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The Cabot Chronicle

July 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 July 2026 pages (PDF)

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

In This Issue

Caledonia-Washington District

Act 73, the education transformation act that was signed into law by Governor Phil Scott last July, saw some significant updates and changes this past legislative session. Bill H.955 went back and forth from the House and Senate and finally a conference committee and was voted out by the House on May 29. I voted yes to support the bill. All in all, middle ground was found to find cost savings but keep decision making local and voluntary. The bill created regional CESAs, or Cooperative Educational Service Areas, to share services such as special education and transportation costs. Additionally, voluntary merger committees are formed this fall to study unified union school districts. Districts will vote on proposed mergers on Town Meeting day in 2028. The bill sets spending thresholds of 18% above the state average and creates a path for a foundation formula in 2029. The foundation formula is a system of state funding based on how many students are attending the school with additional “weights” that factor the specific needs of students and circumstances of schools. This is in contrast to budgets voted on by individual schools that are then supplemented by the state. Towns that offer public tuition (choice) are still preserved in the new system. Ultimately, the goal is to curb spending and increase quality outcomes for students. The Rural Community School Alliance supports the bill as passed and I am hopeful the Governor will sign it into law soon. The repeals made to Act 181 were a great success this session and I was grateful to participate as best I could.

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: Happy Fourth!

Thanks to the voice of many Vermonters, including a pivotal speech given by Ian and Caitlyn Ackermann on the Statehouse steps, the Road Rule and Tier 3 portions of Act 181 were repealed. This means that the opportunity to build on your land will largely remain unchanged. Unless you have a major development project that triggers Act 250, you only need to go to the town zoning administrator to apply for a permit. (Septic systems still need state permitting.) Had Act 181 gone through without change, the process for building would look drastically different, requiring permitting through the Act 250 process. I was able to bring two floor amendments which passed the House that allow farms to construct facilities for social, recreational, and educational events without needing an Act 250 permit. The other modified the language in the “smart growth principles” of our regional planning commissions to include homesteading, small scale agriculture and forestry, and supporting housing in a list of types of development that the commissions shall support. The day we repealed 181 was my favorite day at the legislature to date. There are so many changes to law that were made during the two years that I have had the privilege to serve as representative for Cabot, Danville, and Peacham. All those that increased the rights and privileges of people in our state and reduced the burden of taxes on our people; all those that freed our economy to grow and protected our vulnerable; all those that recognized the blood, sweat, and tears that it takes to make a life here - those I supported and those I intend to make all the more. Here’s to independence and to freedom and unity! gburtt@leg.state.vt.us

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Cabot Thespian & School Science

at Cabot High School Graduation

For several decades the Cabot School Board and Select Board have, each year, jointly recognized a Cabot resident whose volunteer efforts over a number of years have made Cabot a better place to live. This year’s recipient of the Cabot Community Service Award has spearheaded for many years two community endeavors that add so significantly to the vibrancy of life in Cabot. First, is the opportunity she’s provided for monthly dances at the Willey Building, complete with live music and dance-calling that ensures that all ages and abilities can feel welcome and participate. People come from near and far to dance, and Cabot residents benefit from a joyful, inexpensive activity close to home. Second, each year she organizes and directs dramatic productions in the CSPAC that (again) draw in a wide range of folks of all ages and experience, and gives acting opportunities to thespians young and old not found anywhere else on such a local level. Each spring,

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Cabot Church Clock

by Paul Wade

Original directions for caring for tower clock.

The June issue of the Cabot Chronicle described repairs of the Cabot Church clock that resulted in only three faces working. The front, facing the Common, still had a problem needing a lift to repair. Dunham Brothers Painting came to the rescue with their lift and fixed the

monthly and is provided locally free of

05647 ~ Published by the Cabot Community

express written permission from The Cabot Chronicle . is contingent upon publisher’s approval and agreement based upon contents of advertising. Publisher does occupied by individual item in which the error appeared.

newspaper devoted to telling the

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June 12, 2026

Photo by Seth O’Brien. audiences enjoy the results of months of planning, auditions, rehearsals, set work and final production. Cabot has benefited so much from the skills, enthusiasm and steady guidance of this generous individual. With great appreciation, this year’s Cabot Community Service Award is awarded to Karen Mueller-Harder.

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Repairs

Synchronized clock faces. front face recently, while I was away. THANKS. Last week, the clock team synchronized the repaired front face with the other three, as shown in the photo. Now Cabot time is available to all – pay no attention to the time on your cellphone. The clock requires winding weekly, according to the original directions which are still posted inside the clock tower. Tim Perry is currently the master winder.

charge.

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School Board Update:

by Chris Tormey, Cabot School Board Much of the discussion at our June 22 school board meeting focused on the specifics of the school reform legislation recently passed by the VT Legislature (H955) and its impact on Cabot School. The board was briefed on the key features of the new law by Margaret MacLean, a veteran teacher and school administrator from Peacham who also serves on the steering committee of the Rural Schools Community Alliance, a group of over 100 Vermont school boards (including Cabot’s) and selectboards whose mission is to ensure that the interests of Vermont’s rural schools and communities are included in changes to Vermont’s school funding and governance laws. Among the features of H955 highlighted by Margaret: A. School District boards are required under the law to meet with neighboring districts to STUDY the pros and cons of merging into larger unified districts, but they are not NOT REQUIRED to merge. B. Cabot is part of a large “merger study area” that spans from Danville in the north to Bradford in the south, and includes five preK-12 school districts as well as several preK-8 and prek-6 school districts. C. Cabot may choose to form a smaller merger study committee with school districts closer to it (potentially Danville and Twinfield). D. These merger committees will meet from October 2026 to September 2027. If the committee agrees that a merger would be beneficial, the voters in each of the school districts within that potential new merged district will vote in March 2028 on whether to actually form that new district: The voters decide whether to merge or not. E. Beginning in the 2029-30 school year, H955 states that a new school funding process shall go into effect. Under this process, voters in individual rather than districts deciding each year how much funding to provide their school, the State of Vermont would provide “foundation grant” of funding for

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Late June

every student enrolled. However, Margaret stressed that a number of things need to happen first before that new funding process goes into effect, and that school districts shouldn’t assume at this time that it definitely will.

