Views of Dummerston - 2013#4 - Fall

Volume 23 Issue 4

Fall ~ 2013

Free

Young Farmers Take Over Bunker Farm

By Joan Weir “We look forward to the Bunker Farm becoming once again a beautiful, productive farm in our community and are pleased that this agricultural resource will be conserved for future generations of farmers.”

Ezekiel Goodband, Chair, Dummerston Selectboard In July, the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) used a bridge loan to buy the Bunker Farm from Larry and Marilyn Cassidy. At the same time, in a competitive process conducted by VLT to match experienced farmers with affordable farmland, Noah Hoskins, Helen O’Donnell,

Mike Euphrat, and Jen O’Donnell were selected to become the new owners of the 169acre Bunker Farm. They were chosen from a strong pool of eleven proposals.

The Bunker Farm will be a mid-sized farm focused on five areas: 1) a variety of pastureraised meat and poultry, 2) select vegetables, 3) specialty annual and perennial plants, 4) maple sap and firewood, and (5) educational and community programming. This plan fits well with this property which consists of 50 tillable acres, 12 acres of pasture, and 107 acres of woods including the sugarbush.

The farmers are leasing the farm now and will buy it from VLT subject to a conserva-

tion easement once all the funds are raised to pay back the loan and cover the costs of conserving the farm. The conservation easement will ensure the long-term protection of the Bunker Farm and its affordability to future farmers.

The total cost of conserving the Bunker Farm is $576,000. So far, VLT reports that three sources of funds are secured. First, the Dummerston selectboard voted unanimously to contribute $18,000 from the Dummerston

Notes from Alaska

Moses Leads His People ing sensation down the length of my lungs. I struggle to find the lower, cooler air near the I am hot. Blazing hot. I wouldn’t be sur- floor but have no hope of matching the yogiprised if the beads of moisture on my skin start like flexibility of my two companions, Moses to sizzle. Each breath brings with it a burn- and his grandson. We sit crouched in a steam hut on the edge of the Bering Sea. Moses, an elder of Newtok village and a Yup’ik Eskimo, displays no apparent concern for my welfare as he ladles more water onto the bed of rocks and triggers a fresh wave of searing, moist heat. I want to scream, “Mercy!” and escape, but I resist the urge. At the very least, I need to outlast the seven-year old grandson. I bow my head and turn my thoughts inward.

Heat, rising temperatures, retreat – all themes that have Will Murtha stands in front of the foul weather evacuation craft at the remote Alaskan village of Newtok. continued on page 10

By Will Murtha

The new team at the Bunker Farm includes, from left to right: Mike Euphrat, Jen O’Donnell (with Boomer), Helen O’Donnell (with Henry), and Noah Hoskins.

Farmland Protection Fund. Second, a grant of $50,000 was received from the 1772 Foundation in support of farms producing local food in the New England region. And third, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service awarded a $396,000 grant.

More grants will be applied for and a local campaign to raise $110,000 will be underway soon. If VLT and a local committee of supporters are successful, the new owners will purchase the farm in late March 2014.

For more information, contact: Joan Weir, Vermont Land Trust 802/246-1501 or jweir@ vlt.org

2 • Fall, 2013 • Views of Dummerston • The Views of Dummerston is a quarterly publication of The Dummerston Community Center, and the citizens of Dummerston.

The steering committee for the Views includes: Roger Turner, Jody Normandeau, Michelle Cherrier, Fred Lee, Jean Newell, Bob Sherwood, and Sara Ryan.

Subscriptions: The Views is mailed free of charge to all Dummerston residents who are registered voters. If you are not a registered voter in the town of Dummerston, you may subscribe to the Views by sending a check in the amount of $5, made out to the Views of Dummerston, with your name and mailing address, to: Jody Normandeau, 250 Tucker Reed Road, Dummerston, VT 05301.

