30 pm. Live music is provided by a great group of local musicians--feel free to just come and listen if you prefer! Everyone is welcome, and anyone can dance with anyone, generally changing partners with each dance. You can come to the dance alone, with a friend or sweetheart, or your whole family! All dances are taught, but if you’ve never been to a dance, you are encouraged to She will be greatly missed by her daughter Stacy Placey, grandsons, Tyler Placey-Noyes (Heather), Cyrus Bowen, sister Claudia Kay (Michael), brothers, Dwight Noyes (Martha), Bradley (Elaine) and many other friends and family. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret (Platt) and Arthur Noyes, siblings, Albert Noyes, Brenda Robertson and Monica Noyes. There will be no calling hours. Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Snowmachine Club and served on the Cabot School Board for three years. She was a proud member and secretary of the Order of the Eastern Star where she recently earned her 50th year pin. Mary was a member of the Marshfield Methodist Church, making many lifetime friends there. Mary leaves behind her children; Tammy (Leon) Turmel of Burke, Terri Shatney of Cabot, Monty (Janet) Shatney of Woodbury, and her grandchildren; Kristina (Mark) St. Hilaire of North Carolina, Monica (Wesley) of North Carolina, Elizabeth Shatney of Hardwick and William (Megan) Shatney of Hardwick. She is also survived by great grandchildren; David and Matthew St. Hilaire of North Carolina, Saphria and Riley Vigeant of North Carolina, Remick Forant of Hardwick and Oliver Shatney of Hardwick. She also leaves behind her special friends Kyle (Lexie) Celley and Alisha (Jordan) Hale. They brought so much joy to her and papa’s hearts and lives. She was predeceased by her husband Bernard “Bernie,” her parents mom and dad Foster, her in-laws mom and dad Shatney, two very protective brothers Cal and Nookie Foster and granddaughter Abbey Turmel. Calling hours were held September 13 at the des Groseilliers Funeral Home in Hardwick. A graveside service was held Saturday, September 14, at the Durant Cemetery in Cabot where she and her beloved husband, Bernie, are buried. Arrangements were with the des Groseilliers Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Mary may be shared with her family at dgfunerals.com.

↑ contents

Contra Dance

arrive right at 7:00, as we will start with the simplest dances, and then we’ll build upon what you learn throughout the evening. No special footwork is needed, and the dances are easy to pick up, and are taught by the caller for the evening. Admission is on a sliding scale, $5-10 suggested, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds! Bring your water bottle, or water and cups will be provided. Masks are welcomed but not required, and we’ll have the large windows open for fresh breezes. We will have an afternoon family dance in November; the date is still to be confirmed as of press time, but watch FPF and the November Chronicle for more info! Hope to see you at the dance!

↑ contents

Cabot Historical Society

Hazardous Tree Being Removed at Old School House.

The Cabot Historical Society buildings are a wonderful resource. They are filled with objects that each tell a story of those who have gone before us, in some cases they are the last things we have to prove they lived & worked here. These collections exist because of a common goal to preserve this record of people’s lives, hopes, dreams & accomplishments. We have everything from photo albums to military uniforms & war memorabilia to wedding dresses of some of our Cabot ladies. Everyday implements so common in days gone by are quite the curiosity for school groups who have never seen anything of the sort. Keeping everything organized, clean & available for display takes time, effort & hard work. Recently, many members of the society are stepping up to serve in a wide variety of areas: Membership, Building maintenance, fundraising, community outreach, & much more. The West Hill Schoolhouse has had some trees removed that were threatening the building and the Cabot school high school students held a class there. It was a great experience for them to learn how all the grades attended in one room. One of the items of interest was the common water bucket and dipper that all drank from. Erma Perry recently donated the Cabot Inn sign that hung on her garage for years. We will be putting that up for display soon. All are welcome to visit the buildings by appointment. At times we have members working in the Main Street building so if you see the door open and the flag out feel free to stop in and browse the photo albums and other collections. Genealogical research is on the forefront as well, as we want to begin compiling the families of the first Cabot residents and build on that to make it easier for all to trace their roots. Consider becoming a member of the CHS and be a part of preserving Cabot’s past. Annual memberships are $10 and lifetime memberships are $50. We gladly accept donations to assist in the work of preservation. Respectfully, CHS board members: Ruth Goodrich, Brittany Butler, Marcy Martin & Seth O’Brien

↑ contents

Emergency Response

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The board submitted a letter regarding correspondence they received from Cabot Ambulance during “Other Business” at the September 3 board meeting. There was no discussion of the topic, and all of the members of the board were listed as signatories. Mike Hogan asked the board for concurrence to include the letter in the minutes. Since the topic was not on the agenda one can only assume that the parties involved were unaware the topic would be discussed and were not present at the meeting. At the following meeting on September 17, Jean Goodrich, a member of Cabot Ambulance, responded to the selectboard letter during public comment. At that meeting Chief Deasy wasn’t present. On September 3, Mike stated there had been a couple of notes back and forth between Dean as the Fire Chief, and Jenn Miner as the President of Cabot Ambulance. He also pointed out that a few people with the state had been on copy. He said the board was concerned about the tenor of the emails going back and forth, and the board wanted to submit to the individuals on copy supporting Dean Deasy and his work. The board approved adding the letter to the minutes. R.D. read the letter to all those present, and the contents of the letter can be found with the minutes for the September 3 meeting at Cabotvt.us. What follows is a summary of the letter. The letter starts by stating the board's full faith and confidence in Chief Dean Deasy’s professionalism, leadership, and adherence to EMS protocol. The letter goes on to say that a review of the SIREN data does not support Jenn’s experience at Cabot Creamery on a recent call where she reports Cabot Ambulance was greeted with surprise upon arrival. The letter states that the Creamery personnel have approached board members to express concern about low response rates by Cabot Ambulance. The letter also states that Jenn’s assertion that Chief Deasy has taken an inappropriate role as a supplemental dispatcher is simply untrue. The letter says that it is evident by the SIREN data showing mutual aid responded to the creamery. The letter also addresses claims of people being instructed not to call 911 as hearsay, and concludes that the board “trusts the matter closed.” Jean was present at the next meeting and responded to the letter for Cabot Ambulance. Jean started by saying that what she was going to say should not be interpreted as an attack, and she wanted to clear up some misinformation that was contained in the Selectboard’s letter. She went on to say that she was pre-