After Ms. Maclean’s presentation, the Board discussed the best course for Cabot to take in the next several months, given the small number of students projected to be taking classes at Cabot High School during the 2026-27 school year. Board members also reviewed a first draft of an analysis of the relative costs and savings that would result if Cabot High School were to close and Cabot’s high school-aged students were to be tuitioned out starting with the 2027-28 school year. The board agreed on the following course to follow:

A. Use a retreat this July to nail down specific information which should be shared with families and community members about Cabot School’s options. B. Get that information out to voters in August, and schedule at least one community forum in September to further explain/answer questions about the various options, including closing the high school and/or merging with another district(s). C. Circulate a community survey in September to get community input on the best path forward. D. Use the survey results to decide if scheduling a town-wide vote in November would be advisable.

…..Also, the board agreed to modify the language of Policy F27 dealing with “Communicable Disease Mitigation for Students and Staff” to make it clear that the Cabot School Board and administration will follow guidance from the VT Department of Health in mitigating communicable diseases at school. The Department of Health’s current guidance recommends but does not require the use of masks in Vermont schools. As always , please feel free to reach out to any school board member if you have questions or need more information about matters school-related.

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State of Vermont

programs for people looking to build day to day. Join an upcoming workshop others, and get encouragement every step Zoom and open to people in VT 18 and

Diabetes Prevention Starting 7/13/2026 Quit Smoking Starting 7/8/2026, 7/10/2026, 7/14/2026 and 7/15/2026 or register: by Mark Christensen,

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Cabot Mentoring Coordinator

We’re pleased to announce that the 2026 Ride the Ridges (RTR) scholarship has been awarded to Cabot High School graduate Thomas (Tommy) Brink. Tommy will use the scholarship funds to further his post-high school education. The 13th annual Ride the Ridges fundraiser event will be held September 13, 2026. Each year cyclists flock to Cabot from around the country (and from Canada) to participate in this exciting bicycle gravel ride event which is held in Cabot to raise money for the Cabot Mentoring Program. Funds raised are also used for scholarships, a bicycle loan program and, this past December, holiday food boxes donated to families of Cabot youth. If you would like to be involved with this effort to support local youth, Cabot Mentoring and Cabot Ride the Ridges welcomes volunteers. The RTR needs help with their fundraiser event and the mentoring program needs adults to work with youth. So there are multiple ways to help out! Mark Christensen presenting the 2026 Ride the Ridges Scholarship to Cabot High School Graduate Thomas Brink Please contact us if you would like to learn more: Cabot Mentoring:

Mark Christensen, Cabot Mentoring Coordinator Email: cabotmentoring@gmail.com Website: cabotmentoring.org Cabot Ride the Ridges: https://www.ridetheridges.com/ https://www.bikereg.com/cabot-ride-the-ridges

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Community Health Experts”

Dear Ellen Cairns, Thank you for engaging in conversations regarding the impact of Covid policies on our students. I've been waiting six years for these conversations to begin. By addressing the unprecedented acts committed during Covid, we can now begin the healing process. I was particularly impressed with your comment about the impact of Covid on learning, which was quoted in the Cabot Chronicle's May issue. You are correct, the "pandemic" had a negative impact on student learning in many places, not just Vermont. To be clear, though, it was not the virus that has had a long-term impact on student learning- it was the response measures imposed by the school districts. The forced isolation, testing and quarantining of healthy people, the physical and emotional impacts of face masks and the inhumane imposition of social-distancing and remote learning. These practices went on for two years - that is an incredibly long time in a child's development, impacting numerous milestones along the way. Please remember, all of these measures were optional. Many schools around the country and around the world did not impose these practices, and their students fared much better in the short and long-term. Another comment you made was also very important. While considering Policy F-27, which would allow the district to impose all of these same experimental and damaging measures again in the future, you remarked on the health department's ability to revoke recommendations if they find evidence of harm. (May School Board Meeting, end of recording) Last spring I submitted an information request to the Vermont Department of Health in order to learn what evidence they have that face masks are safe and whether they received any complaints of harm. They have no scientific evidence that masks are safe for school-age children. Neither does the Agency of Education, the CDC or the WHO. That is because conducting such a study would be unethical. For the same reason, you will also never find a study which demonstrates that a 30' slide in the playground is safe. Nobody would allow you to conduct such a study because, based upon everything we already know, it would be too dangerous to even try it. As for evidence of harm, the department of health received plenty. Letters poured in from parents, teachers and community members citing the known and experienced harms. For example, here is a letter from a parent: "I urged my 15 year old son to write this email but he insisted that ‘noone cares what kids think’ about the pandemic. I disagree but understand his sentiment - they have had no say or con-

