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Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

April 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 April 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

Town Clerk - Changing of the Guard

by Amanda Legare Cabot has many sugar making operations and they are hugely diverse, ranging from Rollin Tebbetts who has 80 taps and boils in his sugarhouse to give syrup to friends, to a business that taps 160,000 trees on more than 7,000 acres.

Goodrich

Glenn and Ruth Goodrich, who operate Goodrich’s Maple Farm, started by tapping 25 trees in their backyard in 1979. They used a two-by-two-foot arch and made about six gallons of syrup. They currently tap 160,000 trees, about 20,000 of which are in Cabot, and the rest are on 6,000 acres of land rented from a timber company in Eden. From the gathering house to the farthest tap in (Eden, it’s about five miles. “We have one of the most technically advanced systems in the US,” Ruth said. “We design sugaring equipment for several major maple equipment manufacturing companies.” Like so many other people who are sugaring in Cabot, the Goodriches come from several generations of sugar makers. “The things we are doing now would have been unimaginable for my grandfather,”

(see, the Cabot Chronicles on page 2)

New Town Clerk Brittany Butler is sworn in the day after Town Meeting by Sue Carpenter, Board of Civil Authority Chair. Betty Ritter chose not to run again, and was recognized at Town Meeting by the Selectboard for her service. (See photo on page __) Photo by Shirley Ducharme.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 1 onward.

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Sugaring Season Salutations

Boy did the sap run last night! I think we have enough to crest 3500 gallons of syrup. During the last month legislators have been busy working to get bills out of committee before the cross over date.

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 2 onward.

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Sugaring Season

(continued from page 1)

Cabot has certainly kept the tradition alive over the years, with both small and large maple producers contributing.

Right - The Wheeler children getting a drink of cool, fresh sap—one from the wooden bucket and the other directly from the spout in the tree! (Photo from the Oral History Collection.

Below - George Walbridge gathering sap with a team of oxen. (Photo from the Oral History Collection.

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

THANK YOU I, Walter (Skip) Bothfeld, would like to thank everyone that voted for me for the two-year seat for select board. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. Thanks again.

Walter (Skip) Bothfeld. 802-563-2715 CORRECTION I would like to make a one-word correction to my letter to Governor Scott in last month’s Cabot Chronicle.

As I mentioned at the school meeting, I meant to say abilities, not disabilities, in the third column, second paragraph.

The first sentence should have read: "Vermont schools have a nationwide reputation for inclusion and meeting the needs of children with a wide range of abilities,” not “disabilities”. Thanks.

Cecilia Gulka

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From page 3

“The harvest seasons are basically just opposite each other,” Greg said. “So it works out perfectly.” He has also been elected to serve in the Vermont legislature, which he continues to do during the sugaring season. “We made 15,000 gallons of syrup last year,” he said. “I can stay up all night and still go to work the next day. I got it done and kept going to the State House.” “What I like most about sugaring,” he added, “is the adrenaline rush to it, when things really get going.” He said it would not be possible without his wife Stefanie, who taps trees, fixes the pipe lines and does all the accounting.

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From page 3

Arnold Tebbetts with Max Ducharme on a syrup tin, which was used for many years by Maple Grove in St. Johnsbury

Ackermann

Ian and Caitlin Ackermann started sugaring in 2013. Ian had worked for the Burtts, sugaring as a youngster. They now put out 17,000 taps, half on their own land and half on land leased from neighbors. “We hope to produce maybe 8,200 gallons in an average year,” Caitlin said. “One year we made all the way up to 9,800 gallons,” she added. “Our worst year was 6,500.” Their original sugar house was built by Ian, the lumber coming from trees he had cut down from their land. With an addition, the sugarhouse now stands 80 This is Rollin's tiny sugar house (courtesy photo). Inset Tebbetts spout.

Glenn Goodrich speaking to visitors, also from their website.

by 32 feet. They go through 30 cords of wood a season, boiling with a six-by-16foot evaporator. “We Can make 120 gallons an hour if we really get going,” Caitlin said. “It depends on how sweet the sap is.” They sell a lot of their syrup in smaller containers at farmers’ markets in the Boston area and through their website. Caitlin said she spends May through October rebottling syrup into retail containers.

Talbert

In a good year, Chuck Talbert will produce about 1,000 gallons of syrup. “This used to be thought of as a large operation,” he said, “But now we’re more like small producers. I guess I’m almost considered a back yarder.” Chuck owns a And this is an adorable picture of a sugaron-snow party at the Carpenter farm from around 1970. Sue Carpenter, Anson Tebbetts and Rollin Tebbetts

skidder and three chainsaws and “lots of land.” So, he boils the sap down with wood. He also spends one day a week packaging syrup for stores. He has a number of dependable wholesale accounts, including White’s Market in Lyndonville.

Due to time constraints, not every sugarmaker in Cabot was interviewed for this article. Three who will not be tapping this year are the Bothfelds, Sue Carpenter and Caleb Pitkin. All three hope to resume in 2027.

