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

Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

April 2025 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

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

Original issue: Download the April 2025 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

District No. 4, West Hill Schools

Enoch Hoyt was the first to settle on West Hill. His property, amounting to 320 acres, later became the Orson Kimball farm. According to John M. Fisher in his history of Cabot written for Abby Maria Hemenway’s Gazetteer, Hoyt came from Epsom, New Hampshire, and arrived by way of the Bayley Hazen military road as far as the Plain in 1797. From there he proceeded through the wilderness to the high land on the western side of town. Enoch had four brothers who soon followed and settled near him. The Hoyts were an industrious lot. They quickly cleared large areas for what became some of the finest farmland in town. There were two other early settlers on that western side of Cabot– David Lyford and the Blanchard family. Lyford married 17-year-old Judith Heath in 1795 when he was about 24. Squire James Morse officiated, and that was his and Cabot’s first marriage ceremony. A few years later, Judith made history again when she captured a bear cub by its hind legs and ran home with it tightly wrapped in her apron with the mother bear in hot pursuit. She managed to reach their cabin and David was able to shoot the mother bear and then the cub. The meat, skin, and fat from the bears were quite a prize, so her tale of derring-do was handed down through generations and is now part of Cabot’s folklore. By about 1820 there were enough families with children in that community for a school to be needed and “Kimball School,” sometimes also called “Hopkins School,” was opened. Others whose children attended that early school were the Addams, Hopkins, Ross, Peck, Wheeler, Hoyt, and Lyford families. The community near West Hill Pond grew considerably once Avery Atkins dammed the brook to provide power for a sawmill in 1820. Productive farms, a thriving lumber industry, and work available at the nearby Woodbury granite quarries all helped to support a thriving community. This concentration of population created the need for another school, and in 1854 a new schoolhouse was built at the junction of roads leading to Cabot, Lower Cabot, Woodbury, and the Coits Pond section of town. That school was known as the West Hill School. Over the years, the two little one-room schools in District No. 4 served not only as schools but also as (see, ‘West Hill Schools’, page 2)

↑ contents

Flushable Wipes? Don’t Believe It. Being Wrong Could Cost Us.

Town of Cabot Wastewater Information

The Town of Cabot is asking for your help in maintaining our wastewater collection system. Each year the Town of Cabot is tasked with maintaining miles of underground pipes and our (and yours as a user) four pump stations which lead to the Wastewater Treatment Facility. From your household drains to the discharge of the Wastewater Treatment Facility we process over seven million gallons a year which is discharged to the Winooski River. Over the course of a year, we deal with numerous clogged lines, plugged pumps, and ground water entering the system, which increases the cost of maintaining and operating the system. This is where you can help. Below are listed items which should not be flushed or enter the system and that we ask you to dispose of properly. 1) "Flushable" wipes: Although the package might state

otherwise, flushable wipes should not be flushed. These wipes do not break down quickly and cause pipes and pumps to clog. They should be disposed of in a lined trash can. 2) Paper towels and tissues: They seem like toilet paper,

but they are not. Paper towels and tissues are designed to absorb water and can cause clogging. Toilet paper is designed to break down in water. Please dispose of paper towels and tissues in the trash. 3) Cotton balls, rounds, and swabs: All are small enough

to flush but do not break down. They build up in pipes which can cause clogging. Please dispose of in the trash. 4) Feminine Products: These products are designed to

absorb water and can expand to several times the original size. This can and does lead to clogged pipes and plugged pumps. Products should be disposed of along with plastic wrappers/applicators in the trash. 5) Fats/Oils and greases: Fats, oils, and greases will

solidify after cooling. They clump together and build over time. They are the #1 reason for clogged lines. To properly dispose, allow them to completely cool and solidify and dispose of in the trash. 6) PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH SYRINGES, NEEDLES,

RAZORS OR ANY OTHER SHARP OBJECTS! THESE CAN AND DO ENDANGER OPERATORS! ALWAYS DISPOSE OF PROPERLY!

(see, ‘Flushable Wipes’, page 2)

↑ contents

From page 1

Please note for all those that are on the Cabot Wastewater System to read this notice carefully. We have had to pull the pump station on Elm Street (which covers most of the Town) three times in the past two weeks as there are wipes being flushed into the wastewater system. This is quite expensive and if this continues, we will need to raise the rates, and this is not something we wish to do. Please do not flush wipes (even if they say “flushable”), or any other types of wipes, paper towels, tissues, syringes, needles, razor blades or any other type of sharp object. Listed below is the complete information about what you should be aware of. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO BE AWARE OF THIS SITUATION.

Betty Ritter, Town Clerk and Water/Wastewater Manager

↑ contents

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Happy Spring!

Today I write to you after boiling until 5:00 am last night. I’m not complaining though - we barreled 1800 gallons of nice amber syrup. The rubber has also met the road in Montpelier. Our committee voted out several bills last Friday.  H.167 would establish a base funding of $2 million for the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program. This program has successfully worked over the last few years to purchase food from Vermont farms and distribute to local food shelves through Vermont Food Bank. The vote was 8-0-0 in favor.  Bill H.401 was also unanimous at 8-0- 0. Current statute limits home bakeries to gross sales of $6500 per year before triggering inspection and licensing fees. H.401 would bump gross sales up to $30,000 for home kitchens, whether making baked goods or other food products. This is a much needed adjustment given inflation over the last number of years.  On the controversial 2025 Budget Adjustment Act which would extend the hotel/motel program from ending on April 1 to June 30, I voted no against the extension. The issue at hand is not a question of whether or not our state should continue to help the homeless. Of course we should and will. The question is how to best help our homeless population. I do not favor a program that works on a first come first serve basis and lacks programming to help folks find a path beyond staying in the hotel. The Governor has offered a compromise with democrats to continue the program until June 30 for those who are disabled and have children, which I think is the best solution at this time. We’ll see how the negotiations pan out.

Greg Burtt

Owner Burtt's Apple Orchard LLC 283A Cabot Plains Road Cabot VT 05647 802-917-2614 wet area, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office. Unmetered water loss costs all users and repairing system water leaks helps to minimize operating expenses. On average the American home wastes 10,000 gallons a year from leaky faucets, running toilets and other household leaks. Below are a few tips to help you save.

1. Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period of no water use in your home. If the meter has changed, you probably have a leak.

2. Place a drop of food coloring in your toilet tank. If within 15 minutes the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. This is most commonly fixed by replacing the rubber flapper in the tank, which is a simple and cheap fix. Remember to flush your toilet to remove the food coloring to prevent staining of the toilet. 3. A leaky faucet can waste 2,000 gallons of water a year and a leaky toilet can lose 200 gallons a day. The Town of Cabot Water Department and H2O Innovation thank you for reading this and looks forward to providing quality drinking water to you for decades to come.

For questions, comments or to report an issue, please contact:

↑ contents

Flushable Wipes

(continued from page 1)

7) SUMP PUMPS ARE NOT TO BE

PIPED TO SEWER LINES. THIS IS PROHIBITED IN THE TOWN'S SEWER ORDINANCE! Ground water added to the sewer system costs the same to treat as sewer waste. It must be pumped, treated, and disinfected, adding cost to your bill.

The Town of Cabot Wastewater Department and H2O Innovation thank you for reading this and, with your help, we will all have a greener tomorrow.