SUBMISSIONS: Articles: Please email to: views@dummerston.com Please save as either “Word Document” (Microsoft Word), or as “Text Only”, using Times New Roman font, size 10, in single-spaced lines, with no “all caps” or paragraph formatting. We also accept typewritten submissions sent to Jody Normandeau, 250 Tucker Reed Road, Dummerston, VT 05301.

Calendar: Email to Michelle Cherrier at viewsofdummerston@yahoo.com, or by note to Michelle at 72 Miller Rd, E. Dummerston 05346 NEXT ISSUE: Submissions due: January 14, 2013 Mailing: February 20, 2013 Ad Rates: All rates start in January and run for a term of four issues; the Views is published quarterly. A large or small box ad may be placed for one issue only at an adjusted rate. Checks are to be made payable to the Views of Dummerston.

Small Box Ad $55 Large Box Ad $85 Sponsor $25 To place an ad or for more information please contact: Sara Ryan 387-0110

Residents praise Road Crew and Foreman

By Ann Kimble The installation of the new culvert on Dutton Farm Road is complete and a special thanks is in order to the Dummerston road crew, A.S. Clark Excavators, and Brad King Concrete for a job well done. The project was quite an undertaking, closing the road for four weeks as the crews created a large crevasse to remove the old culvert, lay cement foundations, and install the new 62-foot-long multi-plate arch culvert. Visual charm consistent with our local flavor was also preserved on both ends of the culvert.

The crews worked long hours so that the road

could be reopened in a timely manner.

A special call out of appreciation is due to road foreman Lee Chamberlin for spearheading the project. Towns typically hire a contractor for a job of this magnitude, but Chamberlin took it on in hopes of saving Dummerston a substantial amount of money. He obtained a grant from the state, drew up plans to meet state criteria, obtained land-work easements from property owners, and orchestrated subcontractors. He was often at the worksite before six in the morning and worked well into the evening.

Pictures are available on Dummerston’s web page: www.dummerston.org

The Chief’s Corner

How to Avoid Electrical Fires Richard Cogliano, Captain West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department

Electrical fires in homes are common and deadly. According to the US Fire Administration, electrical fires are responsible for the deaths of over 280 Americans and injure 1,000 more every year. Most electrical fires start in old wiring or faulty outlets. Make sure that if you are doing any work on your home, you have a qualified and certified electrician do the work.

Electrical Fire Causes: Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause many home electrical fires. Light fixtures and lamps/light bulbs are also leading causes of electrical fires.

Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance, and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

Safety Precautions: 1. Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring. Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance

cords immediately. Do not try to repair them.

2. Buy only appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. 3. Major and small appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.

Unplug small appliances when not in use.

4. If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

5. Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks. 6. Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection and have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

7. Keep clothes, curtains, and other items that can catch fire at least three feet from all portable electric space heaters. 8. Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. 9. Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched by furniture, under rugs and carpets, or across doorways.

10. Extension cords are for temporary use only. Have a qualified electrician determine if additional circuits or wall outlets are needed.

11. Electrical work should be done only by a qualified electrician. Call an electrician if you have any of the following: recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers; a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance; discolored or warm wall outlets or switches; a burning smell or rubbery odor coming from an appliance; flickering lights; sparks from a wall outlet; cracked or broken wall outlets.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2013 • 3

town government Selectboard

Joint Town Office & Historical Society Renovation Considered

By Bill Holiday The Dummerston Historical Society board of directors attended a recent selectboard meeting to discuss a possible expansion that would include storage and toilet facilities. Bill Holiday reported that he had met with town clerk Pam McFadden and town treasurer Laurie Frechette about possible renovations to the town office, including a possible expansion. Both boards agreed to work together to explore the possibility of a joint project to serve both facilities. The hope is to have a, or several, proposal(s) ready for the upcoming ‘budget’ season.

Beverly Kenney of KOA Campground met with the board to encourage the reduction of the speed limit on Route 5 north of the KOA from 50 mph to 40 mph to be extended beyond the turn onto Schoolhouse Road and the Dummerston School. Additionally, Bev pointed out the confusion of the signage in Dummerston Hollow. She encouraged the board to authorize a clear set of signs directing drivers to Routes 30 & 5 at the intersections of Schoolhouse and East-West Roads.