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From page 3

…a Photography Exhibition by Hannah Carpenter Pitkin Thursday, April 10, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The exhibition features work created through the historic wet-plate collodion process, including tintypes and other forms of alternative-process photography. Developed in the nineteenth century, wet plate collodion requires each image to be made and developed by hand while the photographic plate is still wet, producing singular images marked by tonal depth, physical texture, and subtle unpredictability. In Mortal Bloom, Pitkin uses this early photographic method to explore themes of transience, fragility, and the fleeting nature of form. The title suggests both flowering and impermanence—an apt pairing for a process in which chemistry, light, and timing all leave visible traces on the final image. Pitkin, a Vermont artist whose work spans photography, painting, and mixed media, is drawn to analogue methods that foreground the material life of an image. Her wet plate work invites viewers to slow down and consider photography not simply as representation, but as object: each plate carrying the marks of touch, process, and time. The opening reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Angela Ogle at \[email protected]. The exhibition will remain on view through August 1.

The beginning of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 3.

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OBITUARIES

Amelia Bothfeld Amy Bothfeld (Amelia Jones) passed peacefully in her home in Cabot, Vermont surrounded by family and friends on Friday, February 27, 2026. Amy was born June 13,1953, in Eureka, KS. She is survived by her husband Stephen Bothfeld, brother Ted Jones, children Danelle Hollyer, Fawn Willey, son in laws Drew Hollyer, Nicholas Willey, grandchildren Cassio- Cecil Metcalf, Jr.

Cecil R. Metcalf, Jr., of Cabot passed away January 21, 2026, peacefully at home. He was born on September 9, 1941, in Danville to Cecil R. Metcalf, Sr. and Josephine M. (O'Keefe) Metcalf. He

Clotilde Whitney Pitkin Clotilde Whitney Pitkin, 94, of Marshfield, died peacefully at her home on February 26, 2026. Clo was born in Providence, Rhode Island January 16, 1932, the daughter of William A. Dorman and Marjorie B. Heilborn. Her father and older brother Billy both died when Clo was an infant, so she was raised an only child by a single mother. Clo was a graduate of Brockton High School in Brockton, MA, and received her undergraduate degree from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, where she met and married Belmont Pitkin in 1952. Belmont and Clo lived for several years in Cobleskill, NY, Hartford, CT, Ann Arbor, MI, and Brooklyn, NY, before settling on the Pitkin farm in Marshfield in 1961, where she has remained since. Belmont died in 2004. While a student at Goddard, Clo worked at the Boston Nursery for Blind Babies, and at the Plainfield Nursery School. She was hired by Tim Pitkin to help survey the Upper Winooski Valley as part of a Title I grant, evaluating the educational needs of low income students in the area. She worked several years for the Schoharie County 4-H in Cobleskill, NY. She helped organize and taught a nursery school in Marshfield Village in the old Knights of Pythias hall. Clo was active on the Marshfield Recreation Committee, the town Democratic Committee, the Marshfield-Plainfield Parent Teacher Association, and volunteered with the American Red Cross Swimming Program and the Twinfield Learning Center. She loved discussion of current affairs and late in life enjoyed weekly meetings with like-minded friends who called themselves the “Thursday Breakfast Group.” For several years she enjoyed performing in productions with the Plainfield Little Theatre. Clo helped run the Current Educational Issues Conferences at Goddard College. For several years she was Associate Director of the Commuting Adult Program. Other positions at the college included Admissions Director, faculty member, and ten years as a member of the Goddard Board of Trustees, where she worked successfully at fundraising and program development. She was a member of the Goddard Renaissance peia, Kiana, Caitlin, River, Corben, Owen, Elikai and Gwynnevere. Amy is predeceased by her grandmother Alice Faulkner. Amy loved being surrounded by family and friends, she enjoyed hosting dinners and holidays, always going above and beyond for those around her. She enjoyed spending weekends going to yard sales, antiquing with friends and spending time with family during the holidays. The family is planning to hold a celebration of life, date and time to be announced. Condolences and memories of Amy may be shared with her family at dgfunerals.com.

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

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Where in the World is the Cabot Chronicle?

The Wades in Spain are mainly on the plain.- Wade family and Spanish friends at the European Space Agency Deep Space Antenna 2 in Cebreros, Spain. The 35 meter diameter dish antenna is used to track and receive data and pictures from NASA and other spacecraft.

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CCT Presents: Quest!

by Karen Mueller-Harder

Coming soon! Cabot Community Theater presents a full-length comedyadventure: Quest! One Play to Rule Them All. In this show, heroes with the most questionable choices, most ridiculous excuses, and the most dubious motives each share their stories of adventures in the Imaginary Realms. The play, featuring a multigenerational 48-person cast of community members, will be performed one weekend only: Thursday through Saturday, May 7-9, at 7:00, and Saturday and Sunday matinees on May 9 & 10 at 2:00. Performances will be at the Cabot School Performing Arts Center, located behind the main school building at 25 Common Road. Cabot Community Theater is dedicated to keeping our ticket prices low, to make live theater accessible to the whole community. General admission is $10 for everyone; you can pay with cash, check, or Venmo at the door. If that's more than you can easily afford, just ask for the $5 sliding scale option at the door (you don't have to give a reason). Most of our performances do sell out, especially the matinees, so we recommend making reservations : https://tinyurl.com/Questreservations. Seating is not reserved, unless you need special accommodations. The theater and bathroom are wheelchair accessible; there is designated accessible parking by the school cafeteria. If plays had ratings, it would probably be PG for a few scary characters, some onstage poisoning and offstage falling off cliffs, possession by an evil power, and a couple of loud sound effects, so may not be a good choice for quite young kids. The play is made up of nine different Tales, with the more nuanced plots and most of the scarier characters being in Act 2, so attending just Act 1 might be a good option if you have a child in the 5-7 year old range (feel free to opt for the $5 sliding scale). And if you have a child who may need to leave or take a break, you can request easy-exit seating on the reservation form; re-seating is allowed!). Email [email protected] if you need more information.