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OMMENTARY

in the Community Commentary, those of this newspaper or its affiliates. trol over their circumstances at school... "...masking is not harmless for kids. My son is a high school sophomore and has never been to his school without a mask. It has been harder to make friends and he sees no point in participating in class in a mask. He struggles to understand his teachers and constantly thinks they are angry just because he can't read their expressions. Teachers have done a heroic job but the kids are constantly scolded for chewing food with their mask down or letting it slip beneath their noses. "Exhaustion, anger and sadness have set in for many kids around masking and we are the families who have supported the idea from the start." The Department of Health received a pile of similar emails, including references to credible research on the subject: "Critically for children, the WHO Advice on Masks also describes in detail the many potential harms of mask wearing, including: ‘[I]increased risk of selfcontamination due to the manipulation of a face mask and subsequently touching eyes with contaminated hands; potential self-contamination that can occur if nonmedical masks are not changed when wet or soiled. This can create favourable conditions for microorganism to amplify; potential headache and/or breathing difficulties, depending on type of mask used’, ‘development of facial skin lesions, irritant dermatitis or worsening acne, when used frequently for long hours’; ‘difficulty with communicating clearly’; and general ‘discomfort,’ among others. "How will our children learn and thrive when their communication is hampered, their heads ache, and they are generally uncomfortable?" ing harms from masking and the lack of appropriate response to such complaints. There is much more evidence to consider, and I would welcome a complete review of the district's implementation and enforcement of health department recommendations during Covid. Superintendents, school nurses and even the health commissioner himself, as an MD, are not trained in how to devise and implement environmental mitigation measures. I can arrange a consultation with an expert who is trained in school mitigation measures to protect medically vulnerable students. She is eager to speak with you and answer your questions: Masks in Schools: Appropriate Special Education Accommodations with Megan Mansell. In light of your acknowledgment of the continuing damage that students are experiencing as a result of the school's previous implementation of these measures, I feel it is entirely inappropriate for the school board to decide they are competent and willing to impose such recommendations again in the future. Please decline to adopt any policy that permits the school district to become enforcers of public health "recommendations." I welcome the opportunity to bring light and healing to this subject. Thank you for your honest engagement in these conversations. Sincerely, Amy Hornblas, Cabot Resident Evidence-based Health Educator Author of The Vermont Mask Survey References available at AmyVT.com

None of these emails received a response which addressed their concerns or provided evidence to support the department's recommendations. My request to you and the other members of the Cabot School board is to honor your responsibility, as elected officials, under the Constitution, to provide a check-and-balance for our school community. As you stated at your last meeting, none of you are community health experts. Putting the decision of whether to require and enforce "recommendations" on to school boards is unfair. Recommendations and requirements are two very different legal distinctions with very different resulting culpability and responsibility. If the Health Department feels they have enough evidence to determine that there is a need to impose such health measures in the future, then they should make that decision themselves. They already do so with school vaccination requirements and other health measures which they enforce in community settings across the state. The CCSU school board has received ample evidence that the "health measures" you chose to impose on students and staff during Covid were harmful. I have sent you videos of two parents who spoke at a school board meeting in 2021 (#1 & #2) and shared examples of the emails the CCSU received demonstrat-

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Operational June 15

by Jeanne Johnson

Work went on for weeks in the bottom of the Willey Building, updating components of the town hall lift. Work stopped multiple times to wait for parts, but the task is finally done and State inspection is complete. Lift refurbishing, along with other improvements in the Willey Building and wastewater plant, was paid for by a grant secured by former Town Clerk Betty Ritter. Betty was hoping to see the work done before her departure, but time ran out. Betty speaks highly of the assistance she received from Sam Lash of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. The Betty showing off new lift control panel. grant Sam and Betty developed brought about half a million dollars in infrastructure improvements to Cabot. The lift upgrade cost about $40,000, and is critical to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and facilitate movement into and throughout the building of heavy items like office equipment, musical instruments and library books The new setup doesn’t look all that different – you still need a key and you must keep the button pressed while the lift moves to the level requested. But the components are all brand new. The key to access the lift is available from the town clerk’s office or library. Ring the doorbell at the back entrance of the building if you want to have the key brought to you at the door. The button marked 1 is for the Town Clerk, Listers and Zoning offices; 2 is the main entrance level; 3 is the Library and Meeting Room; and 4 is the Auditorium. New lift call button pad—turn the key and push the button.

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Wake Boats Correction

by Jeanne Johnson

Members of Joe’s Pond Association have identified inaccuracies in the June Cabot Chronicle Article: The headline "No Wake Boats" in June's Cabot Chronicle and aspects of the accompanying article were incorrect. Vermont’s revised Use of Public Waters (UPW) rules distinguish between the "vessel" and the "activity." The state has NOT implemented a blanket ban on wake boats themselves; rather, it has placed strict limitations on "wakesports"— activities that use ballast systems to create an enhanced, artificial wave. If a body of water —such as Joe's Pond— no longer has an eligible "wakesports zone", wake boats are still permitted. They may continue to be used for a variety of legal activities, including cruising, fishing, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding, provided that they are not using ballast tanks or bags to create an enhanced wake. When operating without ballast, these vessels must be operated under standard motorboat rules, which include adhering to the 200-foot safety offset from other lake users. Essentially, wake boats remain welcome on Joe's Pond, but "surf mode" and other high-wake activities are prohibited. Additionally, all ballasted vessels remain subject to mandatory decontamination protocols—specifically draining and flushing systems with hot water— before entering or leaving any body of water to prevent the spread of invasive species.