↑ contents

Incident

sent at the call, and not Jenn. She said Jenn was referencing the incident report that she had filed that needs further investigation. She went on to say that a lot of information in reports tends to be vague to protect people's privacy. Jean said she felt she was being misrepresented and she felt she needed to speak to the truth. She went on to say that Chief Deasy was mentioned by name by the person that dialed 911. Jean stated that she was driving the ambulance and when she arrived at the creamery promptly, the person that called 911 leaned into the passenger window and said he was surprised that Cabot Ambulance even came, and that they got there quickly. The one thing he mentioned was he had been in touch with Chief Deasy. She expressed concern for public safety when this incident comes after other things members of the community have expressed to Cabot Ambulance. She relayed what the person told her, which was that Chief Deasy had told him that Cabot Ambulance wasn’t reliable, and that if Cabot Ambulance didn’t show up promptly, that the Chief had another ambulance he could send. Jenn then expressed that in her time serving in the fire department and ambulance she had never seen a protocol that a fire chief has anything to do with medical. She added that she also has never seen anyone buck the dispatch system. Jean relayed that there was confusion about this call, and after everyone was in the truck and she was about to get into the driver seat, she was asked who should be called to have the other ambulance stand down. She said the letter that was read didn’t have the facts straight, and she wanted the board to understand there is a potential threat to public safety. Jean emphasized the grapevine needs to be crushed. Jean went on to say if Chief Deasy was incorrectly named by the person involved, then she felt there needs to be something done. Then she proposed a statement from the town, and she said all parties should be on a level playing field and be supported regardless if they are part of the municipality or not. She concluded that the incident needs to be looked into in a very serious way. The board did not respond to her comments. 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.

↑ contents

Public Records Request

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer At the September 3 meeting, Mike Hogan said he wanted to talk about a public records request that was submitted by Ruth Goodrich. It should be noted that Ruth was not present at the meeting. Ruth had spoken at the previous meeting on August 20 and presented the board with a letter and additional public record requests. At this meeting, the content of the original request was not detailed. Ruth read from her letter that said her original public records request had been submitted on April 17, she also said that the Town Clerk had told her the persons involved had not been forthcoming, but emails were not the only part of her request. She concluded her letter with a statement that “any member of the public should be able to access these public records without six months of run around.” She also submitted two additional public records requests, one regarding the loans taken out after the July 2023 flood, and what amounts had been applied to which projects. The other one was regarding documents for the fire department buildings after the July 2023 flood, along with the bid package, estimate, and drawings for the new fire station. To the later request she added a request for information on how solids and liquids were treated at the wastewater plant, and where the outflow is located. On September 3, Mike talked about the request submitted on April 17, and noted that it is public information. He didn’t want to read the full request, but said it was about arrangements with FEMA, the tearing down of the old fire station, the building of the temporary station, and the costs of the new fire station. He went on to say that because they are working with contractors, public records law states that documents that contain proprietary information owned by a company are exempt from the records request. Mike said the board got legal advice from the town attorney on how to go through the documents and emails. Mike went on to say that he and Dean

↑ contents

Property Buyout

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The Selectboard talked about buying a property with a grant from the Vermont Flood Resilient Communities Fund, at the September 3 board meeting. Mike Hogan started the discussion by mentioning the board had talked about the property a while back. R.D. Eno described the Rexford-Winston property as being behind Neighbors in Action and adjacent to the recreation field. He said he and Gary Gulka had walked the property, and that it is mostly flood plain. residing, doing business, and visiting of our town. members informed about issues to listen in person. Instructions for

have probably spent over a thousand hours between July of 2023 and June of 2024 working for the town and they only get a small stipend. He went on to say he will recommend to the board that in the budget for next year, they put in a line item for public record requests that go above and beyond regular legal expenses. He said he wants the amount to stand out. Fire Chief Dean Deasy then read from the letter he wrote to the Selectboard. The Selectboard decided to attach the letter to the minutes for the meeting, and the full text is available on the town website (cabotvt.us). What follows is a summary. Dean said he sent everything he had to the attorney shortly after the request was made in April. In his letter he goes on to describe why some records are exempt from public disclosure. The letter says he submitted close to two thousand emails, along with attachments, which doesn’t account for what others have submitted. plain that The letter proceeds to exthe request is costing the taxpayers a tremendous amount. Then it goes on to say the second request Ruth made will probably double the cost. The letter stated that all costs have been reviewed at various public meetings and that all expenses go through the town treasurer, and that all invoices are detailed. Dean concludes his letter by saying that the cost to taxpayers is thousands and thousands of dollars, and the cost cannot be sent to the requester. He states that it must be paid by the taxpayer. He states that anyone has the legal right to request information, “but there are far more (smarter) cost effective ways to get the same answer.” After Dean was finished, Mike said he raised a lot of good points. He said that transparency is important, and he added that he thought they have been very transparent. Mike also stated that they have a good accounting system, and are very conscious about keeping things separate. Mike went on to say that responding to the request was a very difficult task, and he put it on the agenda to make everyone aware of what was going on.

R.D. went on to say that the property would be an asset for flood resilience, but it could be a location for some activity too. He said that it was assessed at $29,000, and the land cannot be built upon. R.D. also said he had heard from the owners, with whom he is friends, that they are ready to sell. He also said that, since purchasing the property would be done with grant funds, it would not cost the town any money. R.D. suggested to the board that they authorize Gary to submit a grant application for $52,000. (see ‘Property Buyout’, page 6)

↑ contents

Property Buyout

(continued from page 5) Gary then spoke to the Selectboard and said he didn’t know what was circulated to the board and then went on to describe the property a bit more. He said that it is situated on both sides of the river, and consists of 13.8 acres. Gary added that it contains the cascades that come down from the upper recreation field. He pointed out that it is a river corridor and flood plain.

