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The Cabot Chronicle

February 2026 · 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 February 2026 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

Flood Resiliency Task Force Update

North tributary bridge on the upstream side (built 1944) with inadequate headspace for passage of water and debris. This led to flooding and siltation of ten properties and damage to the Rec field which was out of commission for 2 years. We have received funding to replace the bridge with an elevated bridge with much greater headspace for water and debris.

by Gary Gulka Following up on our success in receiving news of a $1.25 million Community Development Block grant in December for the replacement of the bridge on the north tributary (by the rec field), we are in the process of hiring consultants to conduct archeological and environmental reviews of the project site. These are required elements before we are actually awarded the funds. We will also be developing a request for bids for final engineering design of the project and permitting and having discussions with landowners who will be impacted by the project. If all goes well, we may be able to start construction in 2027. The flood mitigation project in the center of the village (removal of the (see, ’Flood Resiliency’, page 3)

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Lets Go to Jet’s!

by Jeanne Johnson Working in Denver, Ian and Christine Maclaren wanted to move back to New England (where Ian grew up), and they were looking for a restaurant that fit their needs. They chose the restaurant on Main Street, Cabot. Ian is the chef; Christine is a dog groomer. He’s the food artiste; she’s the business organizer. They sold their business in Colorado, a pet grooming salon. Christine brings the business mind, and Ian's got industry experience, so they're hoping to be a good fit for this location and to keep it going, and have it actually be a part of the community. They feel they will complement the food options already available in town at the Cabot Village Store and the Den for a sit-down family meal. “We're not trying to be fancier than we are. We're not fine dining-type people. It's not who we are. We're trying to offer food that has a little bit more of a restaurant feel, but it's not pretentious. Not unfamiliar things. We're trying to cater to what we would like when we want to go out to eat with our kid, regular people. We're calling it casual fine dining, where it’s comfort food, but elevated in a way, like, maybe the technique in which we cook it is different, or the plating is more elegant than you would normally (see, “Lets Go to Jet’s”, page 2)

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Proposed Cabot School Budget for 2026-2027

In mid-January, the Cabot School Board approved a proposed budget of $4,792,620 to operate Cabot School for the 2026-27 school year. Cabot voters will decide by Australian Ballot on Town Meeting Day whether to approve this proposed budget or not. The proposed budget is 6.1% larger than the current year’s budget, and if approved, will result in an anticipated 3.7% increase in Cabot’s Homestead Tax rate. Across Vermont, local Homestead Tax rates have been projected to increase on average by about 12% this year. Several factors have contributed to Cabot’s anticipated Homestead Tax rate increase of 3.7%. They are:

1. The proposed budget includes an increase of approximately $120,000 in salaries. Historically, Cabot teachers’ salaries have been lower than those in neighboring districts, and contract negotiations last year led to an agreement to gradually eliminate that difference hence the relatively large jump in the overall salary figure in the FY 27 budget. 2. We closed out the 2024-25 school year with a budget surplus of $320,000, and we are applying $140,000 of that surplus to our FY 27 budget. 3. Our enrollment at Cabot School increased by 11 students this year. Since our school’s cost/pupil is a major driver of our local tax rates, this increase was definitely helpful. Finally, Cabot’s “Common Level of Appraisal” (CLA) dropped by 7% this year.

The CLA is a measure of how closely recent home/property sales in Cabot align with their appraised values. As properties are sold at higher percentages above their appraised values, the CLA decreases, and every drop in the CLA drives up the Homestead Tax rate. Interestingly, had Cabot’s CLA remained unchanged this year, the (see, ‘School Budget’, page 3)

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LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Happy January! The state legislature started back on the sixth with plenty of work to do. In my second year in the House of Representatives, I was glad to see that folks get down to business at the start of the session.

I have nine bills that I am introducing in addition to the six I introduced previously. An important bill among those makes some revisions to Act 181 of 2024. Act 181 makes changes to Act 250. The Land Use Review Board (LURB) is currently in the process of rule making regarding Tier 3 areas which will have a large impact on many towns in Vermont, including Cabot, Peacham, and Danville. Any land mapped as Tier 3 will come under Act 250 and LURB’s jurisdiction. This means that, in addition to obtaining a town zoning permit, an application will need to be submitted to LURB, who will review, apply rules, and decide whether to award permits.

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Why is the Restaurant Named After a Dog?

“Jet is My Champion!” Jet is a champion show dog and Ian is a dog handler. He’s spent thousands of dollars training this dog, and “I'll call him to come here, Jet, and he’ll just look at me.” And yet, take him to a dog show and he’s a totally different dog. He's a champion. Complete strangers walk up to him, grab him by the face. He doesn't care. They jab their fingers in his mouth because they have to check his bite, and he doesn't care. Even just outdoors, he's perfectly fine with meeting new people. It's just when he sees it as his space, his people, he makes the rules. He loves children, though. Any child can walk up to him. He doesn’t care. Ian shows Jet all over the country – the dog is more well traveled than most people. He's competed in Las Vegas, Missouri, Florida, all over Colorado, Wyoming. They've got 40-plus ribbons. Jet is very special to him, he raised him from a puppy, from about three weeks old.

They also have a white fluffy dog named Lacey – Christine always wanted a white fluffy dog, and she took Lacey in when a client needed to rehome her. Christine says she’s actually more well-behaved than Jet.

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School Budget

(continued from page 1) proposed school budget for 2026-27 would have led to a decrease in the Homestead tax rate. Two other things should be mentioned at this point. First, the proposed Cabot School budget for next year is well below the state’s “Excess Spending Threshold” of education spending/pupil. Also, Governor Scott has vowed to “buy down” school tax rates again this year by adding $75 million to the Education Fund. If that happens, our local Homestead rate would certainly be reduced, but it’s unclear if that would be decided before Town Meeting Day.

On March 2, (the evening before Town Meeting Day), we’ll hold our Cabot School District Annual Meeting in the CSPAC at 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there: it’s a great time to ask questions /get information about the school in general or about the budget in particular. And, don’t forget to vote on Town Meeting Day on both the school and town budgets from 7:00 AM -7:00 PM at the Willey Building (or by mail in: contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 563-2279). Thanks! Chris Tormey Cabot School Board The legal voters of the Cabot School District, Cabot, Vermont, are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Cabot School Performing Arts Center, Cabot, Vermont, on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the evening to transact the following business not involving Australian Ballot. Australian Ballot voting will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with the polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Willey Building, 3084 Main St, Cabot, VT 05647.

Article 1. To elect a School District Moderator for a term of one (1) year.

Article 2. To elect two School Directors, one for a three-year term, and one for a two-year term.

(To be voted on by Australian Ballot)

Article 3. Shall the voters of the Town School District approve the minutes of the March 3, 2025, Annual School District Meeting?

Article 4. To hear a report of the School Directors.

Article 5. Shall the voters of the Cabot School District approve the school board to expend $4,792,620, which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? The Cabot School District estimates that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in per pupil education spending of, $14,629, which is 2.1% higher than per pupil education spending for the current year. (To be voted on by Australian Ballot)

Article 6. Shall the voters of the Cabot School District authorize the Board of School Directors to borrow money to pay its lawful debts and expenses for the fiscal year which ends June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed 90% of the anticipated collection of taxes and receipts of other funds to be used for those purposes? (To be voted on by Australian Ballot)

Article 7. Shall the voters of the Cabot School District authorize the Cabot School Board to hold any audited fund balance as of June 30, 2026, in a reserve fund to be expended under the control and direction of the Board of School Directors for the purpose of operating the school? (To be voted on by Australian Ballot) To transact any additional business that may legally come before this meeting. To Adjourn.