Town of Cabot Water Information

The Town of Cabot would like to offer our users a few tips on saving water. The Town Water Department works hard every year to maintain the system and keep water rates reasonable. With your help we can continue to provide this service affordably for generations to come. The Town of Cabot Water Department is always looking for leaks in the system. As our infrastructure ages, leaks can develop. If you notice a new wet area on your lawn, road, or any other unusual community centers. There was no electricity or plumbing in either building – water was brought to school by one of the older youngsters or the teacher, and everyone used the same dipper when they wanted a drink. Each had an outhouse for a toilet, and a woodshed. The new school building had improvements over Kimball School – a woodstove in the middle of the room instead of a fireplace, blackboards, more windows, and a separate entryway that helped to prevent losing heat in the classroom when the outside door was opened. In later years, the new school had individual desks instead of benches facing the wall. The number of students at Kimball School dwindled as property changed hands and families moved away. The town closed that school in 1886 and the handful of students there had to go down the hill to the newer West Hill School. The old Kimball School building was eventually taken down by the Hopkins family, who owned the land where it stood at that time. Again, changing demographics and economic pressure caused the need for an adjustment. World War I took a toll on the whole town, and the Spanish Flu Epidemic was raging, causing many deaths among Cabot citizens. School opened as usual in September 1918 with Mrs. Dora Garney teaching. By the end of that school year, there were too few students to warrant keeping the school open and it closed in 1919. Some students went to Lower Cabot School and others went to the Village. The schoolhouse was used by the town for storage of road equipment for several years. The floor eventually broke through and the town then rented it for $1 a year to a neighbor, Chris Barbieri, who used it for storage. Charles and Barbara Carpenter lived on Cabot’s Southwest Hill and both were interested in preserving history. In 1976 the Carpenters were successful in persuading the town to sell the old schoolhouse to the Cabot Historical Society for $1.00. They applied for a grant from the state and appealed to the Cabot community for assistance. Everyone pitched in to repair the floor and foundation and rebuild the east wall that had been opened to allow large equipment to be driven in. They cleaned and painted it inside and out. It was a huge undertaking, but the community effort was successful and the building was saved. The Historical Society had regular meetings there and continued working on restoring the inside, gathering desks and memorabilia from collectors throughout the community. The “Heritage Class,” led by Cabot’s former high school teacher/principal David Book in 1996 partnered with the Cabot Historical Society to research the period the school represented and help restore it. The students found authentic textbooks and furniture and pitched in to clean, repair, and transport donated items to make the school one of very few remaining one-room school museums. The old school is still owned and maintained by the Cabot Historical Society and is open for guided tours by appointment. At the top of West Hill, across the road from the Bothfeld family’s Dunstable Farms, there is a small cemetery surrounded by broad fields and pastures, with tall trees along the fence line and lovely views beyond. This is the final resting place for those early settlers and others who followed them over the years. District No. 4 School bells no longer ring and the mill at West Hill Pond is now a private residence. The Kimball, Harvey, Fisher, Hopkins, Peck, and Houston farm families are gone, but the high pastures, woods, and fields remain with new names on mailboxes along well-kept gravel roads. Much has changed since Enoch Hoyt built his cabin here, but West Hill will always be a treasured part of Cabot’s history.

↑ contents

Cabot Trails Update - Muddy Trails and Other Stuff

by Gary Gulka The Cabot Trails Committee reminds you to use good judgment and stay off trails that have not dried out this early spring. Horses and bikes can do quite a bit of damage. We will try to keep you posted on trail conditions on Front Porch Forum and social media. We are excited to be posting our trails on the Trailfinder.info website that lists hundreds of trail descriptions and maps in Vermont and New Hampshire. If you have not visited this website, it is worth checking out this wonderful resource. We will soon be implementing trail user surveys at our trailheads. We will still have paper log sheets that we’d like you to use, but we also will have an electronic trail user survey – you can point your phone at a QR code to access an online survey, and you can even upload photos of your hike. As our trail network has grown to over 15 miles, we need more volunteers that can lend a hand with trail maintenance chores, especially in the warm weather months. We’d like to expand our network but have concerns about taking on more than we can manage. So please consider helping on a trails workday event or even as a caretaker for a section of a trail. If you’d like to learn more, contact us at cabotvttrails.com or speak to a Trails Committee member our committee includes Dana Glazier, Gary Gulka, Lynn Rockwell, Kris Schmitt, Michael Socks, Chuck Talbert, and Paul Wade.

↑ contents

Community Contra Dance on April 11

by Karen Mueller-Harder On Friday, April 11, come celebrate the arrival of spring (hopefully!) at the Cabot Community Contra Dance, featuring the friendly calling of Lausanne Allen! The dance takes place in the lovely third floor space in the Willey Building (Cabot Town Hall, 3084 Main Street), from 7-9:30 p.m. Live music is provided by a great group of local musicians--feel free to just come and listen if you prefer!

Bring a friend, or come alone, to enjoy a great sense of community and reconnecting with others after a winter of hibernation! All ages and abilities are welcome, and we all dance with each other. We use genderless terminology and all dances are taught, and easy to learn, but if you’ve never been to a contra, you are encouraged to arrive right at 7:00 p.m., as we will start with the simplest dances, and then we’ll build upon what you learn throughout the evening. Admission is on a sliding scale, $5-10 suggested, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds! Water is provided, or bring your own water bottle. Masks are welcomed but not required, and we ask that you bring some clean, dry shoes to keep mud off the dance floor.

↑ contents

Cabot Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc.

Mud season presents challenges for all of us, and with the muddy roads it sometimes takes a bit longer to get around town. Thanks to the Cabot Road Crew for doing a great job working with this issue! Sometimes we have to reroute to go around areas that are impassable for large vehicles. It may take us a bit longer to get there at times. Hopefully the roads will dry out soon. If you do not have your 911 address on your mailbox or clearly visible from the road, please do so. It can take us longer to find you if we can’t read or see any numbers when responding. We have three of our members in EMT class and we welcome our new member Ethan Garrison to our Cabot Ambulance Team. We are planning to host CPR and Basic First Aid classes in the near future. Everyone should know the basics and you will be able to help those in need around you. Enjoy the warmer weather and be safe!

Cabot Ambulance Staff while helping to support a great

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 3 onward.

↑ contents

ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

In late February, forester and nowpublished author Ethan Tapper delivered an enlightening talk to promote his first book, How to Love a Forest. His presentation delved into the challenges faced by our forests, offering valuable insights into their health and management—topics I often explore in my “Advice from the Tree Warden” articles. Among the most significant stressors are invasive species, climate change, whole tree harvesting, and high-grade logging. These issues are typically the result of insufficient forest management practices by previous landowners.

Invasive Plants

One of the most significant threats to forest ecosystems today is invasive plants, which outcompete and displace native species, often disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Certain invasives are so persistent that manual removal proves ineffective, necessitating the use of herbicides for control. The list of invasive plants continues to expand each year. It is important to remember that remediation is not a one-time effort but rather an ongoing commitment to preserving the health of the forest.

Climate Change

Climate change amplifies the invasive species issue by creating conditions where they thrive. For instance, strong summer storms with high winds create natural disturbances, opening forest canopies and allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. In mature forests with limited undergrowth, these open spaces provide an ideal environment for invasive plants to spread and flourish. The interconnectedness of climate change and invasive species highlights the complexity of maintaining forest health in a rapidly changing environment.

Whole Tree Harvesting

Clearcutting, or whole tree harvesting, further exacerbates the spread of invasives. By removing all trees from an area, clearcutting creates barren spaces flooded with sunlight, which can encourage the growth of fast-spreading invasive plants over native species. Another major drawback of this practice is the lack of woody debris left behind. Woody debris plays a critical role in slowly releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem and improving soil water retention—essential factors for forest resilience during droughts.

High-Grade Logging

High-grade logging, which prioritizes the removal of the best-quality trees for profit, significantly degrades forest ecosystems. This practice leaves behind only poor-quality trees, compromising the forest's ability to regenerate and reducing overall biodiversity. The long-term impact of high-grade logging is profound, as these forests often take decades to recover under proper stewardship. Despite these challenges, forests are remarkably resilient. In Vermont, trees regrow well given the right conditions, and thoughtful stewardship can help restore their health over time. Forest management is a slow but rewarding endeavor, offering landowners the opportunity to gain experience and adapt as their forests regenerate. By addressing invasive species, understanding the effects of climate change, and embracing sustainable logging practices, we can ensure the vitality of our forests for generations to come.

↑ contents

OBITUARIES

Brenda B. Degreenia Our quiet, gentle mother, Brenda Belle (Perry) Degreenia, surrounded by her family, passed peacefully on March 9, 2025, She was born on July 4, 1942, to Azro and Anita (Reynolds) Perry in Waterbury, Vermont. Brenda graduated from Waterbury High School in 1960. She attended the Fanny Allen School of Nursing and received her degree in nursing in 1961 as an LPN. She worked for a few years at Copley Hospital in Morrisville, VT. In 1964, She met and married Forrest H. Degreenia and resided in Cabot, VT. They had four children- Forrest Mark, Richard, Julia, and Jennifer. In 1982, Brenda completed a refresher course in nursing and continued her career at Greensboro Nursing Home and then retired from Woodridge Nursing Home around the age of 65. Brenda spent a lot of her spare time reading and crocheting blankets and tablecloths, stuffed toys and doilies. She was very talented in crochet and did beautiful work, which she mostly gave away, but also sold some of her creations at craft shows in her younger years. Brenda will be remembered for her kindness and caring for people and animals. Her love of Christmas and tradition. Teaching her children to be selfsufficient, hardworking, and to have integrity. She taught us to appreciate the little things in life, like flowers and bees, looking at the stars, watching the geese fly overhead every Spring and Fall, then listen and watch them until