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Cabot Tree Warden

Summer is in full swing, and the 2026 Fourth of July celebration is only a couple of days away. Hopefully, we enjoy pleasant weather as we celebrate our nation’s 250 th anniversary. I would like to wish everyone a safe and festive Fourth of July! June marks the start of the annual flight season for the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) when the invasive beetle emerges from infested ash trees and spreads to new hosts. On its own, EAB typically advances no more than a mile per year. Unfortunately, it is highly adept at hiding in firewood and other untreated wood, allowing it to travel far greater distances when transported by people. Vermont saw this firsthand in 2018, when EAB ‑ infested trees were discovered on a property in the Town of Orange. The insect was believed to have arrived in a load of firewood brought in from out of state. In the eight years since that initial detection, EAB has spread to all fourteen Vermont counties. With the infestation now widespread, the focus has shifted from eradication to slowing the pest’s advance and managing its impacts. This spring, the first round of roadside ash tree removals took place

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ARDEN

All ash tree limb wood was chipped on site to prevent it from being taken and used as firewood-a key step in reducing accidental spread. Larger tree stem sections were left for property owners to use as firewood or to decompose naturally. Leaving ash where it is cut remains one of the most effective practices for limiting EAB movement. The removal of ash trees along Cabot’s roadsides will continue for many years. Approximately 2,300 ash trees over six inches in diameter remain within the town right ‑ of ‑ way. As the new budget year begins in July, another round of trees will be selected for removal, with priority given to those in declining health or with structural defects. EAB activity has already been confirmed in three areas of town, identified by Matt Peters during the Conservation Committee’s Natural Communities study. It is likely that the insect has spread beyond those initial sites in the time since the survey. Later this summer, I will be conducting roadside assessments to look for additional signs of infestation. If you see a black Subaru Crosstrek with its hazard lights on driving slowly, it is probably me surveying roadside the ash trees. Stay rooted, Roland Payne Cabot Tree Warden

and I are enjoying the Chronicle while rebowsprit of the Royal Clipper, the World's Where are we? Somewhere in the Alboran part of the Mediterranean Sea. Othare awaiting their chance to also read the

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A Letter to Our

by Frank Kampf I want to let all of our readers know that and have felt the best use of my time was the Selectboard and School Board meetings. After six years of doing this job, I realized line of writing articles, along with the time has recently overloaded my daily life. I have I plan to take the summer off to enjoy a grandchildren. I hope to start attending write articles for the October edition. Time can only tell what the future holds. Sincerely, Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

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June Selectboard Meetings

by Jeanne Johnson, in the temporary absence of Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

The Selectboard met June 2, 4 and 16. Many topics were discussed over all three meetings and major conversations are summarized here. minutes and recordings Full meeting are available at Cabotvt.us under “Selectboard.”

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Dog Ordinance

The board discussed reducing impoundment period from ten to five days, at which time, if the owner has not claimed the dog and paid all fees, anyone can claim the dog or it will be transferred to a humane society. Recommended increase in fines to $100 for first offense, $200 for second offense, third offense no more than $250 and total not to exceed $700. Checking with humane societies to ensure suggested fees are reasonable. Recommended fees are comparable with other towns, and will need to be paid before dog is released from impoundment. The authority to enforce the ordinance lies with the selectboard. The board approved recommended fees; ordinance will go through the public hearing process in a few weeks.

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Key Box/Knox Box Ordinance

The board discussed updating the Knox box ordinance to reflect modern practices and ensure better access for emergency services. They agreed to have Liz Wilkel rewrite the ordinance to remove outdated language and integrate new information about Knox boxes. Liz presented a draft at the June 16 meeting which has been reviewed by the fire chief. There are about 14 lock boxes in town; four at the creamery, two at the

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Readers

I believe strongly in community service, writing articles for the Chronicle about

that I really needed a break. The deaddemand of attending all the meetings, too many irons in the fire, so to speak. much needed vacation and time with my board meetings again in September, and

school, one at the Willey Building, plus the sewer plant, Neighbors in Action and residential ones.

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Grant Policy

Because of tight deadlines and reflecting the selectboard’s fiscal responsibility, the Planning Commission has been taken out of the process. If facing a short turnaround time, the selectboard may call an emergency meeting to take action. The board approved moving to next stage of adoption.

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Litter/Trash Policy

This issue has arisen with no action in the past. search on Gary Gulka presented reexisting ordinances from other municipalities. Mike Hogan will develop a draft policy to establish what it could look like and who would enforce it; looking for a policy that is manageable and sustainable. The board considered adding a second bulky disposal day, one in spring and one in fall. Cost to the town for bulk removal days was $2,000 in 2023; has risen to $3,100 in 2025. Junk cars come under the state junkyard rules. Policies/Ordinances considered for update will be available for review on town website prior to scheduled action by community.

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FLOOD MITIGATION UPDATE

Gary Gulka provided an update on flood mitigation efforts, reporting that the task force evaluated seven sites and narrowed it down to two viable options for relocating the Cabot Garage, with construction costs estimated at around $2 million per site, not including site development or land acquisition costs. $2 million is also the projected cost for the actual flood mitigation work on the current site of the Cabot Garage. The team will explore debris management upstream and potential grant opportunities.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT

Fire Chief Deasy reported the life expectancy of a tanker truck is 20 years, and Cabot’s is 27 years old. Upcoming emission regulations in 2027 are expected to increase the cost of a new one by about $30,000. Dean suggested placing an order now for a new cabin chassis to lock in a lower purchase price than can be expected in the future, no funding is required at this time, and the order may be cancelled if necessary with no

