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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)

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

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Happy Fourth!

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.

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speech given by Ian and Caitlyn Ackermann on the Statehouse steps, the Road Rule and Tier 3 portions of Act 181 were repealed.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!

[email protected] 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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Standing Ovation to Karen Mueller-Harder Cabot Community Service Award 2026

Presented by Thomas Dunbar, Cabot Thespian & School Science Teacher at Cabot High School Graduation June 12, 2026

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, Photo by Seth O’Brien.

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Cabot Church Clock Repairs

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 Synchronized clock faces.

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

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School Board Update: Late June

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 Mac- Lean, 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, rather than voters in individual districts deciding each year how much funding to provide their school, the State of Vermont would provide a “foundation grant” of funding for 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.

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: Phone: 802-595-1130, Mark Christensen, Cabot Mentoring Coordinator Email: [email protected] Website: cabotmentoring.org

Cabot Ride the Ridges: https://www.ridetheridges.com/https://www.bikereg.com/cabot-ride-the-ridges

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Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Department of Health, State of Vermont

My Healthy Vermont offers free, statewide programs for people looking to build skills to manage their health and feel better day to day. Join an upcoming workshop to learn practical strategies, connect with others, and get encouragement every step of the way. Workshops are held online using Zoom and open to people in VT 18 and older.

High Blood Pressure Management Starting 6/30/26 and 8/4/2026

Chronic Disease Self-Management Starting 7/9/2026

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

…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 The views, opinions and information expressed in the Community Commentary, 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 control 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?" 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-

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

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ADVICE FROM THE 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 250th 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 throughout Cabot. 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

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Willey Building Lift Restored and 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 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.

Betty showing off new lift control panel.

New lift call button pad—turn the key and push the button.

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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Where in the World is the Cabot Chronicle?

Chip Taylor: My travel friend Suzie Lee and I are enjoying the Chronicle while relaxing on the netting on either side of the bowsprit of the Royal Clipper, the World's largest passenger carrying sailing vessel. Where are we? Somewhere in the Alboran Sea off the coast of Spain. It's the westernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea. Others in our group (The College of Curiosity) are awaiting their chance to also read the Chronicle.

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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.

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June Selectboard Meetings

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

POLICY/ORDINANCE REVIEW

Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Policy Changed to “policy” from “ordinance” because it only affects employees of the town, not the public. Selectboard needs to designate recipients of ethics reports/complaints.

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.

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

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.

Litter/Trash Policy

This issue has arisen with no action in the past. Gary Gulka presented research on existing 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.

RESILIANCY HUB GRANT AWARDED

Lori Augustyniak reported that Cabot has received a resiliency hub grant for $45,640 from Vermont Center on Rural Development (VCRD) Resilient Communities Program to help with climaterelated disaster preparedness and community resilience building. Cabot Community Association will work with the Resiliency Task Force and Emergency Management Director to prepare for flood recovery, power outages and extreme weather events. More information available at .https://www.vtrural.org/climate-economy/resilient-communities/ A work plan is due August 15. Laura Cavin Bailey of VCRD briefed the selectboard via Zoom on the process to brainstorm opportunities, determine actions for the future and establish priorities. Reference was made to the VCRD Community Visit of 2012, report with goals and action steps available at https://www.vtrural.org/cabot/.

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.

WATER METER UPDATE

Fred Ducharme reported that almost all outdated meters have been replaced with the modern models. Testing has been conducted to ensure they can be read from off the property; Town Treasurer will learn how to import the data and create bills.

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 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.

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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A Letter to Our Readers

by Frank Kampf I want to let all of our readers know that I believe strongly in community service, and have felt the best use of my time was writing articles for the Chronicle about the Selectboard and School Board meetings. After six years of doing this job, I realized that I really needed a break. The deadline of writing articles, along with the time demand of attending all the meetings, has recently overloaded my daily life. I have too many irons in the fire, so to speak. I plan to take the summer off to enjoy a much needed vacation and time with my grandchildren. I hope to start attending board meetings again in September, and write articles for the October edition. Time can only tell what the future holds.