Jennie Gilbert Obituary Jennie Martina Gilbert born in St. Johnsbury, VT to Martin and Jean Cormier on January 18, 1944, passed on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a four-week health battle at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, with her beloved soulmate Richard Gilbert by her side. Jennie graduated from Danville High School and went on to work in dietary at Brighton Hospital in St. Johnsbury. She enjoyed going to dances and that is where she met the love of her life, Richard. They were married on March 17th, 1963, in Walden, VT by Reverend Bigelow. They were the 1st to be married in Reverend Bigelow’s little home chapel. Jennie took great pride in her home, family and the businesses she and Richard ran together. She worked at the Cabot Creamery office, fabric manager at Zayres while keeping books and helping operate Gilbert’s Tree Services. In later years she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a teacher when she began substitute teaching in several area schools. She was diagnosed with leukemia in 1994, with a low chance of survival, but with the support of her family, her tremendous will, and starting Silver Fox they were out of sight. To enjoy watching the snow drift slowly down and to listen to a babbling brook on a hot day. To savor eating strawberry ice cream after working hard to pick the berries and make the ice cream by hand. These are the things we will remember and cherish the most. We were so lucky to call her mom. She is survived by two sons: Forrest and Cathy ( Pittsley) of Graniteville, VT, Richard and Becky (Stone) of Walden, Vt. Two daughters Julia and Brian Frigon of Vancouver, WA, and Jennifer Degreenia of Watertown, CT. She also had seven grandchildren and stepgrandchildren: Joshua Frigon, Garret Frigon, and Brandi Frigon of Vancouver, WA. Meghan Kezer of Warrensburg, MO, Alyssa Nelson of Berlin, VT. Edythe Degreenia of Salt Lake City, UT, Miranda Degreenia of Walden, VT, Jasmine Hubbard of Lyndonville, VT and Jessica Hubbard of West Burke, VT. Along with four beautiful greatgrandchildren. Survivors also include Brenda's brother Bernard Perry of Waterbury, VT, her favorite cousin Maggie Prevost of Wallingford, CT and a very special niece Rhonda Larrabee of Waterbury, VT. As well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Eleanor Graham of Marshfield, VT and brother Donald Perry of Northfield, VT. Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service on June 28, 2025, at the Maple Street Cemetery in Waterbury VT at 11:00 am. There will be a gathering afterwards at the Hope Davey Memorial Park on Maple Street, Waterbury VT to visit and enjoy a refreshment.

Farm Gardens, growing blueberries, and eating lots; she beat leukemia and became known as the Blueberry Queen. She enjoyed meeting all the customers and encouraging the use of blueberries for one’s health. Jennie loved spending time with her family, cooking, baking, and sewing for them. She especially loved all the hugs the grandchildren and great grandchildren shared. She was an excellent seamstress and crocheted and knitted many items that were sold at craft fairs and farmers markets. She enjoyed going on rides both locally and further distances. She had a great love of life and just wanted to” keep on living for as long as I can.” Her will and love for Richard are an inspiration to her family and friends. Jennie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard. Their children Bonnie and husband Robin Nunn, son Dickie Gilbert and wife Iris, daughter Cheryl Gilbert, son Shawn Gilbert and wife Meredith, and daughter Cynthia Gilbert. Their grandchildren, Richard, Victoria, Andrew, Dennis, Alexia, Jamie, Astasia, Ayre, Hunter, Madisyn, Toby and Shane. And great grandchildren: Jaden, Jaren, Rylie, Nathan, Lincoln, Perry, Serina, Charlie and Carter and several cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, brother Sony, her daughter Pamela, granddaughter Cordelia and her very special Aunt Charlotte.

A graveside service will be held on May 3 at 11 am at the Danville Green Cemetery in Danville, VT and followed by a celebration of life at Silver Fox Farm & Gardens in West Danville, VT.

Madeleine Louise Hayes Madeleine Louise Hayes, of Danville, VT, passed away in her home on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, just one day shy of her 92nd birthday. Madeleine was born to Albert and Louise (Beaudoin) Poisson in Bellows Falls, VT, on Feb. 5, 1933. While growing up, she moved back and forth between Charlestown, N.H. and Sweetsburg, Canada. She attended Charlestown Elementary from 1st-3rd grades, Presentation de Marie from 3rd-9th grades, and Charlestown High School from 10th-12th grade, graduating in 1952. Madeleine married her beloved husband, Alan Hayes, in 1957. After high school, Madeleine worked for a short time as a secretary in Claremont, N.H., followed by insurance work in Keene, N.H., using an IBM machine. Her next adventure took her to Pratt and Whitney in W. Hartford, Conn., working in payroll doing Keypunch on another IBM machine. Madeleine then spent time as a homemaker until 1968, when she and Alan moved to Cabot, Vt. and took over the general store under the name: Hayes Incorporated. They also ran the Danville Grain Store, or “Colonial Barn,” in Danville, Vt. from about 1975-1980. Later she worked at Burndy’s in St. Johnsbury, Vt., before they moved to Arizona where she worked for an inventory company. When Alan’s job moved them to West Virginia, she worked as a bookkeeper before finally retiring. Madeleine’s family remembers fondly how much she loved to play cards and games with them. She would still say she “DOES NOT cheat,” but all that

Erma Perry Obituary Erma Mae Perry, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born in St. Johnsbury Center, Vermont, on August 25, 1930, to William Guy and Beatrice (Cochrane) Guy.

Erma graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1948 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Education from Lyndon State College and began teaching at the Cabot Elementary School for the next 39 years. Erma later helped students in the Adult Education Program. Erma enjoyed and was very active in supporting community programs and activities, in recognition of doing so she received five awards for community service. Erma was a long-time and a wellloved resident of Cabot and member of the United Church of Cabot. She was well known for her beautiful talent for playing the organ. In 1953 Erma married Robert (Gus) Perry and they shared 46 years together.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jennie's memory may be made to Silver Fox Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 55, Cabot, VT 05647.

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

↑ contents

Cabot Garage Buyout Progress

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

Before town meeting, at the February 18 meeting of the Selectboard, Gary Gulka updated the board on the progress of the Cabot Garage buyout. Gary reminded the board that they have a grant and are proceeding with the buyout, and if the owner agrees, the town will become the owner of the property. Gary said that the property has to go through an environmental site inspectain, repair, or remove the dam. Karen then gave a history of the State’s evaluation of the dam. She said that in 2001 the state rated the dam in poor condition. Adding that after the 2023 and 2024 floods the state reinspected the dams rated “poor” and the West Hill Pond Dam was elevated to “High Hazard” on top of the “poor” condition rating. Karen said that things get complicated regarding standing and ownership. She said the Ericksons, who own the little red house next to the dam, per new state rules, are the owners of the dam. However, she said they are disputing ownership. She went on to say that normally the dam owners are responsible for creating the EAP, but because the legal owners are not doing it, the State of Vermont asked the town to facilitate the process of creating an EAP. She said the process has been ongoing for the last eight months and they are about to finish it. Adding that all the stakeholders need to do a final review, and then it will be brought to the Selectboard before it gets filed with the state. Laurie Gauthier told the board that they have been actively monitoring the dam and sending photos to the state every couple of weeks. Karen said that the team of engineers from the state said they would be back to inspect the dam after the spring melt. She noted that since the dam is private, they can only go on the dam with permission, which has not been granted yet. She added that the dam is viewable from public areas. Several members of the public talked about the resiliency of the dam, and how it hadn’t failed during the 2023 and 2024 floods. Some mentioned that the only thing that needs to be done is fixing the sluice gate. Karen said that the depth of the pond according to the state is mistaken, because very little of the pond is 15 feet deep. One member of the public wondered if it was possible for the town to take ownership of the dam, and another member of the public asked if that happened, what would be the liability. Jenn Miner pointed out that liability was a major sticking point regarding the town taking ownership of the former Clark Sawmill Dam. Mike added that the costs to the taxpayers for repair and maintenance should also be considered.

↑ contents

Board Reformed and Liaisons Named

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The March 11 Selectboard meeting was the first board meeting after town meeting. Since there were two new board members, there was a simple swearing in ceremony at the beginning of the meeting. Both Peggy Miller and Jenn Miner took their oath of office and officially became members of the Cabot Selectboard. Afterwards, the board had to reform and elect new officers. The board reelected Mike Hogan as the chair and elected Jenn Miner as the vice-chair, Peggy Miller was elected the clerk. Peggy questioned what the clerk duties were, and Mike said he would explain it, but the board moved onto the next agenda item in the meeting before that happened. After his election to the position of chair, Mike took over the meeting and talked about the need to adopt Roger’s Rules of Order for Small Boards. He suggested the board hold off on approving it until everyone had a chance to review the information he passed out. Mike then said he procedurally met with Peggy and Jenn on the previous Saturday and went through a lot of issues that the board has been dealing with. He mentioned that the board is a mini-legislature governed by Vermont statutes, and there are rules on procedures for Selectboards. He went on to say that the board is governed by Open Meeting Law, and Selectboard meetings must be warned, minutes taken and posted. Mike added that meetings are held in a hybrid fashion with people on-line, or calling in. He encouraged the new board members to answer texts and emails in a timely manner. Mike said that when there are things going on, texts are the best way to communicate. Mike then talked about priorities going forward that are inherited from the previous board. He mentioned that the town needs to get a time extension on the temporary firehouse, and that they are moving forward with the permanent firehouse.