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New Principal Hired at Cabot School

On March 12, the Cabot School Board unanimously approved the hiring of Darin Carney to begin working as Cabot School’s new Principal starting July 1, 2026. Both finalists for this position are veteran teachers and administrators who have worked at both large and small schools. After a Zoom interview in February with a Search Committee composed of teachers, students, community members and a school board member, or does the board have time to ask the community? She pointed out that the regular board meeting was scheduled in two weeks. Matt said he thought they should do it earlier than later, since the legislature was currently in cross-over. Chris said that being in an SU would be better than being in the “grey area” which may become one big district. He expressed that they didn’t need to survey the community because he thought there wasn’t enough detail to ask a coherent question. Johanna asked if Twinfield had made up their mind, and said that a regional high school comes off the table if Twinfield isn't part of the equation. Matt told the board that Twinfield had a meeting with U32 the following week for an exploratory conversation. He expressed that Twinfield is very willing to reach out to someone else for a merger.

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Boards Reformed

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

At the first board meeting after Town meeting, the Selectboard and the School Boards reformed their boards and elected officers. This is an annual process, where the board elects or appoints people to positions that need to be filled. The Selectboard was first to reform on March 10, and the board unanimously elected Jenn Miner as chair. Mike Hogan told those in attendance that it would be his last year on the board, as his term ends at Town Meeting in 2027 and he will not be seeking reelection. The Selectboard elected Mike to be vice-chair, and he said he would help Jenn come up to speed as the new chair of the board. The board elected Peggy Miller as the clerk, a role that no one seems to understand. Then the board went through the long list of positions in the town printed in the town report and mostly re-appointed people to the same positions. In some cases, they re-appointed people under the condition the person could be contacted and agreed to continue in the role. There were some changes to the appointments. Jenn Miner stepped down from the emergency management director role, and Doug Cooke was appointed to fill the position. Doug asked what the role entailed and Jenn provided a brief description and said she would help him take over the position. The board also decided not to do anything about the zoning administrator position since it was a three-year term that didn’t expire until July. A significant change did occur with the Conservation Committee when it was announced that Gary Gulka, a longtime member and chair, was stepping down from the role. The board did not have any volunteers to fill his seat on the committee and assumed the committee would elect a new chair.

There were also positions on the Trails Committee left vacant since Kris Schmitt, Gary Gulka, and Paul Wade all stepped down from the committee and the board did not have anyone to appoint in their stead. Mike suggested they might want to reduce the Trails Committee from seven seats to five seats due to the vacancies. He speculated they didn’t need as many people on the committee now compared to when they were getting started. The board then discussed the recreation committee that has had many vacancies for a long time. There had been confusion at Town Meeting on Cam North’s position on the board and Betty had spoken to him. She relayed that he was only vice-chair since his wife, Jessica, was the coordinator. He said the chair approved purchases for the committee and wanted to avoid any conflict of interest. The committee remained with just Cam and Jessica as the only members. The School Board went through a similar process on March 12; Chris Tormey was re-elected to the position of chair, but Ellen Cairns stepped down as vice-chair and Melissa Pratt was elected in her stead. The board also wasn’t sure about the position of clerk and its responsibilities, and Matt Foster said that it was a rarely used position that only had duties when the board acted in a quasijudicial role. Alicia Heber was then elected as the board clerk. The School Board only has a few positions that need to be filled by appointments, and mostly those positions are roles taken on by individual members of the School Board. The school board does have one outside position to which they appoint someone which is the Vice-Chair of the CCIF committee. Chris told everyone that it does not need to be a board member, and he has yet to find a volunteer. The position was left vacant until someone expresses interest.

Johanna added that the House map, which only has districts and no supervisory unions, combines Cabot with Twinfield, U32, Spaulding, etc. She expressed that her feel of the community was that everyone would want to be placed with districts to the north (i.e. Danville). She added that she thought the Senate map was going to change a lot, and that if Cabot wants to stay with CCSU, then they can get moved out of the “grey area”. Chris Tormey wondered if the board should ask if Cabot should be placed in the Caledonia area. Matt reminded him that he serves at the pleasure of the district board. Jason Monaco expressed that he feels there is a fair amount of people that want to go with Danville, and Ellen expressed a similar thought. Johanna asked if it is something we need to get to the state legislature now, bernation! 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 to learn the basics, 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. We encourage you to bring some clean, dry shoes to keep mud off the dance floor. Hope to see you there!

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Dance in the Spring!

by Karen Mueller-Harder

On Friday, April 10, come celebrate the arrival of spring (hopefully!) at the Cabot Community Contra Dance, featuring the delightful calling of Luke Donforth! The dance takes place in the lovely third floor space in the Willey Building (Cabot Town Hall, 3084 Main Street), from 7-9:30 pm. Live music is provided by a great group of local musicians--feel free to just come and listen if you prefer! Bring a friend, or come alone, to enjoy a great sense of community and reconnecting with others after a winter of hiboth finalists spent a full day at the school during the first week in March meeting with students and staff. Originally from Colorado, Mr. Carney has served as School Principal in his home state and also in Minnesota. More recently, he organized and led schools in Singapore and Panama. During his visit here he expressed strong interest in guiding our small community school while building strong relationships with teachers, families and students. We look forward to Mr. Carney’s arrival this summer, and to the skills and experience he’ll bring to Cabot School.