The planning commission’s public hearing on town plan changes will have taken place by the time of this article’s publication. The proposed changes in the town plan will affect us all. Make your voice be heard. Let town officials know what’s on your mind. We are the town officials

in your town. We should be doing what you want. Get involved! As I told a gathering on the Grassy Knoll in Dallas, Texas a few years ago, “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

The board recognized Michelle Cherrier, the town’s representative to the Windham Solid Waste Management District, who gave a detailed and informative update on the district’s recent activities. Among the things residents might be more than interested in is mandatory composting looming on the horizon in the not too distant future.

The selectboard unanimously approved a Municipal Planning Grant that Dummerston is applying for jointly with the town of Putney.

Planning commission vice-chair, Richard Cogliano spoke to the board about the $15,000 grant with no matching funds required of town residents.

The selectboard approved a letter of support for the Vermont Land Trust to purchase development rights on the Bunker Farm. Dummerston’s Jack Manix spoke eloquently in support of the idea and enumerated the advantages of keeping healthy farms and farmland in Dummerston. There were no dissenting remarks to Jack’s comments.

A proposed Park & Ride facility near I-91’s Exit 4 came before the board and a joint development review board (DRB) hearing with the town of Putney for its approval. The Park and

Selectboard Meetings on BCTV

By Jody Normandeau Would you like to attend Dummerston selectboard meetings but can’t fit it into your schedule? Now the meetings are televised by Brattleboro Community Television (BCTV).

Just Google “Brattleboro TV”, check out their schedule for the week on Channel 10, and watch the meetings on television. Dummerston selectboard meetingswill be tele-

vised several different times per week.

Or, use your computer: you can Google “Brattleboro TV”, go to “watch on demand”, select “Dummerston”, and pick the meeting date you want and watch the meetings at your convenience.

Other meetings are also televised. This is an excellent way to watch your elected and appointed officials in action as well as to keep up with the happenings in town.

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Ride would be located just south of the Putney Fire Department building and will straddle the Putney/Dummerston town line. Dummerston Board member Joe Cook made a motion for the board to send a letter to the DRB and the state of Vermont expressing concerns. They included the size of the proposed facility, the need to pave the park and ride facility, and Joe’s citing of the town plan about lighting the lot: “In the town plan’s Recreation, Scenic, Historic and Cultural Resources Goals, Policies and Action Steps, Policy 1.4 calls for us to protect views of the night sky, eliminate glare, and minimize light pollution. In the town plan’s Energy Goals, Policies and Action Steps, Policy 1.5 calls for us to use site planning, landscaping and structure design to maximize the potential for energy conservation by reducing the demand for artificial heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting.” The joint DRB meeting approved the plan for the Park and Ride without amendment.

Some residents have reported the lack of response from the covered bridge lights during overcast and rainy days, suggesting that the sensors might be adjusted to accommodate those situations. The selectboard is looking into it and you can undoubtedly read about it here in the next Views!

Finally, do any of you recognize how dry these selectboard reports have become? Remember the ‘good old days’ when former board member Tom Bodett used to write these? They included great, folksy, and entertaining humor.

Tom, we miss you!

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4 • Fall, 2013 • Views of Dummerston •

town government Dummerston Conservation Commission

Some Things Very Rare and Very Secretive in Vermont

by Jon Anderson As I write this, summer is newly behind us and the great fall raptor migration is at its peak.

But by the time this is mailed raptors will be getting scarce and most of the fall foliage will be on the ground. All systems cycle relentlessly forward.

Over the last few months, the conservation commission has presented an array of educational programs. In June, herpetologist Jim Andrews led a field trip and gave a PowerPoint presentation on “The Salamanders of Vermont”.