He then rattled off a number of other projects, the legal work for taking ownership of the Clark Sawmill Dam site, the USDA brick-brack project scheduled for the summer, and the flood resiliency task force’s work. Mike mentioned that he and Amy Monahan continue to meet with FEMA. He said they don’t know how fast FEMA is going to reimburse the town. He added the Vermont emergency management is also working with the town on debris removal. He then talked about the Willey Building Committee and its desire to do some repairs, and the desire to resolve the ambulance contract for the FAST squad in the next few weeks. One of the last items Mike talked about was the wastewater plant. He indicated that several pumps and pumping stations have needed repair work or replacement, and all the fixes they are doing cost a lot of money. He added that the user fees do not cover the ongoing costs of the plant. Mike said they are looking at funding opportunities to take the burden off the town. Later in the meeting, during the “Other Business” agenda item Mike brought up the roles of board liaisons. He said that he has been the contact person with the road foreman. He mentioned that Sid Griggs didn’t want the whole board calling him, and that he wants to continue to be the board liaison to the road crew. He added that any major issue he would bring to the board. The board did not object. Mike then said that R.D. Eno, former board member, had been participating in the flood resiliency task force. Mike proposed that R.D. continue in that role as a liaison and report back to the board so that Gary doesn’t have to come to board meetings all the time. The board did not object. He then talked about Karen Larsen continuing as the board liaison on the West Hill Pond dam issue. Mike stressed how dam safety was critical for the town. He mentioned that there are 57 acres of water behind the dam that could cause a lot of damage if the dam should fail. Nobody on the board objected.

Mike said he called Ed the following day and told him that he had the opportunity to give the property to the town, otherwise he might be open to litigation because of neglect. Mike said that Ed agreed to turn the property over to the town with a quit claim deed. Mike said the town attorney did the title search and all the other requirements needed to take possession of the property. He added that the town even had a study done of the soil through ANR, a phase one study. Mike said the plan is to basically turn the location back into a green space. He then mentioned that the location also provides access for work upstream to do flood mitigation after the remnants of the washed away abandoned building are removed. Mike stated that Ed Larsen had already signed the quit claim deed and the board needs to put it on the record to accept the property. He then read his proposed motion approving that, and the property will be deeded to the Town of Cabot. He said that they won’t be able to build upon the property because ANR would not allow that due to the levels of contamination. Mike also said that he talked with the Friends of the Winooski, and they are ready to acquire grants to clean the area out. Mike mentioned that if anyone was to go behind Jenn’s house and his house, and all the way up to Aldo’s house, they would see a lot of damage. He expressed that owning the property opens up the door for money from the state to do work for flood mitigation. The board unanimously approved acquiring the Sawmill Dam property. Next, Mike noted that there are some outstanding taxes on the property, just under $1000. He said that Ed wasn’t going to give away the property and also pay the taxes. Mike said the town’s attorney recommended that the town forgive the taxes. Mike proposed that the board adopt a recommendation to the Board of Abatement to exempt the owed taxes. The board also approved this motion unanimously. The second dam under discussion was the West Hill Pond Dam, and Karen Larsen presented the current state of work on the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that she and the West Hill Pond Dam Property Owners Association had been creating. Karen said she would assume that all had read the article in the Chronicle and the Town Report. She continued by saying the dam is historic, and that there are 2000 historic dams in Vermont. Karen added that the biggest challenge is that the dam is privately owned. She relayed that from 2018 to 2020, the state noted that there were about 100 dams where ownership was unclear. She added that the legislature created rules about ownership and maintenance, as well as a dam safety program. Karen said that if there was a lack of dam stewardship, the state has the power to step in to maintion in order to reduce the liability. He suggested the town go through the Brown Site program, for which he has filled out the application. Gary added that the fee for the application was $500, but that was covered by the grant. He added the next step would be to hire a consultant to do the environmental sampling. Gary noted that there had been underground storage tanks, and the state (see, ’Cabot Garage’, page 6)

↑ contents

Tails of Two Dams

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

Two different dams were discussed at the March 18 Selectboard meeting, the Clark Sawmill Dam site and the West hill Pond Dam. First, Mike refreshed the board on the situation with the sawmill property owned by Ed Larsen. He recalled that in the past the board had discussed taking down the dam on the Winooski at the site, but there had been concerns. Then he pointed out that the flood of 2023 took out the dam.

↑ contents

The Little Mermaid Coming in May!

Cabot Community Theater brings the magical world of The Little Mermaid to life on stage this spring! An intergenerational cast of 45 talented performers from Cabot and surrounding towns will delight you with Disney’s musical stage version of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale with singing, dancing, and undersea sets and costumes. The show will be performed one weekend only: Thursday through Saturday nights, May 8-10, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. on May 10-11. Performances will be at the Cabot School Performing Arts Center, located behind the main school building at 25 Common Road, in Cabot. In keeping with our mission to provide affordable live theater to the community, admission remains at the low price of $10 for everyone, with a $5 discounted option for anyone who needs it. We are not taking reservations as of press time for this paper, but when our system is ready in April we will announce the information on Front Porch Forum and Facebook, and in fliers around town, as well as in the May issue of the Chronicle.

↑ contents

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Cabot Mentoring Program is to provide all interested youth in our community an opportunity for a one-on-one friendship with a responsible, attentive and nurturing adult in a mentoring relationship. Cabot Mentoring’s goal is to offer participants a broader worldview, increase exposure to healthy activities, experiences with positive communication and conflict resolution skills within a structured mentoring friendship. Youth who have a mentor will feel like they matter to people in their community. We work towards positive outcomes that will benefit participating mentors, mentees and their parents/caregivers.

Mentors obtain the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a young person. They can contribute to their community in a way that is affordable, direct and enjoyable with individual and community level outcomes. Their understanding of the community is broadened. Most importantly they receive the friendship of a young person.

Mentees benefit by having one-onone time with a caring and attentive adult. Participating youth have access to the life experiences and work skills of their mentor, who can also serve as a role model. Mentees in the communitybased program gain access to regional and town activities thereby broadening their worldview. Most importantly they gain a friendship with an adult.

Parents and Caregivers benefit by having another positive role model for their child who can reinforce common values of friendship, respect and manners. They benefit as their child gains access to recreational activities with adult supervision. Sharing a common interest in the well being of their child, parents and caregivers acquire friendship with a community member they may not have otherwise known.

The Community is strengthened because of the friendship and understanding created among community members who might otherwise not have known each other. Newcomers to the town have a way to meet their neighbors. Individuals without resident children have a way to connect with the youth in our community. The program's relationship based model highlights meaningful friendships and healthy activities that increase resilience and positive outcomes in youth long-term.

Please reach out if you would like information about the Cabot Mentoring Program: Mark Christensen, Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: 802-595-1130

↑ contents

Results of 2025 Cabot Town Meeting Australian Ballots Votes

The Legal Voters of the Town of Cabot are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Town of Cabot Willey Building, 3084 Main Street, Cabot, Vermont, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at ten o’clock in the forenoon [10:00 A.M.] to transact the following business from the floor. HAUR polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Willey Building, 3084 Main Street, Cabot, VT.] Art. 1. To elect a Moderator for the ensuing year. Jeanne Johnson was elected as Moderator. Art. 2. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot vote to accept the Town Report as printed for FY24? Approved. Art. 3. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize payment of real and personal property taxes on August 21, 2025, and November 20, 2025, by delivery to Cabot Town Hall postmarked on or before that date; and, Establish that overdue taxes will bear interest at a rate of one percent per month or fraction thereof for the first three months and thereafter one and one-half percent per month or fraction thereof from the due date of such tax pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 5136; and, Establish the amount of the penalty charged by the collector of delinquent taxes for payments made after the due date for payment to 8 percent of the tax collected pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1674(3) (A)? Approved Art. 4. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot elect all Town Officers required by law, according to law? The following Articles will be voted on by Australian Ballot and may be discussed on the floor except for Articles 5 through 8. Art. 5. To elect a Selectperson for a term of two years. [Australian Ballot] – Peggy Miller