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Statewide School District Reorganization

by Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

After the School Board was reorganized on March 12, the board moved on to a discussion about the state legislature and the possible school district reorganizations that are being proposed. Matt Foster told the board that he wanted Johanna Thibault to give an update about what was going on in the legislature. He then talked about the Senate proposal that was in front of the Senate education committee.

Matt said that in the Senate proposed map that came out the prior Tuesday, there was a large chunk of districts that go all the way to the western edge of Vermont. He told the board that both Twinfield and Cabot were in that “large grey area”. Matt reminded the board that Twinfield had expressed interest in being merged towards Montpelier, but it appeared that Cabot was also being put into the same area.

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From page 7

Representative Greg Burtt addresses Cabot Town Meeting Betty Ritter was surprised at Town Meeting 2026 when Jenn Miner, on behalf of the entire selectboard, presented her with a plaque honoring her service as Town Clerk and Town Clerk/Treasurer to the Cabot community since 2015. Betty chose not to run again when her term of service ended with Town Meeting 2026, but she has agreed to help newly-elected Town Clerk Brittany Butler in the transition of responsibilities, as well as finishing up tasks involved with the $500,000 energy resiliency grant Betty was able to secure. Brittany Butler photo.

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From page 7

Did you enjoy reading about the Twinfield-Cabot boys basketball prowess on page 9? There are other Cabot residents who share your passion. Would you be willing to cover Cabot sports for the Cabot Chronicle on a monthly or occasional basis? We’d love to have your contribution to the paper. Email [email protected] or call 802-279-6897 and let’s see if we can make it happen.

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Homestead Declaration Due - April 15 No Extension for Filing HS-122

You must file a declaration by April 15, 2026, if you meet all of the following eligibility requirements: 1. Own the Vermont property as your principal residence as of April 1, 2026, and 2. Expect to physically occupy the Vermont property as your domicile.

The declaration must be filed even if it is late. NOTE: If you meet these requirements, except that your homestead is leased to a tenant on April 1, 2026, you may still claim it as a homestead if it is not leased for more than 182 days in the calendar year. Other ownership circumstances include the following: When there is more than one owner (joint ownership), only one owner occupant should file. Owners with a life estate interest who occupy the dwelling as their principal residence must file. Certain trusts may qualify as a homestead. For more information, read Reg. § 1.5401(7) Homestead on our website. Please note that changes to this regulation are being proposed to conform to amendments made to this statute. An estate holding a residence that was the homestead of the deceased person at the time of death may file a homestead if the residence is not rented. When the residence is owned by the estate of the deceased spouse, the widow or widower may file a homestead declaration as long as it is likely that the residence will pass to the widow or widower when the estate is settled.

Homestead Declarations filed by April 15, 2026, are considered timely, classified as homesteads on the grand list, and taxed at the homestead education property tax rate. Homestead Declarations filed after April 15, 2026, are classified as homesteads but may be assessed the following penalty by the town:  Up to 3% if the nonhomestead rate is higher than the homestead education property tax rate.  Up to 8% if the nonhomestead rate is lower than the homestead education property tax rate. Homestead Declarations filed after Oct. 15, 2026, will be classified as nonhomestead. The owner will be charged the higher of the two rates, assessed a penalty, and must pay any additional property tax and interest due.

What if you SELL your property

before April 1, 2026? If you filed a Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim before April 1, 2026, you must withdraw the declaration and claim using Form HS-122W, Vermont Homestead Declaration and/or Property Tax Credit Withdrawal, available on our website.

What if you rent your homestead on April 1 and occupy it yourself for fewer than 183 days in the calendar year? You must withdraw the declaration using Form HS-122W. Form HS- 122W is available on our website. If you occupy your home fewer than 183 days, you are disqualified from filing both the Homestead Declaration and the Property Tax Credit Claim.

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From page 8

The Homestead Declaration must be filed each year by Vermont residents for purposes of the state education tax rate. The Declaration identifies the property as the homestead of the Vermont resident. A Vermont homestead is taxed at the homestead education property tax rate, while a different education property tax rate applies to nonhomestead property (previously known as the “nonresidential” rate). Nonhomestead property is property used for commercial purposes or property not used as the principal (primary) residence, such as a second home, camp, or summer cottage. A property may be classified as both homestead and nonhomestead. This occurs when a part of the home is used for commercial purposes or as a rental. The property tax bill will show a homestead education property tax rate and a nonhomestead education property tax rate. For more information on the Homestead Declaration, please visit our website tax.vermont.gov for our quick reference guides and statutes.

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32 Days Til Green Up Day, But Every Day Makes a Difference

I am asked over and over why Green Up is just one day. For the committed, every daily walk includes a bag and some amount of clean up. There are groups that meet weekly to do amazing work - huge shout out to the Trash Tramps of Montpelier who scour the City of Montpelier every Tuesday afternoon no matter the weather, cleaning the streets and sidewalks of thousands of cigarette butts. There are communities that do include a fall clean up in their annual regime. Daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annually or annually, every effort matters. Green Up Day celebrates and nurtures a state-of-mind, a way of life, and habits that make Vermonters special and yet, not special. Humans who litter should be better than that, care more for our natural spaces, and simply take care of their own refuse. The fact that many make the effort, embrace the action, and have learned to not ever litter in the first place is what makes us special and this is the lesson we need to pass on to family, friends, and future generations. Consider for a moment the consequences if we do nothing.