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Osprey Nest

A nesting osprey. Photo by Rollin Tebbetts residing, doing business, and visiting of our town. members informed about issues to listen in person. Instructions for

penalty. It takes two years to build, allowing time to build up the sinking fund without obligating any money now. The tanker will be close to 30 years old by that time. Budget discussion revealed an $8,000-$11,000 savings in the fire department budget this year due to a decision to change insurance policies, and $40,000 in the equipment sinking fund. The chief said he is trying to plan equipment replacement costs that don’t hit the town budget all at once. The board discussed funding options for replacing radios, with two choices: borrowing CCIF funds beginning January at 5% interest, costing $14,000/year or Vermont Bond Bank, which next cycle will open in December, at 3% interest over 40 years. It was agreed to pursue the bond option, with plans to put this on a September agenda and begin the process of retaining bond counsel and applying. Besides the radio purchase, the bond bank will be important for future projects. The current radio price is good through 2028. Peggy Miller has applied for a Motorola grant, and the town will continue applying for grants for apparatus and radio replacement costs.

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FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

Lori Augustyniak updated the selectboard on event plans. There will be a military flyover for the parade; Bobby Searles contacted business owners and parade prizes have been raised to $1,500 first place, $1,000 second place and $500 third place. There are new activities July 3 under the tent, including music, magic and food, and parking and traffic management strategies with the help of volunteers and law enforcement were reviewed.

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SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026

Meet at the CABOT’S VETERANS float at the fire building on South Walden Road no later than 10 a.m. Grab a seat on the float or walk behind the Veterans banner

Photo by Rollin Tebbetts This 1900 Fourth of July celebration took brated with a baseball game on the common, a parade. –Photo from Cabot Oral History

by Jane Brown

When I was growing up, the Fourth of July was not especially significant for me. I lived on a farm on Cabot Plain and looked forward to my city cousins arriving each summer, and if they arrived around the Fourth, they’d have colorful boxes of firecrackers and sparklers with them. The youngest of us were allowed to wave a sparkler around in the semi-darkness, always with lots of adult supervision, while the older boy cousins and my uncles had access to firecrackers that they set off under tin cans to see whose flew highest into the night air. Sometimes they set off more powerful blasts or a rocket that zoomed high overhead and exploded with a big boom – and that would send my grandfather abruptly into the house. He was not a fan. He not only feared for the nearby farm buildings and hayfields, but he also didn’t like startling the farm animals; and on a personal level, all the noise interrupted his routine which followed the “early to bed, early to rise” rule for bedtime. Most years, we didn’t pay much attention to the Fourth. There were family gatherings if it fell on a weekend, maybe a picnic if it fell on a Sunday; and occasionally someone produced a few firecrackers, but mostly it

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Cabot Historical

Open every Saturday 1:00-3:00 Open 4th For access during In 1921, Barre’s Kiltie Band marched in the July 4 th parade. Here they are heading up Main street in front of what is now Harry’s Hardware. –Photo from Cabot Oral History collection. place on Cabot’s common. They celea band, speeches, and quite possibly collection

was just another day – cows had to be fed and milked, chores done, loads of hay brought in. However, when my father, who was born in 1906, grew up on that same farm, the Fourth of July was a big event for the Cabot Plains community, at least for a few years. During the weeks prior to the big night, all ten Bolton kids and their neighborhood friends (nearly every family had six or a dozen youngsters in those days) collected scrap wood and hauled it to the highest point around – a pasture hilltop on our farm overlooking Joe’s Pond. It was our “night pasture” when I was growing up, a remarkable pinnacle of bare ledges with deep marks left by the iron wheels of military wagons that had struggled northwest to reach Cabot Plain on Bayley’s effort to reach Canada in 1776. It was a fitting place to celebrate those hardy patriots who served in the Revolution. With much of the route of that old military road on the Bolton property, that was probably my first history lesson, diligently passed on to me and my cousins by our grandfather. On the night of the Fourth, neighbors arrived on the open knoll in buggies or on foot. Most lived on or very near the route of the old military road – the Maynards, Gambles, Stones, and Barnetts came from the

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Society

p.m. until fall of July other times, call western end, the Roys, Grays, Macks and Burtnetts trudged up the road from the east. They came with blankets and sometimes baskets of food to share, and as the last rays of sun disappeared in the west, the pile of wood – sometimes eight or ten feet high, was set ablaze. The adults chatted while watching the roaring blaze, and youngsters frolicked in the flickering shadows of the big fire. The gathering was probably more about coming together as a community than celebrating the nation’s independence.

(see, “Cabot Fourth”, page 9)

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There WILL Be Fireworks

by Jeanne Johnson Don’t necessarily expect it to happen again, but it looks like there will be fireworks at Joe’s Pond on the occasion of the country’s 250 th anniversary. Joe’s Pond Association members’ Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) battle is their highest priority. At the same time, the cost of fireworks has skyrocketed (did you see what I did there?), forcing the decision to cancel the traditional Joe’s Pond Association-sponsored I’m told that property owners just couldn’t vately raised funds for one last blast. As usual, the show is scheduled for dusk The display will be from the same location 15 side of the middle pond, and can be seen as the public beach in West Danville. Boats where there are large patches of EWM.