Art. 6. To elect a Selectperson for a term of three years. [Australian Ballot] – Jennifer Miner Art. 7. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $946,044 to defray the General Expenses of the Town, with an estimated $113,089 to come from income and $832,955 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot] - Approved Art. 8. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $978,712 to repair and maintain the Highways of the Town including summer, winter, and special treatment, of which an estimated $160,000 is to come from income and $818,712 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot] - Approved Art. 9. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $5,234.35 to the Cabot Public Library to support the full budget request put forward by the Cabot Library Board of Trustees for the coming year? The Cabot Selectboard has made the decision to cut the Library budget, significantly reducing the modest budget request put forward by the Library Trustees (a 4.8% increase, exclusively to cover the cost of inflation, increased health insurance, and small costof-living increases for staff). This additional allocation would cost taxpayers an estimated $2.00/$100,000 household worth. A vote against the measure will result in the need to cut programs for children and adults and dramatically reduce the purchase of new books and other materials. The total budget amount ($122,234.35) has been approved and put forward by the Library Trustees, as required by Vermont Law. (Australian Ballot) - Approved Art. 10. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot exempt the land and building previously owned by the Town and known as The Masonic Hall, now owned by Neighbors in Action (501 (c)(3)), a nonprofit organization, from real property taxes for a period of five (5) years, pursuant to 32 V.S.A. §3840? (Australian Ballot) - Approved Art. 11. Shall the voters adopt the new CCIF (Cabot Community Investment Fund) Plan as printed in this Town Report, which calls for the consolidation of the UDAG and Scholarship Funds in a single CCIF Fund, and appropriate the consolidated CCIF Fund for the purposes of the plan? (Australian Ballot) - Approved Art. 12. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot approve the revised 2025 Cabot Town Plan as approved by the Cabot selectboard on January 7, 2025. (Australian Ballot) - Approved Art. 13. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot approve an appropriation in the amount of $2,132 for the support of Fairbanks Museum to provide services to residents of the Town of Cabot? (Australian Ballot) - Approved Art. 14. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot forgive the outstanding balance (approximately $25,721) of a UDAG Loan of $50,000 made to Cabot Commons, Inc.? (Australian Ballot) - Defeated Art. 15. To transact any other nonbinding business that may come before said meeting. Art. 16. To adjourn this meeting.

Attest: Betty Ritter, Cabot Town Clerk SELECTBOARD MEMBERS

Hoganmichael547 @gmail.com toptobotc @gmail.com Jenn @cabotvt.us bothfelds @gmail.com Michael Hogan, Chair Fred Ducharme 802 563-2827 802 793-8014 802 563-2102 802 917-2029 Jenn Miner, Vice Chair Walter (Skip) Bothfeld, Jr.

802 498-8245 802 563-2715 Peggy Miller, Clerk pmiller 518 526-5524 @cabotvt.us

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

↑ contents

CABOT TOWN OFFICERS ELECTED ON TOWN MEETING DAY

Zoning Administrator Brittany Butler 3-year term – 2025 Planning Commission Bobby Searles, Chair 7 members, 3-yr.

OFFICER Moderator Town Clerk NAME Jeanne Johnson Betty Ritter TERM EXPIRES 2026 Non-Term Appointed by Selectboard Hugh O’Brien Shaun Welters Glenn Goodrich Kate Chatot Assistant Town Clerk Shirley Ducharme Town Treasurer Development Review Board Jeanne Johnson, Chair Wolfgang Krutak Amy Monahan Brad Alexander Susan Carpenter Kempton Randolph Stephen Hogan Vacancy Michael Hogan, Chair 2027 Fred Ducharme, Vice Chair 2026 Jennifer Miner 3-year term 2025-2028 Walter (Skip) Bothfeld, Jr. 2026 Peggy Miller 2-year term 2025-2027 Brittany Butler Jeanne Johnson Jacqueline Lumbra Selectpersons Conservation Committee Gary Gulka Trails Committee Dawn Andrews Cedric Alexander Dana Glazier Gary Gulka Lyn Rockwell Chris Duff Michael Delacey Kris Schmidt Chuck Talbert Paul Wade Vacancy 2026 2028 2026 Cemetery Commissioners Melvin Churchill, Chair 2027 3-year term Listers Recreation Committee Cameron North Delinquent Tax Collector Susan Carpenter Grand Juror Dave Pike Master of the Colors Road Commissioner Town Attorney Jessica North Vacancy Will Walters Vacant Cedrick Alexander Deb Bothfeld Ruth Goodrich Angela Ward Ellen Cairns, Chair Chris Tormey, Vice Chair 3-year term Melissa Pratt 2-year term 2025-2027 Alicia Heber Jason Monaco Kurt Steinert, Chair Taeryn Robbins Leah Sare Angela Ogle Erin Ruddell 2028 2026 2025-2028 Tarrant, Gillies & Shems, LLP District Representative Greg Burtt Regional Planning Representative Newspapers School Directors Brittany Butler Barre Times Argus, Caledonian Record Cabot Chronicle NEKWMC Representative Betty Ritter NEKWMD Rep. Alternate R. D. Eno Library Trustees 3-year term 2027 2026 2027 2028 2026 Recreation Committee Cameron North, Chair Non-Term 3-year term Selectboard will appoint Non-Term Jessica North, Coordinator Non-Term Greg Burtt, Chair Cabot Community Investment Fund Appointed by Selectboard Chris Tormey, Vice-Chair Appointed by School Board 2028 2027 2026 2027 Melvin Churchill Jack Daniels Jason Monaco Willey Building Committee Brad Alexander Fred Ducharme Dana Robinson Paul Wade Betty Ritter Connie Hare Appointed by Selectboard 2028 2026 2027 APPOINTED BY SELECTBOARD Water/Wastewater Administrator Pound Keeper Animal/Dog Control Officer Fence Viewers Inspector of Coal, Wood, Lumber, & Shingles Tree Warden Fire Warden Health Officer Emergency Management Director Town Energy Coordinator Cabot Town Clerk Cheryl McQueeney Ruth Goodrich Laura Knowlton Anson Tebbetts Roland Payne, Jr. Andrew Luce Jenn Miner, Interim Fred Ducharme Cheryl McQueeney David Pike 5-year term – 2027 3-year term – 2027

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

↑ contents

2025 Cabot Selectboard

Two new members were sworn in at the first selectboard meeting following Town Meeting. Jennifer Miner and Peggy Miller were sworn in on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Photo by Brittany Butler. Members are (left to right): Jennifer Miner, Mike Hogan, Peggy Miller, Fred Ducharme and Skip Bothfeld.

↑ contents

From page 9

Folk Musician and Storyteller David Wilcox in Cabot April 24 By Mario Tarradell

Folk singer-songwriters are observers and documenters of the human condition, of the world around them, and of the intersection between the two. Revered folk musician David Wilcox is a penetrating storyteller with an effortless talent for spinning lyrics that quietly cut deep and for crafting melodies that embody the power of musical catharsis. Wilcox’s folk singer-songwriter pedigree is peerless. You can hear every nuance of the Ohio native’s warm baritone on his latest album, 2023’s acoustic opus My Good Friends, released on his own Fresh Baked Records. Friends is an immersive piece of work brimming with universal lyrics and four-minute mini-movies, including a trio of songs – “Dead Man’s Phone,” “This Is How It Ends,” and “Lost Man” – that are as cinematic as they are charismatic. The stripped-down collection of ten songs is a fanrequested creative respite as Wilcox continues to work on a full band album coming later this year. “I am grateful for the community that sustains me – my good friends,” he says. “These are the kind of friends that get you through difficult times. The kind of friends that you go to for a fresh perspective when the future looks grim. These songs grew out of conversations with friends, and they hold ideas that I like to have around. Wilcox shines before an intimate audience of fans and admirers, you could call them his good friends. Back on the road for a spate of shows, Wilcox returns to the stage for a Cabot Arts Vermont show April 24 at 7 pm at the Willey Building Auditorium, 3084 Main Street in Cabot, VT. Tickets are $22-$25; all ages are welcome. Tickets and information: CabotArts.org. For Wilcox, music is cathartic, even medicinal. Check out his website and you’ll find a “Musical Medicine” section that features songs ready to heal heartbreak, depression, and addiction. But also, there are songs to appreciate life, beauty, and “enjoying the bliss of the moment.”

See poster on page 16 of this edition.

↑ contents

Moving Forward: Cabot Historical Society

by Ruth Goodrich, President

The CHS is in the process of the repairs needed to the Main Street building to improve its structural integrity. We are in the grant application process to help defray expenses. Once that work is completed, we hope in early summer then we will re-open the building to the public. We are looking for volunteers to help us clean the inside and the grounds of the West Hill Schoolhouse as soon as the weather allows. To sign up, contact Brittany Butler at [email protected] or Ruth Goodrich at [email protected].

↑ contents

From page 10

Sign up in the box below to receive town updates and notices, for example: road closures, emergencies, job postings, deadlines. You will receive emails from “Cabot Vermont” occasionally with news we think you need. And at the bottom of the page, Cabot residents can update their mailing address, phone number and email address to ensure the town can reach you if necessary. Without good phone numbers or email addresses, we have had difficulty reaching people if mail is returned or if we need to reach you for any reason. Please consider updating your contact information.