Much of Andrews’ program focused on identification of the forty salamander species found in Vermont, many of which are very rare and very secretive and therefore only poorly known. He also stressed the need for citizen involvement in local surveying for, and conservation of, any of those species to be found in the area.

Andrews coordinates the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Project, which maps the statewide distribution of all extant species.

He is also chair of the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Scientific Advisory Group to the Endangered Species Committee.

According to Andrews the greatest threat to reptiles and amphibians is habitat loss, especially the loss of vernal pools. And he reiterated the well-established fact that roads next to wetlands are too often fatal for turtles leaving the water to lay eggs and for salamanders returning to the water to mate and lay their eggs.

Many ponds, Andrews says, while appearing to have robust populations of turtles, are reproductive dead zones populated only by sedentary males. Roads and the careless indifference of high speed traffic have removed all of the female turtles from the population.

It is a strange world we live in where our myriad sprawling technological footprints

crush out life yet our moral cognizance often remains limited to the prints of our own size tens. We either don’t see or don’t accept our greater extra-human impacts.

In August Bill and Mary Lou Schmidt hosted an evening walk at their Elysian Hills farm. About thirty people from five or six surrounding towns attended, and as we followed Bill along a wooded trail that skirts the farm’s Christmas tree plantation he pointed out several gnarled “survivor” trees from which he draws inspiration.

Farther along in the walk Schmidt had flagged a variety of invasive plant species and spoke briefly about species identification and about ongoing farm wide control initiatives.

He advised that, while routine mowings of the fields and the Christmas tree plantation would keep invasives in check, more active control methods are used in the woodlots, including cutting and spraying.

A demonstration of Christmas tree shaping and leader straightening methods followed.

Christmas trees are a major focus at Elysian Hills but next generation Elysian Hills farmers Josh and Alexis are diversifying into, among other areas, turkey raising and rhubarb cultivation. Also on the farm there is a substantial sugar bush which remains active under a rental agreement. Other parts of the farm are devoted to growing timber. And a few stands are currently allowed to simply exist. Trees, Schmidt says, can have values beyond the commercial.

The walk ended at the farmhouse porch where Mary Lou dispensed lemonade while Bill talked about her current tenure as head of the New England Christmas Tree Growers Association. It was a nice conclusion to a late August evening free from all unnecessary hustle and bustle. Elysian Hills farm always seems to live up to its name.

In September, long-time birder Chris Petrak presented a program on raptors. The first

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part of the program, titled “Putney Mountain Hawkwatch, Random Images 2012,” held a grand array of hawk pictures taken by Petrak, many of them of birds in flight. Interspersed among his hawk pictures were pictures of hawk watchers of all ages and a selection of incidental sightings such as butterflies, song birds, and bees nectaring on wildflowers. This part of the program was designed to give the uninitiated some idea of what a day of hawk watching on Putney Mountain is all about.

The second part of Petrak’s program dealt with the feeding habits of these raptors all of which consume animal protein. Prey can be as small as beetles and grasshoppers in the case of the kestrels, and as large as snowshoe hares in the case of northern goshawks. Ospreys exclusively dine on fish. Bald eagles like fish but will hunt geese, ducks, coots, etc., and will eat carrion if nothing else is available. And as Petrak pointed out, accipiters find the song birds drawn to our feeders to be the equivalent of a buffet lunch. That much concentrated protein will be utilized.

Usually the buteo species, red-tailed, redshouldered, and broadwinged hawks perch hunt for rodents and other small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and other prey of opportunity. Falcons take birds on the wing, utilizing sheer speed to chase down and strike their prey.

This is, of course, natural selection at work.

The sick, injured, or unusual are singled out and consumed. Birds with full or partial albinism are often targeted. Genetic anomalies don’t often survive to pass on their genes.

Raptors kill to eat and we need to learn the unsentimentalized intellectual honesty to accept raptors for what they are. No other species needs or wants an apologist. They just need the space to exist.

Forty-five or fifty people packed the Community Center to hear Petrak’s talk and to revel in his life-filled photography.