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in Philadelphia and remain

The United States’ official time capsule, known as America’s Time Capsule, is part of the America250 initiative, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It will be buried at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, and is designed to remain sealed for 250 years, until 2276. Design and Preservation Unlike traditional box-shaped capsules, this time capsule is a precisionmilled stainless steel cylinder engineered to withstand underground conditions for centuries. A metal bell jar cover creates an air pocket to prevent water intrusion, ensuring long-term preservation. The design was developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Library of Congress, and the National Park Service. Contents The capsule will include contributions from all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as letters from every living president. Notably, the Library of Congress is contributing a molecular data storage device: a tiny metal pellet containing synthetic DNA encoded with digital copies of historical items, such as:  Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence  Francis Scott Key’s handwritten lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner”  The 1791 L’Enfant plan for Washington, D.C.  Digitized 1890 Native American audio recordings in Passamaquoddy  The Blackwell’s Kinfolk family tree  The Annals of the U.S. Congress from 1789 to 1824 Synthetic DNA allows extremely high -density storage—about nine terabytes per cubic millimeter—and is highly durable, capable of lasting thousands of years with minimal maintenance Significance America’s Time Capsule is congressional -mandated and represents a national effort to preserve a snapshot of American life, culture, and governance in 2026. It is intended to provide a clear, authentic window into the nation’s values,

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Common - Bucky

fireworks display. But let the 250 th go by quietly, and have pri-

on July 3, with a rain date of July 5. as the past couple of years - on the Route from along Route 2 and Route 15 as well should not go into the two smaller ponds

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sealed until 20276

achievements, and identity for people in 2276. The project also symbolizes unity, with contributions from every state, territory, and branch of government, reflecting the collective story of the United States. Public Engagement The capsule will be dedicated during the July 4, 2026, celebrations, alongside nationwide events including concerts, fireworks, and community gatherings. While the capsule itself will be sealed, the celebrations aim to engage Americans in reflecting on the nation’s history and future. Vermont’s Contribution Vermont sent an ornament with an image of Mount Independence, a land formation used during the Revolutionary War; an ornament honoring the Revolutionary War battle at Hubbardton, the only battle fought on what would become Vermont soil; an ornament commemorating the state’s Old Constitution House; and an ornament commemorating the Battle of Bennington. More information is available at https://america250.org/time-capsule/ Bucky Dunham donating time and equipment to clean the monument on the common in time for July Fourth festivities. Fred Ducharme photo.

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Community Club President

On June 9, 2026, the West Danville Community Club (WDCC) proudly dedicated a flowering crabapple tree in memory of Garey Larrabee. For the last 75 years, there have been countless numbers of community volunteers to keep a public beach at Joe’s Pond, but history tells us we may not have had this space if it weren’t for Garey. We can thank the history book “West Danville, Vermont Then and Now, 1781-2021” (co-Authored by Cabot’s Jane Brown) for describing the many times, usually due to financial woes, that Joe’s Pond Beach was in trouble of closing. In 1984, Garey secured a federal

grant of $48,000 to improve the beach. He oversaw the development of a grassy area for picnic tables, a sandy beach, a parking area and a bathhouse with electricity. Years later, however, another lack of funding led the town to consider closing the beach again. Garey had already formed a Community Club to beautify the tourist Park & Ride area and in 2005 the West Danville Community Club was officially formed to take care of the Beach. And today, the Beach is the gem of the community to be enjoyed by all.

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Unearth a Story Reading

Challenge - Pick up your reading chart and stickers. Read or be read to for 15 minutes a day for 15 days. Earn a Tshirt, book and an additional prize. 10 Page Club - Pick up your reading chart. Read 10 pages to earn a book and an ice-cream voucher for the Cabot Village Store.

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Tuesdays with Teens (ages 5+) -

Tuesdays in July - 4 - 5 pm at the library - Join our teen employees for an hour of fun crafts, activities and games. Story & Activity Time (ages Birth - 7+) - Wednesdays in July - 10:30 am noon at the Cabot Rec Field Pavilion - Join Amanda Otto, teens Amyra Simmons and Freya Van Deusen, and special guests for stories, songs, crafts and activities! Stay after for snacks and more active play on the slip and slide, swing sets, sandbox and fields. Stay tuned for added descriptions! 7/1 - Tugboat Story & Activity time with Captain Ben 7/8 - Four Winds Nature Institute will bring seasonally appropriate loose parts, science tools, a mud kitchen and more to help nurture a sense of wonder, place, and well-being! 7/15, 7/22 & 7/29 - Enjoy fun programs designed by teens Amyra & Freya

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VINS - Birds are Dinosaurs - Thurs-

day, July 2 - 6 pm - Cabot Rec Field Pavilion - Find out what 65 million years of evolution turned the dinosaurs into–birds! Celebrating “Unearth a Story” with Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), you'll meet live birds of prey and learn all about their dinosaur ancestry. We’ll explore the ways modern birds became masters of the air and understand the immense timescale over which these dinosaur-descendants adapted! Book Sale - July 4 - 9 am - noon -

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EWS

StoryWalk (all ages) - July - August Bring the kids and head to the Cabot Rec Field Pavilion to enjoy a stroll and a ies - Free museum admission for one family; Craftsbury Chamber Players - Free tickets for Summer Concert SeThis event is organized by the Friends of story. Begin at the woods edge near the Cabot Library and is held annually outsandbox and follow around the perimedoors in front of the Willey Building. Proter of the field. Please pack it in, pack it ceeds support library programs and out. other library needs. Book donations are being accepted during regular Vermont State Parks and other cenlibrary hours starting June 1, with a ters are open for your summer enlimit of 2 boxes per patron. All items joyment! Call or email to borrow these must be clean, in good condition, and free passes: Vermont State Park Pass from mold, mildew, or damage (no ripped Free entry up to eight people in one vehipages, torn covers, or odors). Please call cle to a Vermont State Park - day area; the library if you need assistance bring- Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium ing books indoors. Free Family Admission; Historic Sites pass - Free entry up to eight people in

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Museum/Vermont Heritage Galler-

This program is designed for new players with minimal to no experience. Registration required - please email to sign up! TBD - July 9 - 6 - 7:30 pm - Join us for an evening of fun led by our teen employees. More info coming soon!