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Twinfield-Cabot Boys Make Deep Playoff Run in Division 4 Basketball

by Rory Thibault In a usual year, a trip to the Barre Aud for a playoff game would be viewed as a great accomplishment, but this was not a usual year for the Twinfield-Cabot boys varsity basketball team. After a hard-fought loss to Danville in the 2025 semi-finals, Twinfield- Cabot came into the 2025-2026 season with a singular focus of winning it all at the Aud this time. On the way to the playoffs, the team recorded a nearly perfect season – with the only regular season loss being a narrow one to rival Danville. The Twinfield-Cabot boys closed out the year strong with statement wins over teams including Richford, Williamstown, Oxbow, and Stowe. The team also celebrated the milestones of Twinfield seniors Eli Russell and Tej Stewart breaking the 1,000-point threshold. As the playoffs began, the team recorded a decisive win over the Long Trail School, 96-20, and another victory over Richford, 73-39. The semi-final game, held on March 3, 2026, was against Twin Valley – a game that held special meaning, given many of the boys were on the field for the heartbreaking loss (as Caledonia United, with Danville) to the school during the boys soccer final last fall. Twinfield-Cabot prevailed this time, winning handily 77-57. The win over Twin Valley set up a final game against Williamstown at the Aud. The day prior to the final, the team was treated to a pep rally at Twinfield Union School, and the morning of the final the team was given a sendoff that included an escort by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and a roadside rally on Route 2 that included friends, family, community members, and fire trucks from the Plainfield and Cabot Fire Departments. At the Aud, the energy and sound was electric – a full Twinfield-Cabot student section and sold -out seating provided a backdrop of intensity. The team went into the game knowing Williamstown well – having faced off twice in the regular season. Williamstown came into the final known for their stout defense and size in the paint. In contrast, Twinfield-Cabot’s strength was in its depth, multiple three -point threats, and league leading twoway players. Williamstown took an early lead in the first quarter, however, Twinfield- Cabot came back and held a narrow 17- 15 lead at the end of the quarter.

Twinfield-Cabot went on a run in the second quarter and opened a larger lead of 36-30, with Williamstown chipping away at a spree of unanswered points just before the half. During halftime, fans were treated to a great performance by the Caledonia United Cheer Team. The Cheer Team, in its inaugural year, supported the boys throughout the season and their playoff run. As most will know by now, the amazing season came to an end, not with the joy of victory, but with the disappointment of defeat. Twinfield-Cabot’s second half saw some players in foul trouble, and a Williamstown side that took advantage of their free throws and being in bonus in the fourth quarter. The final score of 71-64 doesn’t tell the full story of how close the game was until nearly the end. The boys left everything they had on the court. It is tough to single out the performance of any one player during the close of the season and playoff run. While Russell and Stewart had amazing years, the same must be said of the entire team. At different moments, a revolving crew of players contributed to the team’s near-perfect record. Twinfield’s Zepherin Hebert provided a consistent spark off the bench, Cabot’s Sam Churhill provided tenacious, physical defense in the paint, often drawing the toughest matchups, Twinfield’s Thomas Gouge’s timely offensive rebounds and second chance points often made the difference when the three-point shots wouldn’t hit, and Cabot’s Ben Monaco made the most of his minutes with smart defense and steady rebounds. This year’s team featured eight seniors, including Cabot’s Churchill and Monaco. The run to the Division 4 championship was the culmination of years of work and dedication by these boys – from the days of 3/4 basketball through the Cabot Rec Committee to the merger of Twinfield- Cabot sports for middle and high school athletics. This year’s playoff team also included Oliver Searles and River Thibault, both of Cabot, who spent most of the season with the junior varsity squad, but served as reserves for the playoffs. The combined Twinfield-Cabot community has much to be proud of – the team played with heart, class, and confidence all season. With a surge of young players coming from the middle school, the future of boys basketball in our community is bright.

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ADVICE FROM THE TREE WARDEN

Spring Yard Cleanup and Planting Considerations

Spring has arrived, and as the snow melts in April, many of us begin preparing for yard cleanup, lawn repairs, and spring planting. When planning work projects for the upcoming summer, it is important to consider birds, insects, pollinators, and aquatic organisms when choosing seeds, soil amendments, and pest control products. Be sure to carefully check the ingredients of any products you plan to use for the presence of Neonicotinoids (Neonics) if not labelled Organic. Any products found containing neonicotinoids should be disposed of in a proper manner, such as the landfill or a hazardous waste collection for pesticides.

Understanding Neonicotinoids and Their Impact

Neonicotinoids, often referred to as "neonics," are systemic, neuro-active insecticides derived from nicotine. They are commonly applied to seeds to protect them from insects, but unfortunately, these chemicals are highly toxic to beneficial insects, birds, pollinators, and aquatic organisms. Neonics affect insects by binding to their nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to paralysis and ultimately death. The consequences are significant, with major declines in insect populations, especially aquatic insects. Bee species are particularly vulnerable to Neonicotinoids, and even a single seed coated with neonics can be fatal to a songbird. These disruptions also impact bird species by reducing their food sources. Moreover, Neonicotinoids persist in the environment and are highly soluble in water, resulting in contamination of streams and wetlands.