Sincerely, Frank Kampf, Staff Writer

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From page 8

In 1921, Barre’s Kiltie Band marched in the July 4th parade. Here they are heading up Main street in front of what is now Harry’s Hardware. –Photo from Cabot Oral History collection.

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

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Cabot Fourth

(continued from page 8) Years later I learned that campers on Joe’s Pond – only a few at that time had cottages, but many tented on Flint’s Point on the east shore – looked forward each year to the big fire on top of the hill above the west shore of the pond. There were celebrations on Flint’s Point in those years; on the west shore where the Joe’s Pond Association pavilion is today. The Flints first opened their farmland for a park in the late 1800s but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that summer cottages began to be built. There were large gatherings at Flint’s Point for baseball games, band concerts, and dancing. The sound of music could easily be heard at the bonfire on the hill across the pond, entertaining Cabot Plains neighbors as it mingled with the crackling of the big fire. In the years immediately following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Fourth of July was remembered with reverence. There were long speeches by statesmen, hymns, prayers, and band concerts. However, after the Civil War, joyful, noisy “Callithumpian” parades became more common, even reaching some larger communities in Vermont. These boisterous parades featured large puppets designed to poke fun at the so-called elite, politicians, or other officials. They were noisy, and bands played a mix of marches and popular tunes of the day. In Boston, around the end of the 19th century, some socially elite men formed a military style group, “The Ancient and Honorables,” and marched in a parade. This very soon became “The Ancient and Horribles”

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

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There WILL Be Fireworks at Joe’s Pond!!

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 250th 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 fireworks display. But I’m told that property owners just couldn’t let the 250th go by quietly, and have privately raised funds for one last blast. As usual, the show is scheduled for dusk on July 3, with a rain date of July 5. The display will be from the same location as the past couple of years - on the Route 15 side of the middle pond, and can be seen from along Route 2 and Route 15 as well as the public beach in West Danville. Boats should not go into the two smaller ponds where there are large patches of EWM.

THANK YOU, JOE’S PONDERS!!

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America’s Time Capsule Will Be Buried July 4 in Philadelphia and remain sealed until 20276

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, 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/

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Tree Dedication at Joe’s Pond

(L to R) WDCC President, Deb Stresing; Secretary, Chris Burns; Treasurer, Wendy Hutchins; Garey Larrabee’s daughter Jenny, and granddaughters Alyssa and Ava 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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CABOT PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS

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

All programs are free and all are

welcome! For added programs and updates, check cabotlibrary.com & FPF. If you have a program suggestion, question or would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]

Summer Programming - This year’s

theme is Unearth a Story. We’re excited to dig into great books, uncover hidden histories, and explore the past through fun programs and activities. All programs take place at the Cabot Rec Field Pavilion unless otherwise noted.

Summer Reading Program (ages birth - 18) - June 18 - August 13- Visit the library to choose a reading challenge for a chance to earn prizes - it's easy! Get ready to read!

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.

1000 Page Club - Pick up your reading chart. Read 1000 pages to earn a book and an ice-cream voucher for the Cabot Village Store.

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!

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 13 onward.

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Upcoming Events at the Jaquith Public Library

Upcoming July Events at the

Jaquith Public Library

(unless noted otherwise) 122 School St. RM 2, Marshfield, VT 05658 All events are free and held at the library For more info: 802-426-3581 or email:

[email protected] or www.jaquithpubliclibrary.org

Summer Story Time & Playgroup Morning Program with Nicky Auerbach for Kids Birth to Age Seven Fridays through July 31 from 10:30 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.

Join us for Summer Fun Nights For people of all ages on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM 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! 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.

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.

Summer Concert Series on Thursdays 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 Kitchen.