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Meals on Wheels!

Botanical Printmaking on the Cabot Shaw's GIVE BACK WHERE IT Trails - July 16 - 6 - 7:30 pm - Join COUNTS Reusable Bag Program beHard-pressed Community Printshop on gins on July 1. Every $3.00 GIVE BACK the Cabot Trails for a fun evening of bo- WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag tanical printmaking! We will identify sold throughout July 2026 at the and select common plants along the trail Montpelier Shaw's location will give and make simple and striking relief back $1 to TVSC. prints for participants to take home.

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Learn & Play Canasta!

Meet at the back of the Willey Building. 10:15 AM – Noon Please contact the library with any ac2nd and 4th Mondays of each month cessibility questions or concerns. This Looking for a fun way to stay sharp program is co-sponsored by Cabot Trails and socialize? Join us to learn and play Cabot Book Group - Thursday, July Canasta, a classic card game that com23 - 2 - 3 pm - at the library - July’s bines skill, strategy, memory, and teambook selection is Theo of Golden by Allen work. Whether you’re brand new to the Levi. One spring morning, a stranger game or already know the basics, Canamed Theo arrives in the small South- nasta is a wonderful way to keep your ern city of Golden. He doesn’t explain mind active while enjoying friendly commuch about where he came from or why petition and laughter. he’s there—but when he visits the local No experience necessary – everyone is coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the welcome! people of Golden hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them, one at a time, ries. Thanks so much to our library subs Marianne Robotham, Grace Hoffman. Vicki Palmer, and Billie O’Connor and to our program volunteers and collaborators Losada Stoddard, Kerri Moll and K9 Member Rudy, and to the students who helped at the library during June Term! Additional thanks to the Wiswell Foundation for sponsoring our Teen Employee Program - we are excited to welcome Tom Brink, Freya Van Duesen and Amyra Simmons to the team! 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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Volunteer Meals on Wheels Substi-

tute Drivers Needed Twin Valley Senior Center is seeking caring volunteers to help deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in our communities. Just a small amount of your time can make a meaningful difference by providing both a nutritious meal and a friendly check-in. Interested in volunteering?

formation.

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Thrive & Connect Resource Fair

Tuesday, August 18 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Join us for an afternoon of connection, information, and community! Meet representatives from local organizations and services that support health, wellness, independence, and quality of life. FREE Lunch Provided. Discover valuable resources, ask questions, and connect with programs designed to help you thrive.

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Mark Your Calendar

and giving each portrait to the person depicted. In exchange, he asks only for THRIVE AND CONNECT: A RESOURCE FAIR the person’s story. And so portrait by on Tuesday August 18, 2026 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. portrait, person by person, secrets are Free Lunch for vendors and attendees: grilled hot dogs, chips, drinks, cookies revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered. A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder. Email cabotlibrary@yahoo.com for more info and to be added to the book group email list. TBD - July 23 - 6 - 7:30 pm - We’re digging up something good - check back soon!

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DinoMan - Thursday, July 30 - 6:30

pm - Cabot Rec Field Pavilion - Have no fear, DinoMan is here! Stomp to the Rec Field – you'll be taken on a magical trip throughout the Mesozoic era, with merry mayhem, magnificent props, and enormous inflatable dinosaurs. Assorted vendors - CVCOA, Claudia Pringles, Esq. DNR/DNI; AARP; Efficiency Vermont; Vermont Department of Health for emergency preparedness; The Health Center, including free blood pressure screenings; Mitzvah Fund; HomeShare Vermont.; and more.

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CABOT COMMUNITY FUND

Funds Available for Comunity Organizations

The Cabot Community Fund (CCF) allows the CCA to support community-based projects and events that further the mission of the CCA. The CCF 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 Arts-sponsored community performances, Cabot Night at Mountaineers games and Little League uniforms. Guidelines and application form is available at: htps:cabotvermont.org/comunity-grant-fund/

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AM to 12 PM

Join Nicky for fun activities based on the theme, “ Unearth a Story ”. Story time and snacks followed by activities. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and messy! Nicky has a Master Degree in education and loves to create fun learning opportunities for children. Older siblings are welcome to tagalong.

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We have great presenters to amaze

and amuse us all! July 1 - Dog Agility with Cyn Drinkwine: Local dog trainer, Cyn Drinkwine, will demonstrate some tricks with her dogs and then help you teach your dog some fun and impressive tricks, so please bring your well-behaved dog – on a leash, please!

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July 8 - The Marshfield Monarchs 4-

H Club Presents: 4-H kids will share what 4-H is all about and present some projects we’re working on this year. Visit with live farm animals like goats, sheep, chickens and rabbits. Maybe you’ll be inspired to start your own 4-H group. July 15 - Dinoman : Dinosaur tracks lead right to your library! Have no fear, Dinoman is here! With magic, merry mayhem, and magnificent props, the audience is taken on a trip throughout the Mesozoic era. July 22 - Alyx the Magician : Nationally touring comedy magician, Alyx Hilshey, is a Vermont family favorite who has amazed audiences of all ages from Vancouver to England and everywhere in between; prepare to laugh, smile, and experience wonder .