Legislation and Environmental Responsibility Vermont follows New York, which passed Neonicotinoid restrictions under the Birds and Bees Protection Act in 2023. In June 2024, Vermont passed the Pollinator Protection Act, restricting the use due to the risks. Both states are at the forefront of efforts to protect birds, insects, pollinators, and aquatic organisms from the harmful effects of Neonics. In 2026, many other Northeastern state legislatures are working on similar bills to restrict the use of Neonicotinoids. Please read the packaging carefully for any seeds, pesticides, or soil amendments you purchased before 2025 that are not labeled organic, as they may contain Neonicotinoids. It is essential to check these products before use. If you find neonics present, please dispose of them properly and choose a safer, more environmentally friendly option, preferably an organic solution.

As always, in April and May, I recommend selecting native plants for your spring plants. Choosing native plants is ultimately beneficial for both the environment and the local ecosystem. Whenever possible, buy locally to support the local economy.

Stay rooted.

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From page 10

For this month’s article, I’ve asked one of our volunteer mentors, Tammy Cookson, to share about her mentoring experience. Here is her submission:

Mentoring a student in our community has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve chosen to do with my time. I found myself with a little free time and was hoping for a meaningful way to give back to our small community. When I learned about the opportunity to mentor a school-aged child—from grade school through high school—it felt like a simple way to make a difference. The commitment is very manageable: we meet just twice a month for a few hours at a time. Those few hours, however, can mean a lot. The focus isn’t on doing anything elaborate—it’s really about spending time together, talking, and sharing everyday activities. So far, we’ve enjoyed simple things like playing card games and board games, and even collecting eggs from my chickens. Sometimes the best moments come from just chatting and laughing while doing something ordinary. It’s been fun getting to know each other and watching confidence and comfort grow over time. We’re especially looking forward to the warmer months ahead, when we can spend more time outdoors—maybe having a picnic or going swimming. Having those things to look forward to together makes the experience even more special.

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Dark Skies: Easy Ways to Protect Our Night Sky, Our Health and Our Environment

The dark sky, spangled with stars and the glorious sweep of the Milky Way, is an amazing and awe-inspiring sight. But did you know that dark skies are also vital to the well-being of humans and other animals? For example, birds migrating at night base some of their navigation on visual cues of the moon and stars. Artificial lights, especially in densely illuminated urban areas, can cause confusion for birds, leading them to collide with buildings, or circle light sources till they are exhausted. Birds will also be nesting soon. Nighttime lighting interferes with their main food source for hatchlings: insects. An incredible 96% of land birds feed their nestlings insects. There’s a good reason for this: insects are excellent food, rich in protein, fat, and carotenoids. Among the most nutritious are caterpillars, and many bird species prefer them for their babies. According to Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, chickadee parents need about 7500 caterpillars to raise ONE nest of young. These caterpillars are the immature forms of moths, most of which are active at night, and very susceptible to outdoor lighting. And humans? We operate on a day/night pattern called the circadian cycle.

Millions of years of evolution have shaped us to this steady pattern. Our bodies need dark to produce melatonin, which helps regulate our metabolism and immune systems. When our natural circadian cycle is disrupted (overly bright indoor lights, glare from outside light sources, or working night shifts), there is a rise in health problems. Higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and mental health issues have all been linked to light pollution. But what about lighting needs for safety? Fortunately, with modern technology, we have a number of ways to protect dark skies, while still having outdoor lights.  Install outdoor fixtures with shielding, which directs light down where it is needed, not up.  Put security lights on motion sensors.  Use timers, if you need outdoor lighting at just a specific time (for example, farmers who are up and working before dawn).  Only install the lights you need,

rather than lighting everything.  Use lower intensity LED lighting in

warm colors, 3000K color temperature or lower. Color temperatures above 3000K emit harsh bright white “blue” light, while lower color tem-  peratures are warmer and mellow,

and affect humans and other animals far less.

 Encourage local government and

businesses to use these “dark sky” lighting practices. Of course, the most effective protection of dark skies is to keep artificial lights off at night. The best part is the price tag: it’s zero dollars to turn off the lights! If you can, turn off outdoor lights entirely, especially during bird migration season (March and April in our region). It is remarkable how much light is cast by just the moon and stars; you might be surprised by how much you see, when the glare of artificial light is off. If you would like more information on dark sky science, technology, and policy, check out the Dark Sky Society at www.darkskysociety.org. Enjoy the stars, and happy 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 www.SocksFamily Farm.weebly.com or call 802.498.7785.