Article 8. Article 9.

2026 – WARNING TOWN OF CABOT – 2026 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 3, 2026, 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, Town Clerk’s Office, 3084 Main Street, Cabot, VT.] Article 1. To elect a Moderator for the ensuing year. Article 2. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot vote to accept the Town Report as printed for FY25? Article 3. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot authorize payment of real and personal property taxes on August 20, 2026, and November 19, 2026, by delivery to Cabot Town Hall postmarked on or before that date. 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. 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)? Article 4. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot elect all Town Officers required by law? The following Articles will be voted on by Australian Ballot and may be discussed on the floor except for Articles 5 through 7. Article 5. To elect a Selectperson for a term of two years. [Australian Ballot] Article 6. To elect a Selectperson for a term of three years. [Australian Ballot] Article 7. To elect a Town Clerk for a term of three years. [Australian Ballot]

Binding Articles

Article8. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $968,161 to defray the General Expenses of the Town, with an estimated $137,393 to come from income and $780,768 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot] Article9. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot appropriate the sum of $1,130,766 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 $970,766 from local taxes? [Australian Ballot] Article 10. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot give the Selectboard and the Town Treasurer the authority to borrow up to $125,000 through the Vermont Bond Bank at approximately 2.9% interest for 10 years for the purpose of purchasing new radios for the Cabot Fire Department to replace current radios which are obsolete and are not supported by any current vendors of software? [Australian Bal- Y\aJ Article 11. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot give the Town Listers the authority to increase the exemption from $5,000 to $25,000 of value of business personal property of all taxpayers subject to such tax?

(see, ‘Town Warning’, page 4)

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Offices to be Elected at Town Meeting 2026

It takes many hands to accomplish the business of running a town. Significant dedication and problem solving is required. According to the 2025 Annual Town Report, the following positions will be voted on in person at the next Town Meeting and in the ballot box in March. Consider how you may be able to serve fellow community members:

AUSTRALIAN BALLOT VOTE:

 Town Clerk 3-year term  Selectboard Member 2-year term  School Director two 3-year terms ELECTED FROM THE FLOOR:

 Town Meeting Moderator one year term  2 Listers 3-year terms  Delinquent Tax Collector 1-year term  Grand Juror 1-year-term  Cemetery Commissioner – 3-year term  Library Trustee 3-year terms, 2 positions  CCIF Committee 3-year term  Willey Building Committee 3-year terms, 2 positions Contact the Town Clerk for information on where to find details about position responsibilities,.

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Flood Resiliency

(continued from page 1)

Cabot Garage and construction of a bridge) on the south tributary is moving along slowly. Although we have state funding for the buyout of the Cabot Garage, we are only at the stage of identifying an alternative site and determining the costs of relocating the business. We have hired the engineering firm, DuBois & King, to help us identify a viable site and develop a preliminary site plan and costs for site development and a new building. We have evaluated seven sites, some on town property and some on private property. We are at the stage of selecting one or two sites as the preferred new location to then proceed with preliminary site design and cost estimates. We do not have funding for the project at this time – the FEMA grant application we submitted last year is doubtful for financing, and we need to look at other funding sources that may come available at the state or federal level to pay for this nearly $2 million project.

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From page 4

Article 12. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot grant to the Cabot Conservation Committee a sum of up to $10,000 for the removal and proper disposal of an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 used tires that have been dumped into and along a stream and wetland in Lower Cabot from CCIF funds available for Town Meeting grants in 2026? [Australian Ballot]

Non-binding Article

Article 13. Shall the voters of the Town of Cabot approve construction of a new Volunteer Fire Department building at 2466 Main Street (between 2506 and 2454 Main, the old Gochey/Marcotte property, Cabot, Vermont.) “Non-binding advisory only” [Australian Ballot] Article 14.To transact any other non-binding business that may come before said meeting. Article 15. To adjourn this meeting.

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

Running for Re-election

Dear Cabot Voters: I have served on the Cabot School Board since 2021 and am up for reelection for one of the three-year terms this year. With my experience and knowledge of Vermont's education system, I believe I bring a balanced viewpoint to the board. I always keep the expressed hope that the legislature will agree with the governor and use some one-time money to lower the overall state tax rate, like the board did with FY25 surplus money, and bring Cabot’s projected tax rate down further. The calculation for the majority of Cabot residents who pay school property tax based upon income yields a rate of 2.33%, which is 1% lower than FY26. John also pointed out that the nonresidential rate was calculated to be 1.43, an increase of 0.07 from FY26. At the Selectboard meeting held on January 20, Jeannie Johnson, the head lister, notified the Selectboard that, due to the dropping CLA and the increasing COD (Coefficient of Dispersion), the town will likely be receiving notice this summer that a reappraisal is required. She added that over half the towns in Vermont need reappraisals because reappraisals can’t keep up with rising housing sale prices, so it is likely the reappraisal will not happen until 2027 or 2028. Jeanne also noted that since the last full townwide reappraisal was in 2020, and the 2024 reappraisal was just statistical, it is likely this, too, will trigger a reappraisal order based on the new legislated mandate for reappraisals every six years.

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School Budget

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The School Board spent their last couple meetings discussing the school budget. At the special meeting on December 15, they went through the budget numbers with the new Director of Finance, John Burke. He presented the budgetary drivers for a $427,704 increase as follows:

Collective Bargaining Agreement (Salaries)

Health Benefits

Supervisory Union Assessment

Repair/Maintenance

Tuition expense

Special Education Assessment $318,781 $123,532

-$133,220 $12,500

$16,084

$28,219 He noted that when it drops below 15 degrees, cars have more traction than when the temperatures are higher, and sand isn’t always necessary. Sid also said that at the colder temperatures, the sand will freeze in their dump bodies, causing all sorts of issues. Sid admitted that he doesn’t always make the right call, and reminded everyone that he is human and makes mistakes. He also said that he can’t know the weather in every corner of the town, and added that it is often different in different parts of the town. He concluded his letter by asking everyone to slow down. He emphasized that if someone has good tires and drives slower, they will have fewer problems. Sid also noted that he, Aldo and Harry have to drive to the town garage in the worst weather with the worst road conditions because no one plows or sands for them. At the next meeting, Mike noted how many hours Sid and the road crew have been working. He also said that they recently went out with the grader to push the snow banks back. Mike added that, even with the breakdowns, and the issues with getting salt, he felt the roads are in good shape. Chief Dean Deasy commented that when there is an accident at 3:00 a.m. and he calls Sid to spread sand onto the scene, Sid comes right out and helps out the fire department. Members of the public at the meeting agreed that Sid and the road crew are doing a great job.