↑ contents

High School Consolidation

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer Ellen Cairns told the board that she put the subject of high school consolidation on the agenda for discussion purposes. She prefaced the discussion by recalling conversations she had with the community. She pointed out that at the last town meeting, there was a choice of closing the high school on the ballot and many didn’t realize that it was the most expensive option. Matt Foster, the superintendent, said he lives in Wolcott and knows the issue very well. Ellen pointed out that, with high school choice, the board cannot control high school costs, so the middle school and elementary school get all the cuts. She recalled that many people she talked to in the community did talk about the merger option. She also added that last year, even though there were eleven seniors, only two of them were on campus. She emphasized that talking about this doesn’t mean she is pro-merger, but felt it's time to have the discussion. Ellen added that they don’t know what health care increases will be next year, and the state costs could go up again. Ellen also relayed that some parents talked about how their kids' social experience was so limited in the school because there were so few kids. She shared a story about a friend’s daughter who had a falling out with some classmates, and other friends left under the school choice lottery, and she had a mental health crisis. She added that another parent came forward with their child’s socialization problems. She expressed that she understands high school kids interact with younger kids and that is a wonderful thing. She continued by talking about how much they are asking the town to pay to run the high school. And Ellen says she is also looking at the academic opportunities, which is what she heard from school choice proponents. She noted that a merger with Twinfield could reach that level, but Danville isn’t at a point to consider a merger even though they do have a lot of building problems. Ellen stated, “For the record, this is nothing the school board will decide, it is something the community will decide.” She said the board asked people to give them a year to have the conversations, and she thinks they owe the community to have the discussions.

↑ contents

UPDATE UPDATES UPDATE SS S

He then described the grant process, and said the fund is accepting applications on a rolling basis, and the amount would be for 100% of the costs. Gary said he was advised that the sooner the application could be submitted, the better. He added that another appraisal would be done on the property, and the land owner could receive 30% more than the appraised amount, but no more. The board approved Gary proceed with the application.

↑ contents

UPDATES

Chris Tormey, who is running the sustainability committee, said that the subject has come up in a couple of meetings. Chris continued that he thought the hope was to increase opportunities, and the number of students. He recalled that some argued for combining all three high schools, and then there would be the critical mass, but still be small. Chris concluded by saying he agrees we should have the discussion, propose making some concrete modifications to the school schedules, and allow kids to sign up for courses in the other schools. Matt pointed out that there would be some contractual issues that might pose a roadblock. Chris said one could make the argument to the staff of all three schools that changing the schedule could avoid layoffs. Ellen returned to the subject of costs and pointed out that the penalty will be coming back. She added that we won’t know the budget for next year until December, and if it’s up another 20%, she said they can’t take that back to the town, no matter how much they explain it, regardless of the reason. Alicia Heber asked about the $500,000 loan, and Ellen speculated they could use that money for something more important. However, she returned to saying that another big increase in the budget would cause trouble. Chris said if the community as a whole sees the school making improvements, they would understand it is worth it. Erica Fucello agreed with Chris, adding that some of these costs are out of our hands. She said the key is showing the community it's worth it. Erica then said they should have the discussion, even though it will be painful, and it's ultimately the decision of the voters. Ellen said for many who don’t have kids in the school, they are saying they can’t afford it. Chris said the challenging part, as a board, is they don’t know the sticker price until after Christmas. Matt said he sees the Cabot budget has been very tight; most budgets in the Northeast Kingdom are lean, but since arriving in Cabot he sees that Cabot is on a diet, too. Ellen concluded the conversation by telling the new administrators that over the last five years, the voters of Cabot have rejected more budgets than they have passed. She added that last year was unique in that the budget was passed on the first vote.

↑ contents

School PCB Update

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer The School Board met with Kasandra, Trish and Evan, from the Vermont State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), regarding the PCBs in the school’s gym building at the regular September 26 meeting. Kasandra presented a series of slides that gave an overview of Cabot’s situation. She pointed out that Cabot was one of the first schools to go through the PCB testing program. She talked about the consultants’ testing in the summer of 2022 and how they found air impacted by PCBs in the Art building and the Gym. Kasandra noted that both buildings were built in 1971. She went on to review how the air testing was followed up with sampling of suspected materials. Kasandra said PCB contamination was found in the paint on the gym ceiling, all throughout the stage area, the gym area, and second floor storage area. She said PCBs were also found in some of the mats, but the paint was the biggest source. She went on to say that PCBs have impacted the underlying wood structure of the ceiling. Then Kasandra talked about the different remedies identified by the consultants, which consisted of four different possible remedies. The first remedy wasn’t discussed and she skipped to the second remedy. She explained that Alternative #2 involved paint removal and encapsulation. This would involve sand blasting the paint and some of the wood to remove the contaminated material, followed by testing to confirm removal was accomplished. Then an epoxy coating would be applied. She added that long term monitoring would be required for twenty years. The total cost was estimated at $916,960. Then Kasandra explained that Alternative #3 involved replacing the entire roof with a new roof. She said that would require just one round of follow-up testing and the total cost was estimated at $1,796,428. She quickly covered Alternative #4a and #4b, saying they involved the full demolition of the gym building and replacing it with a new 10,000 square foot building. The cost estimate (using a flat $350 per square foot building cost) was $4,765,013. At the conclusion of her presentation, Kasandra asked the board for direction. She said there needs to be a consensus of what to do next. Matt Foster, the superintendent, suggested it might be best to talk about funding first. Trish from DEC said there is currently no funding; there was funding up until about a month and a half ago, but some large expenditures occurred and drained all the funds. Chris Tormey asked if there would be any funding in the future. Trish responded that it was up to the legislature. Ellen Cairns asked if the state doesn’t have any money to fix the PCBs, and the school district doesn’t have any money either, then what can be done? She opined that it is an unfunded mandate, and they can’t ask the residents of Cabot for the money. Ellen expressed dismay that the money was gone even though Cabot was one of the first schools to be tested, and the previous superintendent was one of the most vocal superintendents. Trish expressed understanding and shared the frustration. She said that it was ridiculous to run a program and push projects forward, and then have no funding. Trish added that they had been working with Mark to finalize the report, but needed input from the consultant and the board to finish the report. Matt and Trish discussed what the consultant needed to provide, and what additional work he needed to do. Matt asked if there is no additional money left to do the additional testing, how would the consultant be paid for the extra work? Matt then turned to the board and asked what they would choose to do if there was money available. Erica Fucello noted the board had discussed this a few times in the past, and the general consensus was to tear down the gym and rebuild a new one. She noted that given the age of the building it would have to be replaced, and pointed out that the school doesn’t have local sports anymore. Ellen voiced concern that the cafeteria was part of the building, but Chris pointed out that the cafeteria is new, built in 1995 and a separate building attached by the hallway. He added that the gym could be torn down and they could keep the cafeteria. Chris then talked about their previous discussion and noted that no one could ever nail down how much the state would contribute to rebuilding the gym. Matt said it sounds like a decision couldn’t be made without knowing the amount of available funding. He summarized by saying they would like to tear down the building and rebuild, but can’t make that decision without knowing how much the state would fund. Trish responded by saying she shared with the previous superintendent the direction from the Secretary of Education, which was for roof replacement. Erica pointed out that it's not a very good option to put a new roof on a very old building. The conversation concluded with Matt saying he didn’t think the work by the consultant was holding them up, since they could just put cost escalation into the estimates.