↑ contents

A Little Caution Now, Fewer Headaches Later: Garden Smart This Spring!

‘Tis the season for nursery visits, plant swaps, and sharing divisions with friends and neighbors. But hold on just a minute…are you being safe and smart about what you bring into your yard?. Bringing home new plants, or having a big load of mulch or garden soil delivered is, of course, quite a lot of fun. However, it is not without risks. Along with that nifty plant, might you also be bringing home unintended (and unwelcome) guests? And how much do you actually know about this plant? Will it prosper as a tidy little mound, or will it spread everywhere and be impossible to contain? By giving a bit of thought to the materials you bring home, you can save a lot of headaches down the road.

Headache-inducing mistake #1: jumping worms Jumping worms are originally from eastern Asia. They are highly problematic, changing the soil to an inhospitable, coffee-grounds texture, devoid of organic matter and stripped of nutrients. This changed soil isn’t conducive to native plants, ornamentals, or veggies (or much of anything, except for aggressive and invasive plants). How do jumping worms get to your yard? The fastest method of spread is from soil brought in from elsewhere. In April, jumping worms are just starting their life cycle as tiny black cocoons. Trust me, you won’t see them mixed into a handful of soil! Potted plants from a nursery, or a plant swap, or your friend’s yard…all can harbor jumping worm cocoons. They are sometimes found in bulk soil, mulch, or compost. Soil stuck to shared tools, or on the bottom of boots can also spread cocoons.

Headache inducing mistake #2: aggressive plants There are plants sold by nurseries, and plants shared in earnest good will, that will cause you no end of trouble. Nearly all the worst invasive plants were originally sold by nurseries, and intentionally brought to the places where they wreck havoc: Bradford pear, burning bush, Japanese barberry, goutweed, and purple loosestrife, just to name a few. And plants don’t need to be exotic to be a problem; some native plants are too aggressive to let loose in the typical garden setting (Anemone canadensis, I’m looking at you). Though some invasive plants have been banned from the nursery trade, there are unfortunately many more that are still legally sold and widely available, such as chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata), vinca (Vinca minor), and butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii). And that division you pick up from a plant swap or friend could certainly be an overly-aggressive spreader. In fact, if you think about it, that may be exactly why the plant swaps or friends have plenty of these plants to give away.

Headache-inducing mistake #3: weedy stowaways Unwanted plants can hide as stowaways, traveling as bits of roots in the soil of an otherwise perfectly nice potted plant. Goutweed and quackgrass are often spread this way. Soil may also have weedy seeds in it, ready to germinate. Plant swaps and divisions from friends are the biggest culprit, as many nurseries (though not all) use weed-free soil for potting, and keep their potted stock well weeded.

So what can you do to garden safer and smarter? Mostly, it comes down to two things. 1) Don’t bring in contaminated materials, and 2) know what you’re planting.

Here are some specific actions that can help:    Buy bare-root nursery stock. Start plants from seeds. Purchase bagged compost/mulch/soil, rather than bulk materials stored on the ground. If you need to buy bulk, ask if they have a management plan to keep their product free of jumping worms. When sharing plants with friends, wash off the roots thoroughly, and wrap with damp paper towels for transport. Ask them to do the same for you. At nurseries with potted plants, ask about their jumping worm controls. If they don’t have an answer, or seem unconcerned, request that they wash the roots clean for you. Or just shop elsewhere. Wash tools thoroughly before sharing with neighbors, or even when using on different parts of your own property. Before visiting others, wash off muddy boots and work shoes in an area where it will be hot and dry (like a driveway). Consider keeping some loaner boots for visitors to your place. Find out a little about the plant you’re getting, before you plant it in your yard. Check multiple sources, not just the tag it came with. Once you’ve added plants or soil or mulch to your property, keep an eye on it. Check for unwanted weedy plants popping up (within a few weeks of planting), or signs of jumping worms (generally obvious in late summer). And if a plant seems to be spreading very rapidly, consider control measures before it becomes an unmanageable problem.

Plant safe, plant smart, and have a lovely spring!

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 the Garden Goddess page at www.SocksFamilyFarm.weebly.com, email [email protected], or call 802.498.7785.

     

↑ contents

Homestead Declaration Filing DUE DATE: April 15, 2025

You may file up to October 15, 2025, but the town may assess a penalty

The 2025 filing deadline for personal and corporate income tax returns, Homestead Declarations, Property Tax Credit claims, and fiduciary income taxes is April 15, 2025. Vermont resident homeowners must file a Homestead Declaration each year, even if they don’t need to file personal income tax. When they file their Homestead Declaration, they may qualify for a Property Tax Credit. The Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit claim are submitted at the same time, either when filing Vermont Personal Income Taxes or separately using myVTax. By Vermont law, property owners whose homes meet the definition of a Vermont homestead must file a Homestead Declaration annually by the April filing deadline. If eligible, it is important that you file so that you are correctly assessed the homestead tax rate on your property. Here is the information you, as the property owner, need to know about the Vermont Homestead Declaration. In Vermont, all property is subject to education property tax to pay for the state’s schools. For this purpose, the property is categorized as either nonhomestead or homestead. A homestead is the principal dwelling and parcel of land surrounding the dwelling, owned and occupied by the resident as the person’s domicile. All property is considered nonhomestead, unless it is declared as a homestead. The education property tax rate levied on nonhomestead property differs from the rate levied on homestead property. It is your responsibility as the property owner to claim the property as a homestead if you meet, or expect to meet, the following requirements: You are a Vermont resident  You own and occupy a homestead as your domicile as of April 1, 2025.

Nonhomestead Property

Property is considered nonhomestead if one of the following applies:  Your property is leased for more than 182 days out of the calendar year.  The property is used exclusively for commercial, including rental, purposes. The property is used for a second home, camp, vacation, or summer cottage.

How to File

Online -Taxpayers may file returns using myVTax, our free, secure online filing site (https://www.myvtax.ver mont.gov).

Paper Returns - If you cannot file and pay through myVTax, you may still use the paper forms. The Homestead Declaration is filed using Form HS-122, the Homestead Declaration, and Property Tax Credit Claim. Use our filing checklist that follows to help you get started. Many people file their Homestead Declarations at the same time they file their Vermont income tax returns. However, if you apply to extend the time to file your income tax return, the Homestead Declaration must still be filed by the April filing deadline. Even if a person is not required to file a Vermont Income Tax Return, the declaration must be filed by the deadline.

Tip: If you file a paper form, it is important to remember to sign the form at the bottom of the reverse side (below the Property Tax Credit).

What You Will Need to File

In addition to the property owner’s basic information, you should have the following available when filing:  The property owner’s Social Security Number The code of the Vermont school district in which the property is located is found on the property tax bill (the school code is the middle three digits of the SPAN). More information is available at https://tax.vermont.gov/property-owners/homestead-declaration.

↑ contents

Upcoming Events at the Jaquith Library

All events are free and held at the Jaquith Library unless noted otherwise. For more info: 802-426-3581 or email: [email protected] Or visit our website: www.jaquithpubliclibrary. Play Reading: Murder by the Book by Laura Teasdale Saturday, April 6 at 2 pm

The Friends of the Jaquith Library will present a staged reading of “Murder by the Book” by Laura Teasdale, sponsored by author Lousie Penny. The play is a lighthearted play within a play about a group of amateur actors putting on a murder mystery production as a fundraiser for the library! Yet something happens that strangely mirrors what is happening in the play! After the reading there will be a cast party with yummy refreshments. All play attendees are welcome to attend. Produced by special arrangement with Playwrights Guild of Canada. Suggested donation $10.

Let's Talk Race: Building Bridges through Conversation Friday, April 4 & Friday, April 11 at 6:30 PM Join Central Vermont SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) and facilitators Shalini Suryanarayana and Kathy Johnson for a two-part series using “Let’s Talk Race” Conversation Cards. This card deck was created by BIPOC Vermonters as a tool to prompt discussion about racism, class and privilege, and shifting power. The series is designed to help all people grow our ability and skill to have conversations about race, by providing a tool to expand mutual understanding, empathy, and communication. The sessions are different, but non-sequential, so you can attend one or both.

Water, Boulders, and Mud: The July 2024 Great Brook Flood in Plainfield A Talk with George Springston Thursday, April 17 at 7 pm

The catastrophic flood of July 10, 2024 destroyed many residences and made many more uninhabitable. It also took out many bridges and long sections of road. Recovery will take years and millions of dollars, and it is clear that the community has been fundamentally altered by this event. Plainfield resident and Norwich University Professor George Springston will discuss the rainstorm, the flooding, the extensive geomorphic changes to the river corridor, and the impacts to individuals and the community.

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 19 at 11 am

Come to the old Schoolhouse Common in Marshfield and hunt for Easter eggs. There will be soft and cuddly live bunnies to pet and maybe a few other animals too!