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July 29- Watershed Education with

the Lake Champlain Watershed Basin Program: An interactive demonstration of how different types of pollution work their way through our watershed and ways to stop the pollution from occurring. Land, water, and human actions are all connected. We have a role to play in pollution prevention.

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Summer Concert Series on Thurs-

days from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Come on down and hear some music, visit with neighbors, dance, try your luck at a 50/50 raffle, buy some baked goods and books and join the fun. If you don’t have time to pack a picnic, you can buy your dinner from the Tiny Cabin

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Friday, July 17 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

With funding support from Vermont Humanities, author and illustrator Dan Nott will explore his immensely popular comic book Freedom and Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont . Nott's work simply, but powerfully, illustrates the unique ways in which Vermonters breathe life into the state's motto “Freedom and Unity.” We practice democracy not only at election times, but in living our lives within our communities. Local leaders will share their own stories of why they undertake certain responsibilities for community functioning---the cornerstone of democratic expression. We invite participation by all our other neighbors, too. Can you contribute your own descriptions for how you make democracy real--such as helping dig someone out of a snowbank or bringing a bowl of soup to an ailing neighbor? Do you belong to a local service group? Such a variety of examples of democracy realized person by person! These reminders of democracy in action are a fitting way to commemorate the Declaration of Independence, its signing and the subsequent 250 years of our democracy. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please

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Crankie Performance and Work-

shop with Delia Robinson Saturday, July 18 from 1:30 to 3 PM After a short Crankie ballade performance, Delia will teach participants how to create their own crankie scroll and a small cardboard crankie theater. A crankie is a box with a window through which one sees portions of a panorama painted on a scroll. The long picture sequence is cranked past the viewing window, like a pre-industrial movie. Music or narrative may be included. Crankie creators will be invited to perform their crankie shows at an event in August. Delia Robinson is a visual artist, writer, researcher, and singer, who has worked in painting and mixed media, ceramics, large-scale sculpture, and storytelling in different forms including crankie shows. Participants must be at least 12 years old. The number of participants will be limited. Please RSVP at jaquithpublicli-

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Starting on June 15

Here’s how: 1. Come to the library and sign up to read! We will give you a reading log and stickers so you can keep track of your own progress. 2. For every 15 minutes you read, or are read to, put a sticker on your reading log. Jot down the title of your book. Earn 50 stickers—win a prize, a book and a voucher for a free maple creemee from the Marshfield Village Store.

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The next show in the Jaquith Li-

brary gallery is ANIMALS, with small sculptures, drawings, and paintings of our fellow creatures on planet earth. This is a group art show with the artists: Linda Mirabile, Emilia Olson, Anne Davis, Delia Robinson, Georgia Landau, Susan Bull Riley, Helen Rabin, Janet Van Fleet, Cynthia Ross, David Klein, and Juliana Fechter. Refreshments will be served.

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PM

Bring your knitting, crocheting or whatever craft you are working on or start a new project. All ages are welcome if they are old enough to sit and work on a craft. Knitting and spinning maven Donna Hison from Marshfield, is the host of the group.

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Friday evenings from 6 to 7 PM

Interested in a drumming circle? Come enjoy this free series for all ages and abilities. We will explore technique, patterns, and a common vocabulary to describe rhythm. No prior experience is needed or expected but you do need a drum - specifically a frame drum preferred. The purpose is to have fun playing as a group and learn a few things along the way based on a structured, coherent and practical approach. It will also be a practice - of connecting with an ancient, universal, and beautiful instrument which has been shared by all cultures over millennia - and of connecting body and mind into rhythm. Please register in advance by emailing: jean0jacques@yahoo.com or call the library:

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Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM

through October Join us every Saturday at the Old Schoolhouse Common for local food and craft vendors, live music, and free community led Skill Shares. Vending space is free, so let us know if you are interested in applying as a vendor, leading a class (we provide a small stipend), or playing music on the gazebo stage. To reach out send us an email: marshfieldrh@gmail.com or call the library at:

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We have a Tool Lending Library!

The Marshfield Resilience Hub, Cooperation Vermont and the Jaquith Public Library have established a Tool Lending Library. We are accepting donations of good condition tools, kitchen equipment and gardening tools. In addition to tools, we loan computers, DVD players, makerspace kits, games, puzzles, wood moisture meter, air tester, all are available for checkout!

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Needs You!!

The Marshfield Community Garden is seeking committed volunteers to help weed and harvest the garden. If you are interested, please contact the Jaquith

will add you to our garden email list. Did you know you can visit a museum, go for a swim or hike at the

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Vermont State Parks, and visit a

historical site all for free? The Jaquith has free Vermont State Park and museum passes for one- and three-day loans. You can use the Vermont State Park Day Pass in any of the state parks. The museums you can visit include: ECHO ($7 charge per person up to 4 people), Vermont Historical Museum, Shelburne Farms Museum, Fairbanks Museum, Birds of Vermont Museum, Vermont Granite Museum, and the Vermont State Historic Sites. We also have $1 discount coupons for the Montshire Museum. The Montshire Museum has a “Warm Welcome” program with $3 admission for VT and NH residents with an EBT card, adult Medicaid card, or a free/reduced price school meals letter with a limit of six visitors. You can call ahead to reserve any of our museum and state park passes.

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Just Food Hub Fundraiser

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/ jaquith-library. You can ask Just Food Hub to put together a gift basket for you or you can make your own.

Reach up to 1900 households by the first of each month in Cabot, Marshfield and West Danville. Plus households in Hardwick, Plainfield, Danville and beyond!

Full year for one low price! E-mail for more information:

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← From the Cabot Chronicle