↑ contents

Cabot Oral History Committee

Early settlements in Cabot were mostly built around streams that provided power. The exception was Cabot’s first settlement, on Cabot Plain. Although the plain is the origin of several streams, none were large enough to provide much power. Its wilderness was the occasional hunting ground used by Native Americans from settlements in Canada. In 1776 Col. Joseph Bayley and a small army of men set out to forge a route to St. Johns, Quebec, from Newbury, Vermont, to get supplies to the Continental Army fighting the British in Canada. Abenaki Indian Joe Susap, for whom Joe’s Pond is named, guided them along hunting trails through the uninhabited region, marking a trail and mapping a route for the proposed road. The road builders followed in due course, and a roadhead was set up on what is now Cabot Plain. As construction progressed a short distance north of the plain, it was learned that the conflict in Canada was a lost cause. Work on the road was abandoned in June 1776. A new campaign to conquer Canada was planned in the spring of 1778 and General Moses Hazen of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was sent to complete the road. A blockhouse was built on the plain, then known as “Fortification Hill,” and work progressed through the summer to Hazen’s Notch, about 40 miles from St. Johns, Quebec. In August, word was received that the Canadian campaign had been lost, and the project was again abandoned. A small contingent of men remained that winter to prevent the enemy from attacking settlements further south, and returned to Peacham in the spring of 1780, leaving behind a large iron kettle that the men used for cooking. That kettle is on display at the Cabot Historical Society. Although the military road never actually served its intended purpose, it opened the region for settlement. Cabot was granted in 1780, chartered in 1781, and surveyed and lotted by James Whitelaw in 1786. By then, settlers had already begun to follow the old military road northwest, settling along its route. Cabot’s first settler was Benjamin Webster, uncle of the renowned Daniel Webster. Benjamin built his log cabin in 1783. A marker near the junction of Bayley-Hazen Road and Route 215N, about a mile north of the Cabot Plains Cemetery, marks the location. It was

↑ contents

District No. 1

here that Nathaniel West died, crushed by a falling log while helping Webster clear land. His was the first death in town. Lt. Jonathan Heath was the second to arrive with his family. He built a cabin about opposite where the Cabot Plains Cemetery is today. Several former soldiers such as Lieut. Thomas Lyford, Capt. Jesse Levenworth, Maj. Lyman Hitchcock, and Ensign Jeremiah McDaniels were early settlers and town officers. There is a marker near the Walbridge School at the bend of the road below the cemetery, noting the location of the town’s first school. Historic records show that the first school was a small log cabin located on the opposite side of the road at the junction of BayleyHazen Road and Cabot Plains Road. That marker was moved years ago because of road work, but there are plans to return it to its proper location, across the road. Walbridge School was moved from Route 215N to its present location by the late Richard Spaulding in order to preserve the Cate Farm, Cabot Oral school that his mother attended. Schoolhouses served as community meeting places. After about 16 years of the town officers meeting on the Plain, it was decided to move the business of the town about two miles south of the Plain, to the geographic center of Cabot. The residents on the Plain protested, but they were outvoted. With the move, another school was built at the Center. In town records, the Plain became School District 1 and the Center became School District 2. Although town business had moved away, Cabot Plain continued to grow and for many years was the center of commerce. The military road became a well-used route for trade, with goods being carried on large drays pulled by horses or oxen to points north and south to Boston and Portland. Horace and Gershom Beardsley, originally from Massachusetts, built the Yellow House Tavern on the plain. History records that as Old Plains School, Maynard's garage, many as sixty teams a day passed over the plain. In 1809, blacksmith Hanson Rogers established the first distillery on Cabot Plain, and the prosperous merchant Judge Dana built another nearby, on the same brook. The soil was perfect for raising potatoes, and local farmers raised many more than they needed to feed their families, benefiting from the brisk whiskey trade. The price of potatoes went up, and the demand for the whiskey high in well as remained Canada, as in Boston and Portland. The Yellow House Tavern was well known as a meeting place and headquarters for a variety of smuggling operations, including livestock and whiskey. The tavern provided accommodations not only for humans, but also for gathering shipments of whiskey and large herds of cattle and other livestock that were collected there and later taken to CanHist. Comm. ada during the War of 1812, in spite of strict no-trade orders of the U. S. Government. Cabot residents depended heavily on the benefits of those smuggled goods. The tavern became locally known as the “Smuggler’s House” and operated until about 1855. It was eventually torn down and years later the owners of the land where it once stood uncovered several objects from the tavern that are now on display at the historical society. A marker for the “Smuggler’s House” is in the field, not far from the covered bridge. Over the years farmers on the Plain added to their herds, with dairy cattle, sheep, hogs, and chickens part of every homestead. Butter, eggs, meat, and produce helped to supplement farmers’ incomes. Large families of ten or twelve children were common. Youngsters of all ages trudged to school every day in all kinds of weather, some from Joe’s Pond area, others from near Walden town line. Schools were located as centrally as possible for each community so that no stuJ.Brown collection dent had to walk more than two miles to get there. The original log cabin school was replaced by a new building located about a mile east on what is now Cabot Plains Road, where it was more centrally located. It was a small one-room school with few windows, a wood stove for heat, and no electricity or running water. There was one teacher for all eight grades, and some years there were 30 or more students. A more modern school building was built in 1929 a few rods southwest of the old school. Both are still standing, but privately owned. After WI, many farms began to go out of business. The Cabot Plains School closed in 1948 and its handful of students were sent to the village school. Most of the old families and buildings on the plain are gone now. The Cates, Badgers, Barnetts, Maynards, Ewens, Stones, Smiths, Websters, Goodales, Dubrays, Gambles, McCormicks, Harringtons, Fosters, Roys, Grays, and Boltons – all gone. The military road that first brought people and trade to the region all those years ago is difficult to follow. Some sections have been paved or widened and improved, but much of the old road is on private land, with few people left who can trace its route. In Cabot the old road is mostly lost from Route 2 near Joe’s Pond to the Cabot Plains Cemetery, but from Cabot Plains Road to Route 215N, the old road is unimproved but still used, and is much the same as when Ben Webster first trod its path. The cemetery on Cabot Plain is a favorite spot for visitors to watch sunsets, star gaze, or enjoy fall colors. The Foster Covered Bridge is one of the most photographed sites around. (It was built by Richard Spaulding in 1998 as a testament to his great grandfather, maple sap spout inventor A.M. Foster.) The Plain is at almost 20 ft. elevation and endures harsher weather than almost any other section of town – undoubtedly a deciding factor when the town fathers were considering moving the town’s business to the Center.