July 2 - Ernest James Zydeco Band: “Ernest James, a singer and dazzler on accordion, delivers zydeco good times and harrowing blues" -Downbeat Magazine July 9 - A2VT: Representing Somalia, Congo, Tanzania and Burundi and currently living in Burlington, Vermont, A2VT synthesizes their native African musical and dance roots with Western pop and Hip-Hop sensibilities.

July 16 - Faerie Godbrothers: The Faerie Godbrothers bring their unique blend of classic covers and imaginative originals to the stage in an unforgettable live music experience.

July 23 - Organized Dead: Organized Dead is an instrumental brotherhood of musical explorers centered around two entities that have changed the course of American music: The Grateful Dead and the iconic Hammond 3b organ.

July 30 - Honeybee Steelband: Honeybee Steelband presents a pollinatorfriendly concert, featuring special appearances by Aro Veno, the Rebops, and more! August 6 - Michael Arnowitt Jazz Band: Pianist Michael Arnowitt’s ImproVisions Jazz Quartet brings together outstanding creative musicians to perform acoustic jazz full of improvisational interplay and musical conversation.

Freedom and Unity: Keeping the Promise of Democracy in Vermont Marshfield Historical Society's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence 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 call: 802-454-1680.

Crankie Performance and Workshop 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 [email protected] or 802-426-3581.

Summer Reading Challenge Win prizes and a book 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.

Art Show Opening: ANIMALS Sunday, July 19 from 2 to 4 PM The next show in the Jaquith Library 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.

All Hands Together! Community Crafting Group NEW TIME: Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 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.

Drum Circle with Jean Jacques Maury 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: [email protected] or call the library: 802-426-3581.

The Marshfield Resilience Hub Farmers Market 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: [email protected] or call the library at: 802-426-3581.

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!

The Marshfield Community Garden 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 Public Library at 802-426-3581 and we will add you to our garden email list.

Did you know you can visit a museum, go for a swim or hike at the 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.

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.

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9 Tips for Keeping Cool Without AC

by Matthew Smith, Efficiency Vermont

With hot and humid temperatures in the forecast, Efficiency Vermont is sharing some tips to keep a home or apartment cool without air conditioning. We also have rebates offering up to $150 off a window AC unit that can help make air conditioning more affordable. And our rebates for heat pumps (which both heat and cool a home) range from $375 to $2,200. You can read these tips on Efficiency Vermont's website (EfficiencyVermont.com, or read them below. 1. Open your windows at night. In Vermont, temperatures drop during the night. Take advantage of cooler summer evenings and open your windows to promote a cross-breeze. This can also help you sleep better! Don’t forget to close the windows and blinds before things get too hot in the morning. 2. Close your window coverings. Summer sun delivers heat right through your windows. Block the heat with shades or blinds during the sunniest hours to keep your home cool without AC. This is a passive, or “natural” cooling method . 3. Insulate and air seal your home. Many of the things that help keep your home warmer in the winter also help keep your home cooler in the summer. If you feel the temperature extremes in both seasons, consider a weatherization project. 4. Bake and wash at night. Large appliances give off significant amounts of heat. Wait to turn on your oven, range, dishwasher, and clothes washer until evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Also, consider hanging laundry outside to dry. 5. Fire up the grill! If you can, take your cooking outside. If hot food is in order, fire up the grill instead of turning on the oven. Instead, plan for grilled dishes and salads to avoid generating more heat in the house. 6. Install an exterior window shade. Installing an awning, pergola, porch, or shade trees by your west windows will shield your home from hot afternoon rays. Direct sunlight is like a heater in the cooling season!

7. Use your fans in the right places. Fans keep air moving around, rather than cooling the air. Blow air directly on people to get a cooling effect or set up your fans to draw in cooler air from the outside to the warm areas. 8. Use your exhaust fans. Exhaust fans in your kitchens and bathrooms capture hot air before it mingles with your house air and contributes to overheating. 9. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. In the summer, the fan blades should rotate counterclockwise (as you look up at it) to push the air straight down. Increase the fan speed on the hottest days.

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