Supervisory Union Business Assessments

Redemption of Principal (Long Term Debt)

Supervisory Union Food Service Assessment

Gen Admin- Superintendent Assessment

All other areas (Net)

$11,658 $10,000 $19,998 $14,924 $5,228 The board discussed the possibility of using some of the surplus in the FY25 budget to reduce the increase in the FY27 budget. They left the possibility open and decided to conclude the discussion in January. At the next meeting, on January 14 of the new year, John presented the final FY27 budget, which showed a total expenditure of $4,792,620, a 6.1% increase from FY26. Before taxes are calculated, that amount is reduced by the projected income of $77,550. The board decided to use $140,000 from the FY25 surplus to further reduce the total education spending to $4,575,070, a 2.1% increase from FY26. Chris reminded the board that Cabot has had the lowest paid teachers for years. He added that the new collective bargaining agreement will bring Cabot teachers to the same pay level with the rest of the supervisory union over a period of three years. He said that this year, the increase is 7.2%, and the following fiscal year it will be 6.7%, and in the third year it will be 4%. John explained to the board that the Equalized Pupils / LTW ADM Pupils remains the same at 312.75, which equates to a per pupil spending level of $14,629, a 2.1% increase from FY26. He added that the excess spending threshold is expected to be $16,472, so there is no anticipated penalty. To calculate the tax rate, the state wide average property yield and the statewide average CLA (Common Level of Appraisal) are combined with the local CLA to calculate the projected tax rate for the percentage of Cabot residents that pay the full tax rate. The calculation yields a projected rate of 1.31, which is 0.05 higher than FY26. Chris Tormey quality of our children's education at the forefront of my decisions, while also never forgetting the needs of all of us who live in town and are affected by the budget. If you have any questions for me about my viewpoints, please feel free to reach out - [email protected]. Thank you for your support. Ellen Cairns

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Road Conditions

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

Mike Hogan spoke to the room about some people complaining about the highway crew and the condition of the roads at the January 7 meeting of the Selectboard. Sid Griggs, Road Foreman, was not able to be present at the meeting, so he read from a letter that Sid wrote to the board. Sid’s letter started with explaining that he could not be present at the meeting because he was spending time with his ill grandfather. He went on to say that the winter has been difficult, and lately Cabot has been experiencing what he calls the “snow globe affect, where it starts snowing and just doesn’t stop.” His letter stated that when it is very cold, they mix sand with the salt to help the salt stick to the road, and to darken the surface so the sun helps melt the ice and snow. He added that they have had issues with getting salt delivered, which has hampered operations. Sid further explained that deciding to go out is not as simple as it seems. He said that he has to consider temperature, snowfall amounts, and heavy traffic times. He expressed dismay at the comments on social media stating they don’t go out on the weekends to sand the dirt roads, stating that it is not true. Sid stated that they work “whenever the weather dictates.” Adding that he holds off on sanding the back roads when it is cold enough and the snow is going to fall all day.

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Hello, my name is Michael Walbridge.

I am a longtime resident of the Cabot area, having spent much of my youth here. And though I have also lived off and on in Virginia, this is my home, this is where I have property, and that is why I am here today. I am running for the two-year seat on the selectboard. In my 26 years of culinary work (mostly as head chef), and countless hours around the barn, the tree fields (both maple and Christmas), and many other outdoor jobs, I have come to know the value of teamwork and organization. To get through those tough 'on the spot' moments, both management and problem solving skills are required to achieve the best outcome for the majority involved. Not everyone gets to be happy every time. And I feel that has led to much of the inability, in many levels of government, to move resolutions forward. The problems remain and fester. I'd like to take my 'in the field' problem-solving experience to try and move important concerns into the direction of resolution. If that costs me some of that so-called 'free time,' then so be it. Here I am, ready to take a look at issues, learn the tools at hand, and find reasonable solutions. I thank you for your time.

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The Mystery of School District No. 9.

…year and 33 during another. Other trustees over time were Parker Chase, Daniel Collins, I. Kimball, and G. Hopkins. These names help to locate where that district was. In the book of records kept by Thomas Osgood between 1817- 1856, districts 1-12 and district 14 are shown. The last entry of expenditures for District 9 was in 1841. In that report there were 38 scholars at Kimball School, and the trustee was I. Way. All the other districts were still being reported. There may be more records somewhere that would further explain the closure of Kimball School and the possible existence of an earlier school building in the West Hill Pond area than the one that remains, but many of those old papers have been lost over time. At one time, the post office, town offices, and Earle Roger’s store were located in the Union Block where Cabot’s general store is now. It was a large building with an apartment on the second floor. In March, 1935, the building burned to the ground, and many town records were lost. Rogers rebuilt his store and the post office remained there, but the town clerk’s office was relocated.

School District 9 doesn’t show up on any maps of Cabot that we know about, and the only explanation seemed to be that it was probably omitted due to superstition, as there was also no District 13. However, recent information has come to light showing that District No. 9 did exist. It is impossible to tell exactly wherethe boundaries of District 9 were, but it likely included the general area along what is now known as Churchill Road and Coit’s Pond Road. That whole area is shown as part of District No. 4 on the 1873 Beer’s map, and until this new information surfaced, it was supposed that Kimball School probably preceded the school we now know as West Hill School. However, school districts were opened more or less as communities grew, and we know that the area near West Hill Pond was settled very early and a sizable community developed there. Kimball School, however, may have been established somewhat later as land was cleared on the hill above West Hill Pond. In Cabot, Vermont, A Collection of Memories From the Century Past, published by the Cabot Oral History Committee in 1999, it mentions that Enoch Hoyt bought 320 acres of land in 1797 and began clearing in “the field in back of the school-house.” That land eventually became the property of Orson Kimball. Although the Beer’s map of 1873 does not show a District No. 9, it does show an “old school” just beyond the intersection of Churchill Road and Coit’s Pond Road, and this was Kimball School

– also known for a time as “Hopkin’s School.” In those early years, each school had a “trustee” who looked after the school. The trustee submitted records of the number of students (commonly referred to as “scholars”) during the period school was in session, and paid bills – probably mostly for supplies and occasionally for wood or “housekeeping.” Generally wood was supplied by families who had children in school, and housekeeping was often done by the teacher, with the help of students. In 1817, Enoch Hoit H5\faJ was listed as trustee of District No. 9, and there were 27 scholars during one session that Interior of Kimball School, unidentified people. From Cabot Oral History Committee collection.

After Kimball School closed, the students from District 9 were sent to either the new schoolhouse in District 4, the Village, or possibly Merritt School on the road to South Walden. History is often like a giant jigsaw puzzle – the indi- Kimball School Photo, year unknown. From Cabot Oral History Committee collection.

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

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Cabot High School’s Exhibition Night

On a chilly early evening in January, the classrooms and snowy sidewalks of Cabot School were busy. As one semester drew to a close, students had hustled to prepare exhibitions showcasing their work, and parents, siblings and interested community members had turned out.

A student's house design ... Mary Ann Tormey photo.

Across the campus there was a lot to see, read about and hear. In the “shop space”, students in Dan Parrella’s Engineering History course had been challenged to research iconic structures around the world and demonstrate how a small replica of them might serve a valid purpose in Cabot. Included in the project was building a scale model of the structure, pricing out its cost, and preparing a presentation pitching the new construction to the Selectboard or School Board. The students’ choices were diverse, from a four-foot-long Golden Gate Bridge spanning a small brook to a Great Wall encircling the campus, to a Torii (a traditional Japanese gate.) The students who’d researched that gate suggested adding it to the entrance of Cabot’s Elm Street Cemetery to both enhance the area’s beauty and to prompt residents’ interest in Japanese culture. In the science room, Thomas Dunbar’s students had been researching causes of various mass extinctions over the millennia, as well as less drastic changes in recent years to our own Winooski watershed. Photos and “macroinvertebrate” (insect larva) samples documented students’ investigations A student's presentation. Mary Ann Tormey photo .

Students from band 1.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 7 onward.

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Cabot Mentoring Attends Statehouse Luncheon

On Friday, January 16, Mentor Vermont hosted a Youth Mentoring Advocacy Day luncheon at the Vermont Statehouse to inform Vermont legislators about the status of youth mentoring programs in the state. Youth mentors and their mentees from around the state gathered in the morning in the House balcony where they were recognized by the legislature. Next they met in statehouse room 10, where they prepared to meet for lunch with their representatives to share about their mentoring programs. While there, they were addressed by Monica Hutt, Chief Prevention Officer from Governor Phil Scott’s office, who shared about the governor's commitment to mentoring.