(right), Smugglers House marker, J.Brown collection

↑ contents

Interim Principal

The school community is very thankful for everyone who contributed to our new playground. This includes the students who wrote letters and ran a silent auction and raised funds in many other ways, as well as worked with a consultant to design the playground; the staff who supported the whole endeavor; and all community members who dropped coins in the jar at the Cabot Store or gave of their time and/or money in any way to make this vision a reality. It was a successful learning experience across many grades, and the students and community can be very proud of what we all accomplished together. The playground is not completely finished yet, but phase one has been completed and we are thrilled with the results!

↑ contents

Over $10,000 for Mentor Program

Cabot’s annual Ride the Ridges event was held Sunday, September 8, with a little over 180 participants from 17 states and Quebec. All proceeds go to the Cabot Mentoring Program. This was the 11th Year of Cabot Ride the Ridges, and among riders fees, merchandise sales, and

↑ contents

ARE YOU WILLING TO SHARE YOUR STORY?

In the November 2023 edition of the Cabot Chronicle, recollections of nine Cabot community veterans were featured. We hope more of our neighbors will share their stories with the community for the November 2024 edition. It doesn’t 10 K Riders matter where you lived at the time, what service you joined, what type of mission or kind of duty – the very variety of experience is of great value.

October 15 for publication in the November 1 edition of the Cabot Chronicle. There is no military experience, past or present, we don’t want to hear about! And special thanks to 2023 contributors. You can still read their tales at

on page 10: Jack Daniels Raymond Domey Jeffrey Gabrielson Jeanne Johnson

↑ contents

Accretion

60 K Riders by Alexander Anlyan

Each heart, like every chrysalis, must break to allow transformation.

Like a field it must be harrowed bare, David Lynn Rory Thibault Chris Porter Mark Tucker

The hard earth broken to embrace new growth.

Waiting, unsure, winter seared, until; Spring's first warm days when all life stirring wakes.

I let the growing beauty guide my feet, and bearing water, sing my dreams to blooms;

of every scent and shade, infused with faith, my loving wakes. 100 K Riders

Its a great way to reach up to 1900 households in Cabot, Advertising in Marshfield, Plainfield, Hardwick, & Danville! Spread the word about your product or service while helping to support a great community resource. For more information, contact us at We can also design Content in knowing, that when at last I fall, my gathered grace returned to fertile soil,

that this is love, life undefined by need, born of water, spirit, earth, and Sun.

Through such as I is all great beauty bred; passed on to fragrant air the blessings pour

to reap, from each who pass, of dying less, and leave, for each new life, of loving more.

↑ contents

Cabot Oral History Committee

The Cabot Creamery that we know today was formed in 1919, but it was not the first Cabot Creamery. The “Cabot Creamery Company” was formed by 90 farmers June 19, 1893. The March 9, 1893. Burlington Free Press reported: “The citizens of Cabot have raised $3,000 for a creamery to be built in that town.” Creameries were agricultural manufacturing plants where farmers took milk or cream and had it made into butter. By 1915 there were nearly 300 creameries in Vermont. The August 16, 1893, issue of the Vermont Watchman had an article on the new creamery in Cabot. “The creamery was started June 19, less than two months ago, and has been a gratifying success. Ninety farmers now take their milk there and since it was started only three men have thought they could do better with their milk at home after trying the creamery. The building is equipped with a six-horse-power engine, a fifteen-horse-power boiler, a Babcock tester, a Mosley & Stoddard churn with a capacity of 400 gallons of cream, two separators, and a Fargo butter worker that will work and salt 200 pounds of butter in four minutes.” The article noted that the creamery was accepting milk from 600 cows. “The dairies run from one to forty cows.” Harry Walbridge was probably the onecow dairy and old-timers recalled that he used to take his milk to the creamery in a wheel barrow. “Figures vary with different days and weeks, but during the first two weeks of August the average product was one pound of butter to twenty pounds of milk,“ the article continued. “The best thing about it, every farmer with whom the reporter talked, was satisfied that he got more out of his milk than he would at home, and saved all the trouble of making and shipping butter.” But, according to the reporter, not everyone was content with the creamery’s operation.