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Funds Available for Community Organizations

The CCA Community Grant Fund allows the CCA to support community-based projects and events that further the mission of the CCA. This is funded by the generous support of the Cabot Creamery and other donors. Funds are awarded to non-governmental organizations. Examples of previous awards include expenses of Cabot Artssponsored community performances, Cabot Night at Mountaineers games and Little League uniforms. Guidelines and application form is available at:

http://www.cabotvermont.org/community-grant grant-fund/

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Jaquith Public Library

Upcoming April Events at the Jaquith Public Library

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

For more info: 802-426-3581

[email protected] or email:

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

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Safety Minute: Make Like a Tree and Leave it Be

by David Young Reprinted with permission from February- March WEC Co-op Currents, the newsletter of Washington Electric Cooperative

When there is an outage, WEC crews are in the field restoring service until every last household has power. On several recent occasions, our crews have encountered members attempting to clear fallen trees from power lines themselves. In multiple cases, the lines were still energized. These members may have been well-intentioned, but their actions could have been lethal, and also put line crews and other first responders at risk. This is the ultimate Safety Minute topic: Never approach a downed, pinned, or dangling power line. And never touch a tree or other items in the vicinity of a downed line. Even if the line is not sparking or humming, it may still be energized. A tree touching a live wire has enough water in it to conduct electricity. If you touch an energized tree with a body part or a metal implement, you will close the circuit. A downed power line can even energize the ground — that’s why it’s important to stay at least 50 feet away. Repairing power lines is a professional job. Lineworkers and contractors are trained and certified to handle lines and debris safely and responsibly. This is a life-and-death safety issue, and I hope that’s enough. But I’ll make one last point about practicality: electricity flows downstream, and each fault, or outage location, on the line prevents electricity from flowing further. So removing the tree that’s pinning a line will not restore your power. Upstream outages need to be repaired first. And if the line is de-energized—which it is, if you survive removing the downed tree—then crews will still need to come check the line and reset tripped safety mechanisms. If you see a downed power line or a tree on a line, here’s what you need to know:  If it is an emergency, call 911.  Maintain a safe distance: at least 50

feet away.  Call WEC at 1-802-223-5245 or 1-800

-932-5245.  Please provide your location and a

description of the situation. The safety of our members and our line crews is our top priority. Thank you for staying safe and staying away from power lines. Members can recommend Safety Minute topics and request safety presentations from David Young for their school, organization, or community group. Contact him at 802-224-2340 or [email protected].

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UPDATE

Friday, April 10 following lunch:

Dr. Rob Penney MD (Family Physician and Central Vermont Council on Aging Board Member) presentation to provide information about immunizations that are recommended for adults and children. This is appropriate for all ages, and attendance is encouraged for everyone who may find it of interest. This presentation will include a bit of history about immunizations in general and individual vaccines specifically. It will include some description of a disease in question, what it might cause in an infected individual, treatments if available, and specific vaccine recommendations. Dr. Penney will touch on what we might expect in the future. This will be a 40-45 minute presentation. Questions and discussion are welcome during and after the talk.

Monday, April 13 following lunch:

Concerned and confused about nefarious actors using artificial intelligence (AI) to steal your private information?

Join Jean McDermott from the nonprofit federally-funded Senior Medicare Patrol program, where she will lead a discussion on how scammers are using advances in technology such as AI in their fraud schemes and educate on ways we can prevent, detect, and report these scams targeting our personal information.

Coming in April

Enjoy a delicious bowl of soup or chili (vegetarian options available); purchase a handmade pottery bowl for $25 and fill it up and enjoy a hearty meal while supporting Twin Valley Senior Center – includes bread and dessert. Eat in or take out.

Beginning May 1 for 6 weeks

(skipping 5/29) Fridays from 2:30 to 4:30 pm Watercolor Class with Nancy Chapman $60 per person supplies included (except paper). Space is limited to 12 participants. Call Denise at 223-3322 or email [email protected].

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Historical Society Building Report

One of Cabot’s most important historical buildings, the Cabot Historical Society museum next to the church, is in serious trouble. Situated at what is the lowest elevation on Main Street, the crawl space under the building remains constantly wet, causing the supports and critical beam structures to deteriorate to the point that a completely new foundation must be installed. Additional structural damage will need to be addressed after the foundation is in place, but according to a structural engineer, the critical work is the foundation. The estimated cost of from $150,000 to $250,000 is daunting for a small organization. This building was constructed in 1845 as a schoolhouse and community building. It then served various civic groups until it was sold to Robert (Bob) Brimblecomb for his plumbing business. His sons sold the building to the Cabot Historical Society (CHS) in 1978. The building has electricity, but no plumbing or insulation, and there is only a wood stove for heat. This has been by design to preserve the historic integrity of the structure. The Historical Society closes the building during winter months, and over time, weather, temperature changes, and insects have taken a toll on the all-wood structure. There were warning signs of problems, and steps taken. The foundation was repaired in the early 2000s, and pest control and mildew problems were addressed repeatedly. However, the supports under the building remained wet and rotting. Being closed for many months during the COVID-19 pandemic was probably a large contributor to the old building’s undoing. Glenn Goodrich, Fred Ducharme, and Chuck Talbert did emergency repairs in the fall of 2024, installing new central support beams. Until they took action, the building was closed to the public. Now, a group of dedicated Cabot residents – members of the historical society building and grants committees and others who appreciate the importance of preserving the town’s history, are meeting regularly to take steps to save the old building. Artifacts from before the town was even lotted, such as the big black iron kettle used by General Hazen’s army when they camped on the Plain during the winter of 1779-80, are in this museum. There are tools, furniture, photographs and letters among the thousands of historic items on display. There are medical instruments used by Dr. Wiswell and Dr. Burbank, hinges from the old “Smuggler’s House” on the Plain, a sleigh, butter churn, a wooden washing machine, lanterns, costumes, paintings by Ruby Tebbetts, albums containing family photos, news items, and other memorabilia – all donated by Cabot families wanting to preserve the memory of their loved ones and Cabot’s colorful history. The building is historically significant, being remarkably preserved inside with a beautiful stage and original woodwork on the second floor. Slight renovations were no doubt made to the firstfloor space, but it still has the original windows, woodwork, stairs and flooring. For those who have worked hard over the years to collect and preserve the thousands of items on display spanning 250 years, it is unthinkable that it could all be lost if the building is not saved. A certified engineer was brought in last fall to assess the structure. His report left the CHS facing a staggering figure ($200,000 to $250,000) required for the building to be deemed structurally sound and safe. Dawn Andrews and Brittany Butler are in the process of applying for a Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant through the Preservation Trust of Vermont, and Brittany is working on a grant from AT&T. If they are successful, CHS will still need to raise at least another $100,000. Fred and Chuck have pointed out that the building needs to be raised considerably to protect it from increasing flooding. All agreed that work should continue to save the building and its precious contents. There will be regular updates to the community about the progress being made, both on fixing the building and on funding the repairs. We hope that having this rich resource of town history available for research, and so many artifacts from Cabot’s past kept safe and available for all to admire, our friends and neighbors will feel inspired to help save this historic treasure.