Washington County State Senator Andrew Perchlik joined and was presented an award for youth mentor advocacy by students from the Twinfield Together mentoring program. Cabot youth mentor Mark Christensen and his mentee, Orion Lucas, represented Cabot Mentoring. They got to explore the amazing Vermont Statehouse and meet with Mentor Vermont staff and other mentoring matches from around the state. The highlight of planning, writing, filming, adding music and editing needed to reach their goals: one, a drama entitled, “How to Carry the Light Home,” and the second, an outdoor horror film called “Mourning of Silence”. Following the screenings, there was ample time for the students in each production team to field questions from the audience about the challenges of the process and the particular choices they made along the way. As the finale to an evening showcasing the wide range of opportunities for students to both learn and demonstrate that learning, the high school band performed two rousing numbers- assisted on trumpet by their teacher, Jonny Flood, and with a guest vocal by science teacher Thomas Dunbar.

Orion Lucas heading for Youth Mentoring Advocacy Day at the Vermont Statehouse.

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St. Valentine and St. Dorothy

As we approach Valentine’s Day, you might be reflecting on Saint Valentine, the martyr whose name is associated with the holiday. According to some sources, he secretly performed marriages for couples, which allowed the new husbands to avoid being conscripted as soldiers. In other accounts, he is jailed for attempting to convert the Roman emperor Claudius II to Christianity. While in jail, he restores the sight of the jailer’s blind daughter, and shortly before his execution, writes her a note, signed “from your Valentine”. Some scholars believe there were two men by the name of Valentine, others believe there were three. This would certainly explain the diverse acts attributed to him. As the patron saint of lovers, engaged couples, and happy marriages, is he also the patron saint of other romantic things, such as flowers and gardens? Actually, no. His other saintly departments are beekeeping, epilepsy, and plague. Flowers and gardens are the purview of another saint: Saint Dorothy. Saint Dorothy is said to have lived in the fourth century, in the region that is now Turkey. According to legend, she was lovely and courageous, and dedicated her life to helping the poor. She had offers of marriage, but declined, emphatic that her only bridegroom would be Christ. A high ranking Roman military official by name of Sapricius became entranced with her beauty, and was very offended when she refused his romantic advances. He sentenced her to death, and rather than falling into despair, she enthusiastically exclaimed that she would soon be walking amidst the fruits and flowers of Christ’s garden. In an attempt to further punish and humiliate Dorothy, Sapricius ordered her to walk through a hostile crowd on the way to her execution. Dorothy dressed in a bride’s raiment, choosing to reframe her execution as a wedding. A young lawyer in the crowd, Theophilus, jeers at her, saying “bring me fruits and flowers from your bridegroom’s garden!,” to which Dorothy responds that she will. Soon after the execution, a delivery boy appears at the home of Theophilus with a basket of apples and roses. He repents his sarcasm and derision, and converts to Christianity. St. Dorothy is now known as the patron saint of small gardens, florists, and those who gather fruits and flowers. In most portrayals, she has a wreath of flowers twined in her hair, and a basket of apples. Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy gardening (in a short few months!).

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, garden lore, and more. For gardening help, email [email protected], call 8 0 2 . 4 9 8 . 7 8 5 , orvisit www.SocksFamilyFarm.weebly.com.

I couldn't pull Tammy away from her store chores.

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Cabot Ambulance Service

by Ruth Goodrich 2025 has been a very busy year! So much has happened around our community. We honor those who have passed away. It is a privilege to serve the community. We had a total of 119 incidents, ranging from illness, injuries, motor vehicle accidents, medical alarm activations & more, including a couple of wild goose chases for false alarms. These calls come out day or night, and our all volunteer staff have been exceptional about turning out in time of need. They all have jobs, families and busy schedules, yet they find the time to train, roll out of bed in the middle of the night and sometimes put their lives and health on the line to do the job, and they do it well. They all have done extremely well in some pretty challenging situations this past year.

Thank you for your continued support. We hope 2026 will be a good one for all.

 We will be underway with the task of

making a digital catalog of the entire collection  We will be continuing work at the

center of town historical sites to remove brush and beautify the area  We will be working on programs for

the youth and general public utilizing the West Hill School House and the Main Street Building We have several new donations of items that we will be displaying as well. If you are a member or would like to become a member, and would like to be involved with these or other projects, contact Ruth Goodrich at 802.426.3418 or [email protected] - we'd love to have you on board.

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How’s Tammy Doing?

by Jeanne Johnson I stopped at the Cabot Village Store to see how Tammy Christman is doing. She’s been out on medical leave for months and working reduced hours more recently, and people have missed seeing her; but nobody more than Michael Delacy, owner of the store. He says he’s had to work 60hour weeks when Tammy’s not in! He says Tammy is the reason the store is hanging in there. Tammy’s schedule right now is three mornings a week, usually Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, unless she needs to change the schedule to accommodate doctor appointments. She makes the grinders, the soup and the lunch selection. She also makes some of the cooler salads, like potato salad. I complained about the price of the potato salad, and Michael says it’s the labor; Tammy says it’s the love. Michael says, if anyone thinks they’re getting rich on it, they’re wrong! Having dropped about forty pounds, Tammy says she’s learned a lot about her health and is taking it seriously. She has a phenomenal nurse at Central Vermont Medical Center, and she is very grateful for all the well-wishes from the community that have made recovery better. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to ask her where she learned to cook – I've told her before she makes the only soups that I don’t add salt and pepper to because they’re so tasty. She says mostly she learned to cook from Scott; many recipes are things he used to make at the school dining hall. She also has recipes from her grandmother. But she doesn’t cook at home. I never got her to stop what she was doing long enough to get a decent photo, but it sure was nice seeing her back in action at the store.

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ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

Managing Cabot’s Ash Trees

in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation Roadside Ash Tree Removal Planning As Tree Warden, I am currently undertaking the important task of planning for the removal of roadside ash trees. This year will mark the beginning of the removal process for some of these trees along our roads. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is now present on multiple properties in Cabot, and the infestation of ash trees is expected to continue spreading annually, just as it has been across the state since EAB was first discovered by a forester in Orange, Vermont, in 2018.

Recognizing Signs of EAB Infestation As you drive along the back roads or walk your property’s roads and trails, please stay alert for early signs of EAB infestation. Two common indicators are woodpecker fletching and the dieback of the treetops. From mid-May through early June, adult EAB emerge from the ash trees and return to flight for the summer months. When the Adult EAB exits the ash trees, there will be D-shaped exit holes approximately one-eighth inch in diameter. If you see any of these signs, please let me know where you saw possible EAB infestation.

Monitoring and Impact of EAB Spread

Gathering information on how the infestation is spreading throughout Cabot is critical for determining which roads will require the removal of ash trees from the road right-of-way. Cabot has approximately sixty-eight miles of roads, with at least forty miles lined by roadside trees. Monitoring the spread of EAB will be much more manageable with the help of landowners across town once an EAB infestation is confirmed on their property. Most EAB-infested ash trees succumb to the damage EAB causes; survivors are referred to as lingering ash. Unfortunately, most of our ash trees, including green ash, white ash, and black ash, will not survive the EAB infestation, which has a mortality rate exceeding 98 percent. Within fifteen years, a significant percentage of the ash trees will be gone. Once signs of EAB infestation are visible, most trees die in about three years. Ash trees have been an important part of our forest ecology for a long time. Take time to enjoy the beauty the ash trees provide in our forests before the EAB infestation significantly diminishes the ash tree population. Roland Payne Jr. Cabot Tree Warden

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NEK Broadband & CVFiber (NEKCV) Celebrate Success!