Mending Knits: A Free Community Skill Share Saturday, April 19 at 2 pm

Come and prepare your knits to be packed away for the season! Learn basic skills for mending knit items with Sarah Graves of Magic Bean Farm. Bring your own items to repair and leave this skill share with your knits restored! Mending supplies will be provided.

Building Healthy Soil with Ansel Ploog of Flywheel Farm Saturday, April 26 from 2-3 pm

Learn about soil health and how to encourage a rich and regenerative growing medium for your garden. This will be a hands-on class in the community gardens at the Old Schoolhouse Common.

Monthly Book Group for Adults Fourth Mondays at 7 p.m.

Join us for the Jaquith book group. For copies of the book, please stop by the library. New members are always welcome, and it’s only one hour a month!

April 28 - Old Babes in the Woods by Margaret Atwood May 19 - James by Percival Everett Chapters in History Book Group Second Saturdays of the Month at 2:00 PM The public is encouraged to participate in this free reading and discussion series. Books are available for loan from the library.

April 12 - Ruthless Tide: The Heros and Villains of the Johnstown Flood, America’s Astonishing Gilded Age Disaster by Al Roker May 10 - Triangle: The Fire that Changed America by David von Drehl Spring Story Time and Playgroup Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

For children birth to age six and their grown-ups. We follow the Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold the program the days Twinfield is closed.

All Hands Together Community

Crafting Group on 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.

Baby & Caregivers Meet-up with Good Beginnings Every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 am Join us for our weekly gatherings where caregivers can relax and connect while their babies play and explore in a calm, supportive setting. Geared toward babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Siblings can come along as well.

Just Food Hub Fundraiser for the Jaquith Library Give Someone You Love a Gift Basket! The Jaquith Library is raising money by collaborating with Just Food Hub, a profit-free, volunteer-run coop in Marshfield that helps raise funds for organizations and groups. When you go to jaquithlibrary.justfoodhub.us to order, the Jaquith gets 30% of all purchases. Just Food Hub sells ethically sourced, authentically fair-traded food from around the world. Mostly sourced from Equal Exchange, Just Food Hub food is organic, grown by small farmers and worker coops in the Global South and across the US. As part of the alternative trade system, Equal Exchange and Just Food Hub are focused on fighting racism, fighting climate change, and supporting organic food, workers co-ops, and small farmers. WE ALSO SELL JUST FOOD HUB ITEMS AT THE LI- BRARY. Wood Moisture Meter is available to borrow at the Jaquith Library The Vermont DEC’s Air Quality & Climate Division (AQCD) and the Department of Libraries have co-sponsored the state-wide wood moisture meter loan program. Hand-held wood moisture meters are available at 63 public libraries for patrons to borrow for free to check the moisture content of their firewood. Wood burning is an economical way to heat homes. However, proper burning practices are necessary to prevent poor air quality and protect public health. We also have an Indoor Air Quality Meter for Loan.

↑ contents

It’s Not Too Late: Last Four Writing Workshops for Folks Affected by the Summer Floods

Writing workshops have been scheduled in Peacham and Barnet from March 11 to- April 22 for people affected by the summer floods. There are four workshops remaining. Whether folks were directly affected by the floods or witnessed their town or neighborhood reeling from the outcomes of the floods, these workshops provide a place to tell our stories, process our thoughts, share with one another what we went through, put our words down on paper, remember, laugh, be grateful and be with one another. Workshops will be led by Bess O’Brien from Kingdom County Productions and Writers for Recovery Seven weeks of workshops are scheduled--all on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm. We hope people will come to all of them, or some of them, and of course drop-ins are welcomed also! The workshops are FREE. If you’d like to sign up in advance contact the Peacham or Barnet libraries or just show up!!

The workshops will consist of sevenminute writing prompts, where we will write together and share memories, struggles and the process that we are going through as individuals, families and as a community to heal from this difficult experience. Through writing and sharing, we help each other as we recover. No writing experience needed. The workshops provide a safe and powerful space to share stories. And a place for laughter and fun too! Open to anyone- Just bring pens and paper! Workshops are: Tuesdays 6:30-8:00 pm April 1 Barnet Library April 15 Barnet Library April 8 Peacham Library April 22 Peacham Library For more information contact Bess O’Brien at [email protected]

↑ contents

Bears Are Waking Up Take Down Birdfeeders and Secure Other Food Sources to Prevent Bear Conflicts

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens and is urging Vermonters to remove their birdfeeders and take additional steps now to prevent conflicts with bears over the spring and summer. “Do not wait to take down your birdfeeders and bearproof your yard until a bear comes to visit,” said Jaclyn Comeau, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Bear Biologist. “You need to act now to head off bear conflicts over the spring and summer, even if you have never had a bear visit your property before.” Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years. Officials believe this trend is a result of Vermont’s healthy black bear population learning to associate people and food over multiple generations. Even with a steady increase in the number bears harvested by hunters in recent years—including a record harvest in 2024—Vermont’s bear population has been stable over the past two decades and shows signs of growth over the past five years. Shorter winters also mean that bears are emerging from their dens earlier in the spring. In recent years bear activity has begun in mid-March. This is roughly two weeks earlier than what is traditionally considered the start of “bear-aware season” in northern New England. “Preventing bears from having access to human-related foods is key to successful coexistence with these long-lived and intelligent animals,” said Comeau. “Bears can be found in every corner of Vermont other than the Champlain islands. Put bluntly, most Vermonters live in bear country.”

“Deep snow may delay some bears from emerging from winter dens until April, but mid-March is the time for Vermonters to prepare for the early risers by taking down our birdfeeders, making sure garbage is secure, and protecting backyard chickens and bees with an electric fence,” said Comeau. “This will help teach bears that our yards and neighborhoods are not good places to search for food, but it will only work if everyone does their part.” Taking these precautions will also help reduce the chance of attracting other wildlife species such as raccoons, skunks and rodents. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department also asks Vermonters to submit reports of bears engaging in potentially dangerous behavior like targeting birdfeeders and garbage, feeding on crops or livestock, or investigating campgrounds. Reports can be submitted on the department’s Living with Black Bears web page. The data help biologists keep track of bear incidents and provide early interventions to head off conflicts. “At the end of the day, purposely feeding a bear is not just bad for the bear,” said Comeau. “It is also dangerous for you, it causes problems for your neighbors, and it is illegal. If bears are finding food on your property, it is your responsibility to remove that attractant and report a problem before the situation gets worse.”

↑ contents

Why Donating Blood Frequently May Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Reprinted from Nice News blog of March 14, 2025 Based on Press Release of March 11, 2025, from Francis Crick Institute https://nicenews.com/health-andwellness Written by Stephanie Friedman

Being a good Samaritan may pay off even more than you thought. While donating blood is a selfless act that can save lives and help address an urgent public health need in the U.S., there might be a good selfish reason to do it, too. A new study from researchers at the Francis Crick Institute in London determined that giving blood often may result in genetic changes in our blood stem cells that help prevent cancers like leukemia from developing. When comparing frequent donors (individuals who gave blood three times annually over 40 years) to sporadic ones (those who gave blood fewer than 10 times total), the scientists found that the former were more likely to have favorable genetic mutations in their stem cells. “Our work is a fascinating example of how our genes interact with the environment and as we age,” senior author Dominique Bonnet said in a news release. “Activities that put low levels of stress on blood cell production allow our blood stem cells to renew and we think this favors mutations that further promote stem cell growth rather than disease.” Analyzing blood from over 200 men in each category, the scientists zoomed in on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), aka blood stem cells. These cells naturally mutate as we age, which leads to clones with subtly different genetic makeup, a process known as clonal hematopoiesis. While this is normal, certain mutations can cause blood cancers. Giving blood didn’t affect the cells’ likelihood of undergoing clonal hematopoiesis — it was found to be just as common in frequent donors versus sporadic.

However, the researchers noticed that the genetic makeup of blood cells in each group varied when it came to a gene called DNMT3A, which is known to mutate in people who develop leukemia. This finding spurred the team — who collaborated with scientists in Heidelberg, Germany, with the help of the German Red Cross Blood Donation Center — to conduct follow-up experiments. They decided to edit human HSCs using CRISPR, and then implant the edited cells in mice. The result? When the mice that had blood removed were then exposed to stress imitating that of frequent blood loss, the cells with DNMT3A mutations produced red blood cells to recoup blood supply, and those new cells didn’t turn cancerous. “Our sample size is quite modest, so we can’t say that blood donation definitely decreases the incidence of preleukemic mutations and we will need to look at these results in much larger numbers of people,” Bonnet said. “It might be that people who donate blood are more likely to be healthy if they’re eligible, and this is also reflected in their blood cell clones. But the insight it has given us into different populations of mutations and their effects is fascinating.” While the researchers can’t yet say for sure that donating blood often makes you less likely to develop leukemia, they theorize that doing so can reduce your chances of developing early blood cancer mutations. “We had to look at a very specific group of people to spot subtle genetic differences which might actually be beneficial in the long-term,” said Hector Huerga Encabo, postdoctoral fellow in the Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory at the Crick. “We’re now aiming to work out how these different types of mutations play a role in developing leukemia or not, and whether they can be targeted therapeutically.”