Store trash in a secure place. Trash cans alone are not enough! The Fish & Wildlife Department will not reimburse claimants for bear damage to livestock, fruit, or bees. Farmers will be reimbursed as long as their land is not posted against hunting. Persons suffering bear damage should contact the nearest Vermont Fish & Wildlife office or local state game warden (www.vtfishandwildlife.com/contact/contact-a-warden) prior to taking any

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

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Cabot Creamery Cooperative Wins Five Best of Class Titles in International Competition

Cabot Creamery and Agri-Mark took home 17 awards at the World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, Wisconsin last week. Since 1957, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association has hosted this premier technical cheese, butter and yogurt competition biennially.

“Delivering the exceptional taste consumers expect from Cabot and Agri‑- Mark starts with high-quality milk from our farmers and comes to life through the hard work and commitment of our employees,” said Jason Martin, SVP of Operations at Cabot Creamery and Agri -Mark. “These awards reflect the dedication and passion of everyone involved. We’re proud to be recognized by our peers in the most competitive dairy contest in the world.”

A team of 56 expert judges from all over the world evaluated 3,375 entries across 150 entry classes and 25 countries on flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging and other attributes.

One of those judges was Ted Brown, Manager of Inventory Control and the cheese grading team at Cabot Creamery and Agri-Mark. The cheese grading team monitors and evaluates each batch of Cabot’s naturally-aged cheddar on its texture, taste, and smell to ensure it meets quality standards. Brown recused himself from evaluating any categories in which Agri-Mark and Cabot had entries.

“There is a lot of collaboration and comradery in the dairy industry, and you can see that on full display at the World Championship Cheese Contest,” said Ted. “Everyone came together with one common goal—to pick the best dairy products in the world.”

Cabot Creamery and Agri-Mark won the following awards,

Best of Class

Cabot Creamery, Alpine Cheddar Cabot Creamery, Crème Fraîche (Food Service Only) Cabot Creamery, Medium Cheddar Agri-Mark, NFDM Low Heat Agri-Mark, Whey Permeate

Second Place

Cabot Creamery, Monterey Jack Cabot Creamery, Muenster Cabot Creamery, Sour Cream Cabot Creamery, Colby Jack Cracker Cuts Agri-Mark, WPC80, Grade A Agri-Mark, Whey Permeate Agri-Mark, NFDM Low Heat

Third Place

Cabot Creamery and Jasper Hill Farm, control action on their own. Fish & Wildlife personnel will recommend appropriate measures or control strategies that can lessen the problem. It is your responsibility to avoid attracting bears. Bears are wild animals that belong in their natural habitat-the forest. More information is available at www.vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/living-with-wildlife/Living-with-Black- Bears Cabot Clothbound Cheddar Cabot Creamery, Triple Cream Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt Cabot Creamery, Pepper Jack Cracker Cuts Agri-Mark, WPC80, Grade A Agri-Mark, WPC80 Instant

About Agri-Mark

Agri-Mark is a dairy cooperative and certified B-Corp owned by hundreds of farm families throughout New England and Upstate New York. Their farmers produce high quality milk, which is crafted into award-winning products like Cabot Creamery’s cheddar, butter, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream and New York’s finest cheese brand, McCadam. In addition, Agri- Mark produces whey protein and milk powders that are distributed globally. To learn more, visit www.agrimark.coop.

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Human-Bear Conflicts: A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear

by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. People often encourage bears to come out of the forest by providing food without realizing it. When bears become used to these food sources and have frequent contact with humans they become more dependent on human foods and less wary. This is bad news for the bears and puts them at increased risk to vehicle collisions and of being killed in defense of property. The most common sources of food that attract bears are: pet food, bird feeders, barbecue grills, garbage, household trash containers, open dumpsters, and campsites with accessible food and food wastes. Purposely feeding a bear is not just bad for the bear, it’s also illegal. If you see a bear in a residential area or you encounter an aggressive bear, please contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Protecting Your Home and Property

Vermonters must take reasonable measures to protect their property from bears before lethal force can be taken. Some of these measures include: Keep chickens and honeybees secure within an electric fence or other bearproof enclosure. Never feed bears, deliberately or accidentally. Feed your pets indoors. Feed birds from December to March only.

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