And now, having dutifully reported all the conservation commission news, I’d like to wander off into the vast, fragile multi-national world of the monarch butterfly migration.

First a stark reality: overwintering congregations of monarchs which once occupied several sites covering over fifty acres now cover less than three.

No one can say with certainty why monarchs are in decline. Some scientists point to illegal continued on page 8

Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2013 • 5

town government Dummerston Planning Commission

Poor Attendance Marks Latest Town Plan Meeting

By Sam Farwell On September 24, the planning commission held a public hearing on its proposed town plan update. This included changes to the future land use map in the Routes 5 and 30 corridors.

Although the public forums in June, on the same changes, were well attended, less than twenty people came out to the public hearing.

At our next meeting we will decide whether to send it on to the selectboard, or to revise it one more time. Either way, the selectboard will hold another public hearing before it can approve the town plan update, so look for information on the town website or call a planning commissioner, if you are interested.

Help Available for Heating Funds

By Shirley Perkins This is a reminder that there is funding in Dummerston available to any individual or home for emergency fuel needs. In addition to oil, these funds can be used to pay for wood or propane, if those are the home’s primary fuel sources. To get this assistance one can call the Dummerston Hotline at 257-5800, the town office at 257-1496, any selectman, or 257-0544.

You will be contacted right away as to the nature of your need or emergency, and how you can be helped. Your fuel dealer will be called and a delivery arranged after payment to the dealer has been made from the fund. This is handled on all levels as a confidential matter.

This fund is made possible through donations and proceeds from the annual fuel fund supper which this year will be held on Saturday October 26th in the Grange Hall.

This past summer we focused on preparing the town plan update for the public hearing, and then moved back into the zoning bylaw update. We hope to hold public meetings in the winter about the zoning update. In July, the Selectboard appointed Maria Glabach to fill the seat vacated by Steve Glabach.

The planning commission’s regular meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the town office. The agenda and minutes are posted on the commission’s page of the town website. We have been holding

extra meetings on the fourth Tuesday as well.

Meetings are always open to the public.

Please do not hesitate to contact any commissioner with questions about the town plan or the zoning bylaw. Our current members are: Andrew MacFarland, Annamarie Pluhar (secretary), Beverly Tier, Cindy Wilcox, Debra Forrett, Maria Glabach, Richard Cogliano (vice-chair), Sam Farwell (chair). Written comments are also very welcome and can be emailed to planning@dummerston .org or mailed to the town office.

Dummerston Energy Commission

Committee Tallying Survey Responses The energy committee is hard at work tallying responses to the survey that was mailed to town residents in late July. Nearly 1,000 surveys were mailed to property owners and renters.

To date (September 25th), 341 surveys have been returned to us, 24 of which were entered online. A few residents (eight) returned blank surveys, or surveys only partially filled out, expressing concern that it was too invasive. In an age of too much government prying, we can sympathize with this concern, but we can assure all residents that only the aggregate results from the survey will be made public and all responses will be kept strictly confidential.

The energy committee had solicited some

donations so that we could raffle cash prizes as an incentive for submitting the survey. In late September, selectboard chair Zeke Goodband and town treasurer Laurie Frechette drew names out of a hat that included all those who submitted surveys (even the blank surveys).

The five lucky winners of $100 each were Loren and Kathy Forrister, Francis Jacquith, Mitch Momaney, Ellen O’Bierne, and a renter whom we are still trying to track down.

Thanks to all those who responded! Key findings will be made public after results have been tallied. But more importantly, the information gleaned from the survey will help the energy committee identify priorities with energy conservation and work toward a more energy-efficient and more resilient community.

Bill McKim

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6 • Fall, 2013 • Views of Dummerston •

organizations

Developing Recycling Processes to Conserve Materials Deb Markowitz, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.

This article first appeared in the April 2013 ANR Newsletter and is reprinted by permission. For more information, email anr.info@state.vt.us.