↑ contents

Wall Street Journal

In a March 19, 2025, article by Jen Rose Smith for the Lifestyle/Travel section of the Wall Street Journal, four Vermont establishments are featured, and one of them is Cabot’s Harry’s Hardware. The feature photo is a quartet playing live music at Harry’s, and the photographer, Maggie Fisher, also captured a snowmachine waiting outside in the cold, and patrons warm inside enjoying pizza, egg rolls and a hot dog with all the fixin’s. The writer interviewed a couple of out-of-state tourists on site, and one of them said the egg rolls are better at Harry’s than the ones he gets in Queens, NY! The article also featured the Maple Corner Community Store and Whammy Bar in Calais, the Parker Country Store and Parker Pie Company in West Glover, and Fox Market and Bar in East Montpelier.

↑ contents

From page 13

The department asks Vermonters to take the following proactive steps for coexisting with bears:  Take down birdfeeders between mid-March and December.  Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures, trash cans alone are not

enough.  Follow the steps on our web page for composting in bear country.  Use electric fences to keep chickens and honeybees safe.  Request a bear-resistant dumpster from your waste hauler.  Feed your pets indoors.  Never feed bears, it is illegal.

↑ contents

April 26, 2025

Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. Turn in unneeded medication for safe disposal. Use https://www.dea.gov/takebackday to find closest dropoff site.

↑ contents

CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS

LIBRARY HOURS: Monday noon

- 6 pm, Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm, Wednesday 2 - 6 pm, Thursday noon - 6 pm, and Saturday 9 amnoon. Curbside library service is still available during regular library hours. Thank you for voting “Yes” on Town Meeting and fully funding the library – we are so grateful for your support! VT Author John Kerrigan – Just Raise Your Left Hand: Tell Us a Story- Wednesday, April 9 – 7pm - Kerrigan has been a science teacher and coach for 42 years at Harwood Union High School, in Duxbury VT. He changed countless students' lives, by believing and pushing students to believe in themselves and reach their goals. In his 42 years of teaching, he led Harwood Union High School to win a staggering 47 State Championships, in Cross Country Running, Track & Field, and Nordic Skiing. Kerrigan will read from his book and sign copies for those wishing to purchase a copy. We follow the main character (Joe Tepedino) in his evolution as a young novice teacher and coach to a seasoned veteran and international coach and referee. The book is written as 13 short stories. Most of the stories take place in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. Lessons on how to motivate students, circumvent administrative policies or just have fun as a classroom teacher are detailed in this book. Spring Gardening Workshop with Susie Socks – Tuesday, April 22 – 6:30-7:30pm Bring your gardening questions for garden and homestead consultant, Susie Socks. Susie is experienced in numerous areas including the following:

Edible landscaping: incorporating veggie gardens, raised beds, berry bushes, and fruit trees into the space you have; Pollinator gardens and wildlife habitat: making your yard a welcoming space for wildlife; Right plant/right place: choosing plants that will thrive; Planning for maintenance: sizing garden beds, creating paths, setting up watering, managing invasive plants, making places to linger Native plants: the how and why of native plants, including nuances of "what is native?", substituting natives for exotic ornamentals Plants to avoid: aggressive plants, and what you can do if you have them already Susie is the owner of Garden Goddess consulting and gardening, and Socks Family Farm. She is a member of the Ecological Landscape Alliance and the Northeast Organic Farmers Association and serves on the ELA Annual Conference committee. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in Natural Resources and Environment, and a lifelong love of playing in the dirt. Susie and her family have been proud Cabot residents since 2007.

Cabot Book Group – there are two options to meet - Wednesday – April 23 at 6pm or Thursday – April 24 at 2pm. Feel free to choose whichever time suits you. Copies of the book selection (TBA) will be available in the library for you to borrow. All are welcome! – Email [email protected] for more info and to be added to the book group email list.

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!

Story and Activity Time (ages birth - 5+) - Ongoing - Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 am - Willey Building thirdfloor

- Join youth librarian Amanda Otto for stories, songs, snacks, crafts and open play! All are welcome! Chums & Chapters (ages 6 - 8) - Thursday, April 17 & Thursday, May

22 - 3:15 - 4:45 pm - Celebrate togetherness with a friendship-themed book club. We'll explore great friendship-themed reads and create fun crafts to share with others. Snacks provided. Special thanks to everyone who participated in our Community Live Storytelling event – the stories were wonderful! Thanks to Peg Hough and Seth O’Brien for helping to bring author Trish O’Kane (Birding to Change the World) via Zoom to the book group meeting in March. Many thanks to Dana Glazier and the Trails Committee, and to Chris Duff and the Conservation Committee for coorganizing our Bluebird Nesting Box Workshop and Presentation and to Larabee’s Building Supply for donating materials. Additional thanks to Burtt’s Apple Orchard and to the Cabot Creamery for donating food to support our youth programs. Thanks so much to our Saturday volunteers: Vicky Palmer, Christina Sacalis, Elizabeth Vitale and Beth Wade and to Losada Stoddard for running our D&D program on Tuesday afternoons. We are so grateful to our Library Trustees who provide support and direction: Angela Ogle, Taeryn Robbins Kurt Steinert, Erin Ruddell, and welcome to Leah Sare, our newest Trustee. Many thanks to Niall Mccallum for serving so thoughtfully and cheerfully these past three years and thanks for helping with Chess & Checkers Club!

Kathleen Hoyne – Library Director Amanda Otto – Youth Librarian

↑ contents

ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

In late February, forester and nowpublished author Ethan Tapper delivered an enlightening talk to promote his first book, How to Love a Forest. His presentation delved into the challenges faced by our forests, offering valuable insights into their health and management—topics I often explore in my “Advice from the Tree Warden” articles. Among the most significant stressors are invasive species, climate change, whole tree harvesting, and high-grade logging. These issues are typically the result of insufficient forest management practices by previous landowners.

Invasive Plants

One of the most significant threats to forest ecosystems today is invasive plants, which outcompete and displace native species, often disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Certain invasives are so persistent that manual removal proves ineffective, necessitating the use of herbicides for control. The list of invasive plants continues to expand each year. It is important to remember that remediation is not a one-time effort but rather an ongoing commitment to preserving the health of the forest.

Climate Change

Climate change amplifies the invasive species issue by creating conditions where they thrive. For instance, strong summer storms with high winds create natural disturbances, opening forest canopies and allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. In mature forests with limited undergrowth, these open spaces provide an ideal environment for invasive plants to spread and flourish. The interconnectedness of climate change and invasive species highlights the complexity of maintaining forest health in a rapidly changing environment.

Whole Tree Harvesting

Clearcutting, or whole tree harvesting, further exacerbates the spread of invasives. By removing all trees from an area, clearcutting creates barren spaces flooded with sunlight, which can encourage the growth of fast-spreading invasive plants over native species. Another major drawback of this practice is the lack of woody debris left behind. Woody debris plays a critical role in slowly releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem and improving soil water retention—essential factors for forest resilience during droughts.

High-Grade Logging

High-grade logging, which prioritizes the removal of the best-quality trees for profit, significantly degrades forest ecosystems. This practice leaves behind only poor-quality trees, compromising the forest's ability to regenerate and reducing overall biodiversity. The longterm impact of high-grade logging is profound, as these forests often take decades to recover under proper stewardship. Despite these challenges, forests are remarkably resilient. In Vermont, trees regrow well given the right conditions, and thoughtful stewardship can help restore their health over time. Forest management is a slow but rewarding endeavor, offering landowners the opportunity to gain experience and adapt as their forests regenerate. By addressing invasive species, understanding the effects of climate change, and embracing sustainable logging practices, we can ensure the vitality of our forests for generations to come.

↑ contents

The Cabot Public Library, Trails Committee and Conservation Committee Partner on Bluebird Nesting Box Workshop & Presentation

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Bluebird Workshop and Presentation on Saturday. Special thanks to the Cabot Trails Committee, the Cabot Conservation Committee and Larrabee's Building Supply for sponsoring the program and especially to Dana Glazier and Chris Duff for doing a great job leading the workshop and providing detailed information about bluebirds and their habitat! Didn't get to make the workshop? Visit the library to pick up an Eastern Bluebird fact sheet or nesting box instructions. We have several birding books that you might enjoy too, including The Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds by Donald W. Stokes and Lillian Q. Stokes Cabot Public Library

↑ contents