↑ contents

You Get 90

today in Waitsfield. (Photo from photo (inset left) with its reverse

“It is said that some, who can find no other cause for complaint, object to the creamery because it is run on Sunday, the same as on week days,” he wrote. “These intense Sabbatarians fail to see that while three men are obliged to work at the creamery on Sunday, if there were not such an institution the hard working wives of the ninety farmers who now take their milk there, after working sixteen hours a day through the week, would be obliged to rise an hour earlier on Sunday morning to skim their milk and wash the pans, if they did not have to churn, to be able to get to church at half-past ten, and by that time be in such a flushed condition and flurried state of mind that the gospel would have little charm or comfort for them.” Progressive Cabot farmer Luke C. Fisher (who farmed at the former Ken Talbert farm) spoke at a farmers’ meeting in South Ryegate, February 22 1894, where there were three creameries at the time. “We (Cabot farmers) started a creamery at Cabot last summer, and since that time greater interest has been taken in dairying. It is safe to say the creamery is one of the best things that ever came to our little village.” The Creamery in Cabot was sold to F.A. Messier for $6,700 in 1911. He owned it for eight years and according to an interview with Bob Davis, general manager of Cabot Creamery for 32 years, Messier had plans to close the creamery down. The farmers who had been delivering to the Cabot Creamery Company bought it back for $3,700 in 1919 and at that point formed a cooperative, the Cabot Farmers Cooperative Creamery. They began producing butter under the Rosedale brand name. The cost to join was $5 per cow, plus a cord of wood to fuel the boiler. In 1992 the Cabot Farmers Cooperative Creamery merged with Agri-Mark, a cooperative of 1,800 farm families in New England and New York, and was reincorporated as Cabot Creamery Cooperative Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Agri-Mark. Cabot Creamery’s headquarters are now in Waitsfield, Vermont.

↑ contents

Flowers

Was there color in your garden through the season, or did you have a gap of no bloom in the middle of July? Were you inspired by the idea of native flowers for pollinators and other wildlife, but didn’t quite get round to it? By the time the plant catalogs land in your mailbox, or you visit a nursery in spring, you may not remember these details. Write a wish list now (“something to bloom pink in midsummer”, “coneflower and mountain mint for the sunny spot”) so that you can make good selections.

↑ contents

Shrubs and trees

Evaluate gaps in your landscape. Maybe you want a privacy hedge, or shade for your deck, or just something to soften the edges of the yard. Think about future gaps as well; plants that are not thriving, or will be removed due to their invasive nature, or for construction. When you are knee-deep in snow, these gaps may be a lot harder to notice; take a look around now, while you can still see the ground!

↑ contents

Cabot Trails Update

by Gary Gulka

The Cabot Trails Committee has been busy this spring and summer. Two new trail openings occurred, the Old Center Trail in May and Burtt’s Orchard Trail in September. Three trailhead parking areas have been constructed and several trailhead osks have been installed. Work is underway on trail repair from flood damage on the planning stages that will be completed in trail map and kiosk that will be located sented at the annual Vermont Recreation tember in a session on town-based and small

All our trail maps can be found on the page. We hope you can get out this fall and When our sweet tiny seedless grapes ripened this September, I found myself wishing for a couple more vines. On the other hand, I could eat squash and basil pesto every day through March, but since I’m not likely to stick to that strict diet, I should probably dial back on those. Think about surpluses and gaps in your food storage and make notes for winter seed and nursery stock shopping.

↑ contents

Management

Were any pests, diseases, or weeds problematic? Many issues are best addressed before the problem is even apparent. For instance, if you were plagued with cucumber beetles this year, plan to stock up on insect netting so that in spring 2025 you are ready to cover your cukes and squash at spring planting time. If weeds were a headache, consider raised beds, landscape fabric, or sheet mulch to ease next season’s workload. Were you short of supplies for preserving the harvest? If you found yourself running around in September to six stores in three towns searching for canning lids, make a note to stock up on supplies this winter. Enjoy memories of the 2024 season and enjoy planning for 2025! This garden article is brought to you by Susan Socks, aka the Garden Goddess. Stay tuned for upcoming articles on green lawn care, pruning, garden tools, edible landscapes, and more. For gardening help, visit www.SocksFamily

ki-

Langone Trail and two bridges are in the 2025. We are beginning work on a master on the Willey Building property. We preand Parks Association conference in Septrail organizations.

town website on the Trails Committee check out our trails network.

↑ contents

Coordinator for Cabot Afterschool

We are drawing to the end with this grant project. All monies had to be spent by the end of September, and that’s meant a flurry of activity. I met with Jonny Flood and a number of students who are using CSPAC and are interested in holding evening teen-led events. We’ve made plans for final purchases in CSPAC, and we’ve also been discussing a Battle of the Bands type event for fall or spring, as well as coffee house options. Keep your eyes open for forthcoming announcements about these. Cameron North has put in many, many hours completing and installing the picnic table, benches at the basketball court, shelves in the shed, and the bike rack. We’re also ordering a lighting system for the basketball court, as well as sports equipment like basketballs and

↑ contents

Council

footballs to be kept in the shed. Morgan Churchill and his family have generously donated their time and expertise to set up the exercise bars. A number of students at the high school also will help with this. When you’re down at the Rec Field, enjoy all these new additions! It’s been a real pleasure working with everyone in Cabot on this project. In fact, I’ve enjoyed it so much, I decided to stay in town for work, and I’m now the high school English teacher. I also am aiming 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.mccaffrey@ccsuvt.net. Take care. Laura

↑ contents

Orchard

In the September 10 release, the topic was apple orchards, and Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot was number two on the list. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Or you can subscribe to emails at https://mailchi.mp/happyvermont/ subscribe-to-happy-vermont.

↑ contents

Spending at Nearby Businesses

MIT reported spending increases were particularly pronounced for businesses within 100 yards of charging stations, and for businesses in low-income areas (article by Zach Winn published by MIT News on September 4). “The study found that, in California, opening a charging station boosted annual spending at each nearby business by an average of about $1,500 in 2019 and about $400 between January 2021 and June 2023. The spending bump amounts to thousands of extra dollars annually for nearby businesses, with the increase particularly pronounced for businesses in underresourced areas.” There is one EV charging station at Cabot Town Hall (Willey Building). Plainfield and Peacham each have one and Danville has two. Hardwick has several, with more planned. They can be located with the Way app or Drive Electric Vermont website at https:// www.driveelectricvt.com/about-evs/ charging-map, which states Vermont has the “highest per capita rate of public charging availability in the United States.” Cabot’s station is missing from the Drive Electric Vermont website, but the omission has been reported. The full article is available at: https:// news.mit.edu/2024/study-ev-chargingstations-boost-nearby-business-spending -0904.