We are making excellent progress as we keep our promise to bring reliable highspeed internet to people who have slow service - or none at all

- in our 72 towns in Central Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom. Our success has taken dedication and a lot of hard-working people. Take a look at what we've done, and please know that we are working as fast as we can to reach towns that are still without high speed fiber internet. TOTAL MILES WITH FIBER OP- TIC LINES - 1055 miles in 40 of our 72 towns ADDRESSES WITH SERVICE AVAIL- ABLE - 10,026 FUNDING SE- CURED - 59% of the total needed. A federal grant and matching state grant are moving through the application process. If awarded, we will have close to the total needed to complete our mission over the next few years of construction. WORKFORCE TRAINING/NEW JOBS

- We held three technician training sessions - in Newport and Barre. 28 men and women graduated. We have hired eight of them, who now have well-paid jobs with benefits. "If there is something that needs to be done, and I can do it, sign me up," NEKCV Warehouse Associate JJ Flores said. "If I can help the team with something, I'm happy. I just want to work." ADDITIONAL STAFF - We eliminated contracts with other organizations for technical planning and management and hired our own staff to do that critical work. That's 13 new jobs in Vermont. HOME PHONE SERVICE - Find out what over 400 customers have found out

- you can easily transfer your existing telephone number to our service. There's unlimited calls in the US and Canada at no extra cost. Our competitive rates ensure you get the best value for your money. Enjoy helpful features including voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, and more. WHAT WILL 2026 BRING? We plan to bring our internet to parts of 15 more towns in 2026, build over 550 new miles of fiber lines and offer service to 5000 additional locations. Our crews will be working throughout the cold and snowy winter!

READ WHAT SOME CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE Fiber internet being activated in Cabot! Thanks to all in town who helped make this possible! Robbin S. Tebbetts photo "We got hooked into NEK Broadband several weeks ago and so far love it. The folks that came to do the install were great, didn't leave until we tried everything out and did several speed tests etc. Customer service called a week or so later to check in. The price is cheaper and it's local, win win." Dave from Walden "We are thrilled with CVFiber! Real people, real appointments scheduled and on -time. I can now use my cell phone at home. We have waited a long time for such good service. Thank you CVFiber!" Happy customer in Woodbury NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DI- RECTOR "I grew up in Montgomery and personally know that the Northeast Kingdom and rural areas of Central Vermont have so often gone without the economic and educational resources that more populated areas in Vermont have had for a long time. I am so happy to celebrate our progress over the past 5 years. Working with the seventy-two dedicated local representatives on our board of directors has shown me how well Vermonters can succeed when we work together." REGISTERforUPDATES Please go to http://get.nekbroadband.org or http://cvfiber.net to find out if there is service right now where you live or work. If we haven't reached you yet, preregister now, and we'll send you updates and let you know about progress. Preregistering is not a commitment to take service.

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Community Contra Dance on February 13

by Karen Mueller-Harder

On Friday, February 13, the Cabot Community Contra Dance welcomes a new caller to our roster: Jennifer McHone Villalobos, from the Granite State! The dance takes place in the lovely 3rd floor space in the Willey Building (Cabot Town Hall, 3084 Main St), from 7-9:30pm. Live music is provided by Franklin Heyburn, Susan Reid, Kenric Kite, Pam Bockes, and David Van Houten, on fiddles and guitars! Coming to a dance is a great way to lift your spirits, and be reminded of all the kindness in the world! This traditional New England dance form welcomes people of all ages and abilities, and everyone dances together. We use gender-neutral terminology, and generally change partners throughout the evening. The dances are easy to learn and Jennifer will teach you everything you need to know.

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. We ask that you bring clean, dry shoes to change into during the winter months, and if you want to bring any Valentine’s Day treats to share, those would be welcome! If you have younger kids who like to dance, there will be a series of family dance sessions in Woodbury on Saturday mornings this winter/spring: 10:30- 11:30 on January 24, February 7, March 21, April 4, and May 16. Karen Mueller- Harder will teach dances and singing games from American and English traditions, and it will be suitable for all ages. (If you have a baby or toddler, bringing your favorite carrier/sling/backpack will make it easier to dance together!) We’ll do different dances each session, so you can come to some or all dates. To sign up, contact the Woodbury ComunityLibrary : l i [email protected].

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Presidents Day and Football

February 8 is Superbowl Sunday and February 16 is Presidents Day. Here is the real football at work several years ago...the nickname for the briefcase that contains the codes to launch nuclear missiles. It is ALWAYS with the President of the United States. It gets real when you see it this close. Rollin S. Tebbetts photo.

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Investing in our Cooperative

WEC October 30, 2025 Coop News By Susan Alexander Susan gave us permission to reprint this article last fall, but we ran out of room. I’m happy we could find space for it this month. Editor

So, what’s really in it for me if I transfer my gas dollars into electric dollars? Aside from the benefits to our air quality, the real reason is that as a member of a co-op, and helping to make that co-op financially strong, we can all benefit from an increase in the number of kWh sold. – Susan Alexander

Cooperatives exist in many forms: from food stores to credit unions to electric utilities— and my personal experience over the years as a member of multiple co-ops has been almost entirely positive. I attribute this to the general principles of a cooperative being hard to argue with: democracy, equity, mutual benefits, community. And while there are many commonalities in cooperative structure, there are also unique circumstances that differentiate how they operate and how members can participate. For example, many cooperatives, in addition to having a minimal investment in the form of a membership fee, offer a reduction in cost of goods and services in exchange for an additional contribution in the form of time or effort. My local food co-op provides a discount on products sold in the store in exchange for some elbow grease cleaning the storeroom or stocking shelves. When we sent our toddlers to the Woodbury Playschool cooperative, we received credit towards their tuition in exchange for lighting the wood furnace on those nippy winter mornings. That said, it is not always possible to receive discounted pricing or reduction in fees by contributing your time and energy. That is the case for WEC. Certain cooperatives, like credit unions and electric utilities, being highly specialized in their functions, do not present similar opportunities to reduce your bill by working off a few hours each month. While you are certainly welcome to volunteer your services for special events (e.g. the annual meeting dinner) this will not get you a reduction on your monthly bill…sorry! But you’ll get a mention and warm thanks from your fellow members. So how can members of an electric coop realize a reduction in cost of service or keep their utility bills as low as possible? Well, there are many ways to look at this question; some very obvious, and some less so. First and most obvious is to reduce your use. We have been schooled on efficiency for decades, like choosing LED lights, weatherizing our homes, turning down the thermostat, stringing clothes lines instead of clothes dryers, and trading in older appliances for those with better energy ratings. This works exceptionally well on the individual scale, where residents have complete control over the physical plant of their home. The irony of this simple and effective approach is that as we reduce our overall electric consumption measured as kilowatt hours (kWh), we lower our own bills, but inadvertently increase the Co-op’s cost per kWh. Since the only direct revenue source for WEC to provide service comes from sale of energy to members, efficiency measures—which work great for the individual—have a deleterious effect on WEC’s rates. That is because WEC’s expenses do not go down relative to the amount of energy use reduced through efficiency measures. Many operational costs remain the same regardless of the number of kWh sold to members. If you enjoy math, here’s why: (Operational Expense $) / (kWh income $) = $ / kWh. If we decrease the denominator (kWh), we increase the result of the equation ($). So, as individual members reduce their kWh use through efficiency, the system cost per kWh goes up. It may leave you feeling a bit cynical to learn that the efficiency you work so hard to achieve, when applied across the entire membership, can place upward pressure on rates. And yet! There are many other ways in which a cooperative, working together, can mitigate some of the losses of revenue realized through efficiency. That brings us to electrical beneficiation: that is, replacing some or all of our fossil fuel-burning appliances and tools with electrically operated ones. “Whoa, you just said reduce the number of kWh I use, and now you are asking me to increase use of kWh by converting my gas dryer to an electric one, or my diesel car to an electric one? This seems crazy and counterintuitive.” Yup, that’s what I am saying. Here are two good reasons: 1. Your gas bill will go down, and 2. Our air will be cleaner since most of WEC’s energy comes from lower carbon sources. The bottom line is there is no way to get around paying for the energy you choose to use on a monthly basis (setting solar aside for another discussion), but by transferring your gas dollars into WEC electric dollars, you will mitigate the impacts of efficiency. The benefit of switching out gas to buying 100% renewable electricity from WEC is that instead of spending your dollars purchasing fossil fuels from for-profit sources, you will instead be directing those dollars towards your electric cooperative and keeping rates lower for every member in the cooperative. So, what’s really in it for me if I transfer my gas dollars into electric dollars? Aside from the benefits to our air quality, the real reason is that as a member of a co-op, and helping to make that co-op financially strong, we can all benefit from an increase in the number of kWh sold. The difference for you personally in what you will pay for electricity versus what you currently pay for fossil fuel is well above the scope of this piece and is truly a case by case calculation best left to the experts (call Efficiency Vermont). However, if you transfer your dollars to electricity and away from gas or oil you are investing in your cooperative keeping the overall cost per kWh hour lower. WEC is a very small co-op. It’s not only the number of customers, but because our membership is primarily residential, our kWh sales are low relative to other co-ops our size. Despite size and sales numbers, our rates are only about 10% higher than other Vermont utilities. And as those utilities work to attain 100% renewability as WEC already has, their rates will likely climb at a steeper rate in the years ahead. The investment you make in beneficial electrification increases your equity in the Co-op. One thing you will only see from your cooperative—and not investorowned utilities—is a return on your investment in the form of what is called capital credits. Watch your bill year over year: in November you will usually receive a credit on your bill relative to your investment (the amount of kWh you used in the time period being credited). Use more and receive more. That is the cooperative principle of equity I fully appreciate as a member. Some fun facts about cooperative electric utilities from National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA):  Co-ops serve 42 million people, including 92% of persistent poverty counties.  Co-ops power over 22 million businesses, homes, schools, and farms in 48 states.  Co-ops return more than $1 billion to their consumer-members annually as not-for-profit organizations.  830 distribution cooperatives are the foundation of the electric cooperative network. They were built by and serve coop members in the community by delivering electricity and other services.

64 generation and transmission cooperatives provide wholesale power to distribution co-ops through their own electric generation facilities or by purchasing power on behalf of the distribution members. Visit NRECA at electric.coop to learn more about the electric co-op community across the country. Susan Alexander is a WEC Director from Cabot.

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Jaquith Public Library

All events are free and held at the library (unless noted otherwise)

For more info: 802-426-3581 or email : jaquithpublicli [email protected] or visit our website: www.jaquithpubliclibrary.org Film Series: Glimpses of a Maybe Future Second & fourth Thursdays of the Month at 6:30 pm

February 12: A concerned scientist and his assistant discover an impending event which will spell the end of humankind. Their appeals to warn the world are subverted and sidetracked, as public sentiment is steered toward a deceptively optimistic outcome. (2021).

February 26:

When genetic manipulation for perfect children becomes the focus of everyone with the money to afford it, those with less money have “flawed” children who are resigned to menial occupations. One such offspring finds a way to advance himself in the world of genetically perfect adults. (1997). For more information contact the Jaquith Library.

Sunday Afternoon Poetry at the Jaquith Third Sundays of the month from 2 to 4 pm The Poetry Society of Vermont and the Jaquith Public Library are excited to announce Sunday Afternoon Poetry at the Jaquith. Each monthly poetry reading will feature two Poetry Society of Vermont poets, with the exception of a special reading by Nadine Budbill on May 17. In addition to the Jaquith Library Staff, hosts for the Sunday afternoon poetry readings will be PSOV board members, David Hartnett and Elizabeth McCarthy. The readings are free and open to the public. A collaboration between the Poetry Society of Vermont and the Jaquith Public Library.

February 15 – Mary Collins and Rick Agran

Rick Agran: Rick Agran began teaching at Otter Lake Conservation School, an experiential outdoor learning center, 12 years after he attended in 6th grade, and he’s never been the same after seeing the whole world as a classroom. Rick grew up in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington. He studied writing, literature, teaching, psychology, filmmaking, metalsmithing, weather, journalism, and sociolinguistics at Sarah Lawrence College, Missouri School of Journalism, and the University of New Hampshire. He has an MA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing. He authored two books: Pumpkin Shivaree and Crow Milk. He produces weekly radio about poetry and the literary arts at Central Vermont Community Radio, WGDR.org. He works as a teacher and audio documentarian with WGDR Indie Kingdom Youth Radio, which teaches young people how to use their voices, gather news and images, and to craft poems, stories, and memoirs for radio. He works for the Vermont and NH Arts Councils and the Children’s Literacy Foundation as a poet in the schools.

Mary L. Collins: I have been a participant in Poem City in Montpelier and Poem Town in Poultney and have been published in various magazines and anthologies including the Green Mountains Review, an anthology of San Diego poets, and New Observations Magazine. I am also a columnist for the News & Citizen and Stowe Reporter. I received a BFA in Writing from Johnson State College.

Knit Mending Workshop February 21 from 12 to 2 pm

Sarah Graves will again be offering her Knit Mending Workshop to keep us cozy through the season. Bring your mending and Sarah will help you make your items whole again.

Winter Story Time and Playgroup Once a Week on Fridays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Join us for story, song, snack, craft, and free play! Outside unless the weather is frightful! For children birth to age six and their grown-ups. We follow the Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold the program on the days Twinfield is closed.

Baby & Caregivers Meet-up Wednesdays 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 to 18 months and their caregivers. Siblings can come along as well.

Monthly Book Group for Adults Fourth Mondays at 7 pm

Join us for the Jaquith book group. For copies of the book, please stop by the library. New members are always welcome, and it is only one hour a month! The next book is discussed on February 23rd – These Days by Lucy Caldwell Chapters in History Book Group Second Saturdays of the Month at 2 pm The public is encouraged to participate in this free reading and discussion series. Books are available for loan from the library.

February 14 – Empire Statesman: The Rise and Redemption of Al Smith Just Food Hub Fundraiser for Jaquith Library

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. To order items such as coffees, teas, chocolate, hot sauces, Palestinian olive oil, nuts and dates, etc., go to justfoodhub.us/jaquithlibrary. You can ask Just Food Hub to put together a gift basket for you or you can make your own.

There is so much more to borrow at the Jaquith Public Library! We just added a Tool Lending Library! In addition to tools, we loan computers, DVD players, makerspace kits, games, puzzles, snowshoes, wood moisture meter, air tester, all are available for checkout!

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CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS

LIBRARY HOURS: Monday noon - 6 pm, Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm, Wednesday 11 - 6 pm, Thursday noon - 6 pm, and Saturday 9 am- noon. Curbside library service is still available during regular library hours.