↑ contents

Cabot Mentoring Coordinator

Who can have a mentor? The answer is anyone! In the case of our Cabot Mentoring program, we emphasize that all Cabot youth are welcome and entitled to a mentor regardless of their perceived need. Folks may think that mentoring is just for kids who have a tough home situation or are struggling in school, but we in the business of helping to create healthy relationships between adult mentors and youth mentees believe that all kids can benefit from having a mentoring relationship in their lives. In these times, kids have an exceptional amount of stress in their lives due to all sorts of input from the world they live in, and so do their parents/caregivers. By giving them the opportunity to have a person in their lives that is committed to a friendship that is all about low stress quality time together, we hope to give that kid relief from some of that stress. We believe all kids can benefit from a friendship like that. If you'd like more information about Cabot Mentoring please contact: Mark Christensen, Cabot Mentoring Coordinator cabotmentoring@gmail.com

↑ contents

New Board Members and Leadership

Will and Ida Barr lived on Main Street. “Ida Barr never missed a funeral. Cried along with everyone else, whether she knew the deceased or not. The Barrs were nice people. They had the best car in town and neither of them had a license.” Walt Goodrich quoted from Cabot, Vermont, A Collection of Memories from the The Vermont Chamber of Commerce welcomed seven new Directors to the Century Past. Copies available at the Board: Hillary Burrows of Autumn Harp, Renée Grzankowski of Vermont Town Clerk’s office . Economic Development Authority, Michael Hackett of Gallagher, Flynn & Photo courtesy of Amanda Legare, Cabot Company, Jim Hall of The Vermont Country Store, Nick Managan of Cabot Oral History Committee Creamery, Gary Scott of UVM Health Network, and Ian Sutherland of Acrisure.

↑ contents

Cabot Flood Resilience

(continued from page 1)  Enlarge the VAST bridge (owned by VAST)  Valleys may be too narrow for installing man-made debris catchers. Discussion:  Mike Cookson expressed concern about decisions being made without more open discussion among Cabot residents. Could the options go to a town vote? It was answered that there will be a lot more public meetings before anything happens. A Cabot FloodReady website page has been created for the town website that we need to make useful and interactive, allowing people to send in comments and questions. Gary Gulka explained that there are FEMA $’s available to implement solutions, and a deadline to apply (which was originally late fall but may be moved into next year), and suggested that maybe the next session should be on a weekend so more people can join in the discussion. The Selectboard will make the final decision on what mitigation strategies to apply for, at further public meetings.  Michele Braun of Friends of the Winooski noted that the engineers will provide concept designs and cost estimates for the FEMA application.  Lisa North and Paul Yamamoto, landowners along the banks of the northern tributary just before it reaches the village, noted that the brook is building up a serpentine rico-

↑ contents

Offices to be Elected at Town

It takes many hands to accomplish the business dedication and problem solving is required. Report, the following positions will be voted March. Consider how you may be able to serve Town Meeting Moderator one year term Selectboard Member 3-year term Selectboard Member 2-year term Lister 3-year term Delinquent Tax Collector 1-year term Grand Juror 1-year-term Cemetery Commissioner – 3-year term, School Director 3-year term Library Trustee 3-year term, 2 positions CCIF Committee 3-year term Willey Building Committee 3-year term, Contact the Town Clerk for information position responsibilities, deadlines and Town Meeting ballot.

↑ contents

SELECTBOARD BUDGET DISCUSSIONS

Starting in October, the selectboard will to voters at Town Meeting 2025 (Tuesday, Porch Forum for announcements of which on specific dates so you can attend or The February Public Information meeting to make changes. Now is the time to want to support. chet pattern that wasn’t there before.  Nate Peyman from Nama Farm asked the consultants if they are designing for bigger and bigger floods? Doug answered “yes”. The state now requires that we design to bank full width, and they’ll model for larger storms than we’ve experienced so far.  Peg Hough asked about creating more water storage upstream. They answered that the small accumulations of wood can assist this, but they didn’t see a lot of options for water storage upstream of the village. They noted again the wider channels upstream of the village. Over the years, development in the village narrowed the channels, and hardened the banks with stone and concrete. It’s difficult to recover that capacity but, when the river requires it, it’ll create it. At the next public outreach session, late October or early Novemwhen the consultants return with solutions, the model will available, and interactive to show how amounts of rainfall and timing impact the town. Based on the feedat this meeting, it makes sense to that meeting, for further public of alternatives, to build conon next actions, before the conput time into developing concept and cost estimates. The Cabot Flood Task Force would to thank all who took the time to join this meeting, and hopes that more will join in on the next session.

↑ contents

and who can be a member?

from State Agency of Information Website V.S.A. §§ 706, 706a, and 706b establish the process for creating a study committee set out its primary duties. A decision to create a committee “to study the advisability of forming a union school district” (a “§ 706b study committee”) can be made either when: The school boards of two or more districts decide to do so or 5% of the eligible voters petition their respective school boards to do so After deciding (or being petitioned) to create a § 706b study committee, the participating school boards meet with their superintendent(s) to: Establish a budget H Each district’s proportionate share of the costs must be equal to the proportion of its equalized pupils compared to the total equalized pupils in all districts forming the § 706b study committee H If the proposed budget exceeds $ 25,000.00, then the voters of each district must vote to approve the budget • See § 706a for more details • See also question # 5 below for information regarding State funding for legal and other necessary costs Determine the number of persons from each district who will serve on the study committee – also proportional to the equalized pupils H The school board of each district must appoint at least one of its own members to serve on the § 706b study committee H A school board may also appoint other persons from the community who are not members of the school board The appointed members of the § 706b study committee elect a chair, who notifies the Secretary of Education of the election

A § 706b study committee is a public body pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 310(3) ( i.e. , study committee meetings are public; the committee can go into executive session in certain instances by 2/3 vote pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313; etc.)