Upcoming - All programs and events are free and happen at the

Cabot Public Library unless otherwise noted - all are welcome! Visit our website - cabotlibrary.com or check FPF for added programs. If you

have a program suggestion or question, please email [email protected].

Intro to Drawing (adults & youth ages 12+) - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays - February - March, 2:30 - 4:00 pm - In this six-session course, participants will learn the basics of drawing. Topics include: gesture line, contour line, positive and negative space, sight measurement techniques, value and shading, and composition. All materials for the class will be provided. Come learn to draw in a safe and inclusive space! Pre-registration is appreciated. Masterclass in Chocolate Drinkmaking - Thursday, February 12 - 6 - 7:30 pm - Prophecy Chocolate proudly presents the ultimate handson chocolate drinkmaking workshop led by founder Mateo. Participants will learn about the history of chocolate drink making, and practice making and serving their own drinks. Leave with the knowledge and confidence to create EPIC chocolate drinks to WOW your friends and family, anytime, anywhere!

Tech Literacy Series with Seth O’Brien - 3rd Tuesdays of the

Month - 10:30 - Noon - Join Seth from Seth’s Computer Services in this threepart hands-on series. Tuesday, February 17 - Mastering Video Calls (Facetime, Google Meet, Zoom) - Learn how to use video calling apps to connect with family and friends, join a class, or keep up with municipal events; Tuesday, March 17 - Password Management and Basic Cybersecurity - Learn how to protect personal information with simple, secure habits; Tuesday, April 21 - Avoiding Scams and Online Safety

- Identify and avoid common digital threats, fostering safe online habits. Bring your digital devices!

Dungeons and Dragons (ages 11+) - Ongoing, Tuesdays - 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Join Losada Stoddard as DM. Learn how to build a Dungeons and Dragons character and then set out on your Adventures. Come for the mysteries and magic, tails and talons, puzzles and prophecies! Mah Jongg Meetup - Ongoing, first Wednesday of the month, 10 - Noon - Play the ancient tile game with friends and neighbors. Game sets will be available for use, no equipment is needed. Both fun and challenging, the game of Mah Jongg is said to improve memory, decision-making skills and patience.

Story & Activity Time (birth - age 5+) - Ongoing, Wednesdays - 10:30 - 11:30 am - Willey Building - Join Amanda Otto for stories, songs, crafts, snacks and open play. Visit the library afterwards to discover our new selection of picture books, take-home kits and more. LEGO Club (ages 5+) - Wednesday, February 18 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm - This club offers a fun, hands-on environment where kids can develop their problem-solving skills, foster their creativity, and collaborate with their peers through engaging Lego-based activities.

Pizza and a Movie! (ages 5+) - Wednesday, February 25 - 1:00 - 4:00 pm - Join us during February break for an afternoon full of laughs and pizza! Movie TBD - check our website and FPF for updates. Cheese pizza is generously being donated by the Cabot Village Store. Pre-registration is appreciated. If you are a caregiver who would like to stay and help out, please email.

Cabot Book Group - Thursday, February 26 - 2- 3 pm - February’s book selection is All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks. All About Me! offers fans insight into the inspiration behind the ideas for his outstanding collection of boundarybreaking work, and offers details about the many close friendships and collaborations Brooks had, including those with Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Gene Wilder, Madeleine Kahn, Alfred Hitchcock, and Anne Bancroft. Filled with tales of struggle, achievement, and camaraderie (and dozens of photographs), readers will gain a more personal and deeper understanding of the incredible body of work behind one of the most accomplished and beloved entertainers in history. Copies of this book will be available in the library for you to borrow. Email [email protected] for more info and to be added to the book group email list. The library floor in the main room and the landing in the hallway got refinished

- come in to see the difference! Many thanks to Oliver Welters of Green Mountain Eco Floors and to Shane Smith, Janet Bird, Richard Bushey, and John and Jeremy Grosvenor for helping to move furniture and books. Thanks so much to our library volunteers: Vicky Palmer, Marianne Robotham and Beth Wade. Additional thanks to Losada Stoddard for running our D&D program on Tuesday afternoons and to student volunteer Katy Kowalk. We are so grateful to our Library Trustees who provide support and direction: Angela Ogle, Leah Sare, Kurt Steinert, Erin Ruddell, and Taeryn Robbins. See you at the library! Kathleen Hoyne - Library Co-Director Amanda Otto - Library Co-Director Christina Sacalis - Assistant Librarian

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TWIN VALLEY SENIOR UPDATE

Coming soon. Beginning mid- February, schedule a haircut by a licensed beautician by appointment for $25. Details to be announced.

AARP Free Tax Preparation beginning February 19 – Appointments required - Call Today This service is free, available to taxpayers of all ages, and no AARP membership is required. Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 18 – April 10, 2025. Morning and afternoon appointments available. Please call 802-223-3322 to schedule or to learn more. Available at TVSC Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Some limitations apply. If you have questions, please call—we’re happy to help. Donations made out to TVSC are greatly appreciated.

Fraud Awareness: Wednesday, 2/11 following lunch at noon: Passumpsic Savings Bank staff members will present a "Fraud Awareness Workshop." They will cover scam calls and when not to give out personal information. They will be prepared to discuss a wide variety of fraud and scam topics and answer everyone's questions.

HEALTH CLINICS Foot Care

We provide complete foot care clinics with licensed nurses. Clinics are held two times a month by appointment. Appointments typically last 20 minutes and the fee is $40. No need to bring anything, we supply it all! Call 802-223-3322 for appointment.

Blood Pressure

Join SASH wellness Nurse Jodi Vilardi, RN for a blood pressure check every six-to-eight weeks. Selfmanagement materials available. Call 802-223-3322 or visit our Facebook page for appointments.

EXERCISE PROGRAMS Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:00 AM, in-person at the center and on Zoom. This program is an evidence-based exercise program, which means the exercises have been proven to improve arthritis and help other types of pain. The AFEP class has a warm up period, balance exercises, weight training for arms and legs and a cool down relaxation. It also includes low-impact cardio exercises. The exercises help with joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, improving balance and increasing energy.

Bone Builders

Bone Builders exercise programs are offered Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:30 AM on Zoom only. These exercises are done with or without weights to maintain muscle mass, bone density, flexibility and balance.

Tai Chi

Wednesdays:

12:30 PM Sun Style (more advanced class) - Fall Prevention Following Dr. Paul Lam, this class teaches flowing smoothly “like water in a river” with unique Qigong to enhance internal energy and agile steps for better balance.

Fridays: 9:15 - 10:15 Beginner Sun Style - Fall Prevention The health benefits of Tai Chi are documented by medical studies and published in several journals, including the Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic. Some of the benefits show improvement in balance, reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure and joint pain. 10:15 - 11:30 Yang 24 and Qigong (continuing practice but open to beginners.) This is the most practiced Tai Chi style globally. It consists of flowing movements that gently move the participant in graceful forms that promote all benefits of Tai Chi and connects, body, mind and spirit.

ACTIVITIES Bingo

Every Friday at 12:30 PM, (call center 802-223-3322 to confirm)

Book Club

Monthly Book Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 3:00 PM with a focus on mystery books. Enjoy reading a new mystery each month and meet with others for a lively discussion of how the mystery evolved and was solved. No charge for class but you may need to purchase a new book each month.

Mah Jong

Want to learn to play Mah Jong? Come to the Twin Valley Senior Center and join the fun! TVSC hosts this fun & challenging game weekly, on Wednesdays, from 10:15 a.m. to noon. Then stay for our delicious lunch (only $6 per person) prepared by our NECI chef, Chef Paul Mertz. Mah Jong is a fascinating, 4-person rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards. Some initial time and effort are required to become familiar with the principles of the game, but as you continue to play, your patience in mastering the fine points of the game will be repaid many times. If you're interested in learning to play, or already know how, then please stop in and join us.

Sing-A-Long

The first Friday of every month at 1:00 PM, join Pat Mayhew and others to sing old standards and new tunes. Lots of laughs with lots of songs.

Name That Tune!

Join us on the 4th Wednesday of every month in playing Name That Tune! with Ron Merkin, immediately following lunch. Can you name each tune? Be the first to call out the name and you win!

TVSC programs are free of charge, but we gladly accept donations to help offset the cost of running the facility.

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CABOT PROPERTY SALES APRIL 2024 - MARCH 2025

(By Statute, Grand List Year Runs April 1 - March 30 each year)

Buyer Seller CRADDOCK, STEPHEN & BERMAN, WENDY HOFFMAN, RY M & BETH Sale Price Grand List Acreage Date

$450,000 $340,100 31.4 Address 4/25/2024 199 CHATOT ROAD 117-036-10096 07-002.000 CELLEY, DARREN & WEBB, RACHEL $360,000 $249,300 2.5 5/24/2024 51 WEST HILL POND ROAD 117-036-10459 10-075.000 3053 MAIN STREET LLC WESTERVELT, JAN R & JANET 117-036-10207 04-011.000 JORGENSEN, JEFFREY & SCHMIDT, LAURI US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE $120,000 $183,300 0.25 $56,000 foreclosure $205,000 $127,000 9.41

$35,000 $94,500 1.67 $191,500 0.5 5/28/2024 3053 MAIN STREET 5/28/2024 28 DANVILLE HILL ROAD 117-036-10948 01-026.002 MAPLE GLEN FARM LLC ACKERMANN, JAMES A 117-036-10713 04-032.000 WILLIAMS, BRYAN GOODRICH, GLENN A. & RUTH C.

5/31/2024 601 CABOT PLAINS ROAD 6/10/2024 3286 DANVILLE HILL ROAD 117-036-10661 JP-211.000 RICKER, PETER & DENISE RICKER, WILLIAM G III & SANDRA KELMAN, ANITA P 125,000 $503,000 0.4 25% interest $274,500 $192,700 1.9 $50,000 $36,800 2.5 6/28/2024 68 SANDY BEACH DRIVE 117-036-10736 02-033.000 DICKSON, DAVID G 117-036-10234 01-020-000 CHURCHILL, MORGAN & JENNIFER TAMISO, MARC A ROGERS, JOHN & DAVID, DUPAW, ROBERT HOFMEISTER, NICHOLAS M 7 WINNER, HEATHER 6/28/2024 632 WEST SHORE ROAD 7/26/2024 VT 215N 117-036-10675 04-067.000 RIVERA, MARTIN, JOSEPH $9,100 tax sale $615,000 $382,500 10.23 8/15/2024 330 BAYLEY HAZEN & WENDY $44,500 10.2 7/31/2024 URBAN FARM WAY 117-036-10623 01-031.000 HOWE, ANDREW & MAR- TINA ROAD 117-036-10516 04-050.000 FRANK MATTHEWS, $88,850 $275,000 60 8/15/2024 692 URBAN FARM WAY 117-036-10055 05-014.000 GAGNON, DYLAN & INGALLS, JORDYN JONES, ROBERT & MOLLY $345,000 $243,900 6.32 8/30/2024 1934 SOUTH WALDEN ROAD 117-036-10820 08-001.000 WHITE, NICHOLE & CLOUGH, EDWARD VORCE, JEREMY & SAIGE $210,229 $184,200 0.3 9/25/2024 59 DUCHARME ROAD 117-036-10074 04-021.000 BERMINGHAM, EDEN C BERMINGHAM, NORMA C 117-036-10280 10-086.000 MURPHY, KIRSTEN 117-036-11043 07-038.100 HILL HOUSE ESTATES, LLC SHANNON, NAHOAMI 117-036-10776 03-012.001 YOUNG, DIANA, SHORE, VAN DEUSEN, SR., DAVID $48,000 $42,000 2 $350,000 $249,600 0.25 9/26/2024 118 BERMINGHAM ROAD 9/27/2024 3153 MAIN STREET $150,000 $141,100 11.35 10/21/2024 612 JUG BROOK ROAD $155,000 $86,200 10.38 10/25/2024 1315 BRICKETTS CROSS- 117-036-10193 01-006.000 TOMLINSON, INANNA COLGROVE, RICHARD 117-036-10666 04-036.000 COURTNEY, ANDREW ROBBINS, IRVING F 117-036-10675 04-067.000 TREMBLAY, JOSEPH & $77,000 $86,200 0.75 $750,000 $643,500 88 $50,000 $44,500 10.2 11/7/2024 3559 VT ROUTE 215N 11/14/2024 316 MOLLY ROAD 11/14/2024 1746 URBAN FARM WAY 117-036-10451 09-038.000 KSEPKA, TIMOTHY & ROSEMARY THOMPSON, DENEEN $40,000 $112,500 2.5 12/2/2024 889 THISTLE HILL ROAD 117-036-10064 04-014.000 MEDUSKI, WILLIAM & \ REGINA $8,000 $2,014 0.5 12/4/2024 OFF DANVILLE HILL ROAD 117-036-10217 05-007.000 DUNHAM, DAMIEN M & JENNIFER ALLERDING, LIBERTY $65,000 $105,900 2.83 12/13/2024 973 SOUTH WALDEN ROAD 117-036-10173 10.100.000 WARNER, DANIELLE R REXFORD WINSTON, SUZANNE $42,000 $29,100 13 12/13/2024 PARCEL OFF OF MAIN STREET 117-036-10064 04-017.000 LOZIER, BENJAMIN & RACHEL THOMPSON, DENEEN $379,000 $298,200 2.22 12/20/2024 705 DANVILLE HILL ROAD 117-036-10640 08024.000 PITKIN, LYDIA C & MILLER BROCK PITKIN, CALEB W & CARPENTER MARY $175,000 $304,300 7 12/31/2024 1806 DUCHARME ROAD 117-036-10527 07-042.000 BLT ENTERPRISE $161,000 $50,000 24 1/24/2025 135 MCCARTY ROAD 117-036-10315 04-020.000 STECKER, TYLER R & AUDRIANNA STECKER, PAUL S & KRISTINE $87,000 $239,400 2.02 2/19/2025 537 MENARD ROAD 117-036-11063 04-009.010 CLOUGH, III, CHARLES L & JOURDAN ABBOTT, JAMES R & KAREN $399,000 $342,500 0.92 2/21/2025 322 DANVILLE HILL ROAD 1054 HOUSTON HILL ROAD 117-036-10059 06-083.000 DUNHAM, DAMIEN M& JENNIFER ESTATE OF MICHAEL WAYNE BASHAW PRATT, SUSAN $205,300 $205,300 75 3/6/2025 117-036-10729 10-018-000 WALKER, CHASE & FLOR- ENCE $130,000 $299,800 19.3 3/14/2025 1391 VERMONT ROUTE 215S 117-036-10090 05-027.000 OTTO, AMANDA L & MATTHEW BLACKWELL, TRUSTEE, LEE T $39,900 $31,500 11.4 3/25/2025 1243 WALBRIDGE ROAD 117-036-10050 07-006.100 FLEURY, BRADLEY, SR & JENNIFER 606 WHP, LLC $242,250 $264,000 2 3/28/2025 606 WEST HILL ROAD

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