After discussion, community engagement, and analysis, the § 706b study committee decides either: o That it is not advisable to form a union school district or o That it is advisable to do so and prepares a report with its analysis that includes Articles of Agreement that, if approved by the State Board of Education each district identified as “necessary” will govern the actions of the new union district

State funding available to reimburse the legal and other costs that arise informal exploratory conversations? In § 706b study committees? State funds are available to reimburse legal and other costs in both situations.

↑ contents

Celebration September 29 11 am to

3 pm. This is a family friendly event with free offerings such as: face painting, art tent, horse and carriage rides, petting zoo, chicken race, cider pressing, orienteering workshop, field games, Vermont Gas and Steam Engine display, and music by Atom and the Orbits and The Faerie Godbrothers. Celebrate the new Community Garden with free pizza and cake. For sale: books, baked goods, food tent, and vendors selling crafts and locally grown food.

↑ contents

Tuesdays 4:30 to 6 pm and the

fourth Saturday of every month 11:30 am to 1 pm Bring whatever craft you are working on or start a new project. All ages are welcome if they are old enough to be sitting and working on a craft. Knitting and spinning maven Donna Hisson from Marshfield, is the host of the group.

↑ contents

SATURDAY, OCTOBER

Twin Valley Senior Center in East Montpelier market Saturday, October 12, from 9 to 3. you enjoy grilled hamburgers & hot dogs or good crowd that provides an opportunity A few vendor spaces are available so call reserving your space. Sell your handmade Twin Valley Senior Center is located at

↑ contents

Chair Yoga Leader Sought

by Jeanne Johnson Last year a group of about a dozen of us Neighbors in Action for an hour of chair yoga. raised one’s body temperature and loosened Especially now that fall is here with winter to have a weekly class (or two) to look forward Is there anyone out there looking for an expand their community connections? We’d If interested, please touch base with Amy

↑ contents

E-Bike Raffle to Support Free Li-

brary Programs! It is not too late to buy a raffle ticket. We are only selling 250 tickets so your odds are very good, and you can choose between two very beautiful new bikes. The drawing is at the Harvest Festival on September 29, Sunday at 2:30 pm.

↑ contents

12, 2024

is having its annual craft fair and flea Spend the day searching for treasures as baked goods. This annual event draws a for vendors and shoppers.

crafts or part with some of your treasuries. 4583 US Route 2, East Montpelier. Visit

met Wednesday after work at While gentle and non-stressful, it still a few muscles, and I, for one, miss it. hovering nearby, it would really be nice to, and replace summer activities. excuse to exercise their yoga chops and really welcome your leadership.

↑ contents

Wednesday 2 - 6 pm, Thursday

noon - 6 pm, and Saturday 9 amnoon. Curbside library service is still available during regular library hours. Dungeons and Dragons (ages 9 - 13) Ongoing - Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 pm Join Losada Stoddard as DM for our newest D&D campaign. Learn how to build a Dungeons and Dragons character, and then set out on your Adventures. No experience necessary! Come for the mysteries and magic, tails and talons, puzzles and prophecies! Snacks provided. New members are welcome anytime!

↑ contents

Ready-To-Read Storytime & STEAM

Program (ages 5 - 8) – 2nd & 4th Wednesdays – Sept. 11 - Nov. 6 – 2:30 4:00 pm Join Amanda Otto for a drop off program designed especially to support emergent readers. Participants will enjoy fun and exciting books and STEAM and nature-based projects. Snacks provided. Space is limited. Registration is required email amandaotto.cabotlibrary @gmail.com.

↑ contents

Cabot Public Library - Join Jen Tidd

to create your own pumpkin patch themed masterpiece by following step-by -step instructions to paint your own version of the sample art piece. Snacks will be available to help feed your creativity. All materials provided. This program is recommended for children ages 5 & up. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required email amandaotto.cabotlibrary @gmail.com.

↑ contents

Erosion, and the Future of the Writ-

ten Word – Wednesday, Oct.23 – 7 pm – Tim Brookes - What does the age of digital convergence, Facebook, and globalization mean for the future of the written word? Writer/carver/painter Tim Brookes offers remarkable and thoughtprovoking perspective on this question by looking at a range of forms of writing from all over the world that are in danger of extinction. He displays a carving of a piece of text in each script, leading a discussion on how technology will help— and always has helped—define the nature of communication, and shows how the story of a culture can be seen in its

Advertising in

↑ contents

L IBRARY N EWS

writing, even if that writing is (as in these examples) beautiful, utterly unfamiliar, and disappearing. For information on the Endangered Alphabet Project visitwww.endangeredalphabets.com. A graduate of Pembroke College Oxford, Tim Brookes has been a writer, editor, guitarist, soccer coach, and woodcarver, and founder of the Endangered Alphabets Project. He was an essayist for NPR for twenty years and is the author of sixteen books, including Guitar: An American Life and Endangered Alphabets .

↑ contents

Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina - Merg-

ing comprehensive research and grand storytelling, Mr. and Mrs. Prince reveals the true story of a remarkable pre-Civil War African-American family, as well as the challenges that faced AfricanAmericans who lived in the North versus the slaves who lived in the South. Lucy Terry, a devoted wife and mother, was the first known African-American poet and Abijah Prince, her husband, was a veteran of the French and Indian wars and an entrepreneur. Together they pursued what would become the cornerstone of the American dream—having a family and owning property where they could live, grow, and prosper. Owning land in both Vermont and Massachusetts, they were well on their way to settling in when bigoted neighbors tried to run them off. Rather than fleeing, they asserted their rights, as they would do many times, in court. Here is a story that not only demonstrates the contours of slavery in New England but also unravels the most complete history of a preCivil War black family known to exist. Illuminating and inspiring, Mr. and Mrs. Prince uncovers the lives of those who could have been forgotten and brings to light a history that has intrigued but eluded many until now. 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. Additional thanks to Stella Heber, Aspen Long, Madison Turco, Ella Senkowska and Losada Stoddard for helping with youth programming. See you at the library! Kathleen Hoyne – Library Director Amanda Otto – Youth Librarian

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. at

↑ contents

← From the Cabot Chronicle