In 2012, a Statewide Waste Composition Study found that roughly 39% of all residential material landfilled in the state is recyclable and 28% is compostable. Almost two-thirds of everything that we discard on a daily basis are wasted resources, including paper, glass, metals, plastics, wood, electronic components, textiles, construction and building materials, and organics. With the Universal Recycling law

“Scenes of Dummerston” 2014 Calendar Available

By Muriel Taylor The Dummerston Historical Society has completed the latest rendering of its popular calendar. Many thanks to the ten talented photographers who contributed to the 2014 edition which includes scenes from East Dummerston to the West River.

These make wonderful gifts for family and friends, near and far, and are available at the Dummerston Historical Society, the town offices, or by calling Muriel Taylor at 257-9358.

Look for it at the Apple Pie Festival as well.

The price is still only $10. Get ‘em while they’re hot!!

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Get your 2014 Dummerston calendar early. They are available at the town office or by calling Muriel Taylor at 802-257-9358.

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adopted in 2012, Vermont is set to dramatically alter these statistics. As it is recognized through numerous environmental benefits, recovery and reuse of materials is more than a feel good endeavor. In 2010, Vermont recycling programs diverted 205,156 tons of materials, collected 985,600 pounds of household hazardous waste and mercury-added products, and captured 1.6 million pounds of electronic material. This prevented nearly 206,500 tons of materials from being landfilled.

Wanting to learn more about recycling, I sat down with Karen Knaebel, Kim Lutchko and Bryn Oakleaf to discuss their work within the Waste Management Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These three women collectively, all environmental technicians or environmental analysts, have developed and implemented various aspects of Vermont’s recycling programs and legislation. We talked about Act 148, the legislation that established universal recycling of solid waste. We also discussed Vermont E-Cycles, the electronics recycling program available to all Vermonters, which stems from a separate piece of legislation that can be found here. We talked about the recovery of organic materials to be repurposed as feed for animals, processed into high-value compost, or used for energy generation rather than being lost to the landfill.

“Vermont is a leader in the electronics world,” Ms. Knaebel explained. “Because our state is small, we can implement programs on a smaller scale; our legislators are receptive to feedback from the public; our citizens are uniquely willing to participate; and we are able to achieve results that continually exceed expectations.”

While this may be the case, our small state has a significant amount of work to do to improve our materials management efforts. With Act 148 in place, Vermont strives to be a leader in the recycling and organics recovery arenas as well. An example for where to start is by looking at the nearly 70,000 tons of organic materials being landfilled a year in Vermont.

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total residential waste streams. All of those materials could be repurposed, instead they are being thrown away,” said Ms. Oakleaf. “Our work focuses on how to successfully capture useable materials so that we can benefit from those resources instead of seeing them landfilled.” As implementation of Act 148 gets underway, the ease of properly managing these materials will improve and become more convenient.

It can be seen from Vermont’s E-cycles program how valuable materials can be diverted from the waste stream and put to good use. With over 100 registered locations across Vermont, the E-Cycles program offers free electronics recycling for Vermonters. Based on Oregon’s electronics recycling program, E-Cycles is innovative in that it is funded by the product manufacturers rather than residents or municipalities. Oversight for the program is conducted

by DEC analysts and technicians who work cooperatively with a private contractor to implement and manage the program. “I work with the manufacturers,” Ms. Lutchko explained. “If they meet the eligibility requirements, they need to register with the state and pay fees. The fees come out as a percentage of actual sales.” “There is a new RFP out right now for contractors interested in managing the continued on next page

Evening Star Grange #154

Volunteers Keep Grange Afloat

By Sallie J. May, secretary Members of Evening Star Grange want to thank the many wonderful Dummerston and residents of other area towns who give so much of their time and energy to help with the Grange suppers, senior lunches, and the craft fair at the Apple Pie Festival. Each one of you is very much appreciated. Without the unfailing support by our neighbors and friends we would not be able to continue to operate and maintain the Dummerston Grange Hall. As we all are aging, your legs and hands become much more needed and appreciated.

To gain information about becoming a member or to have your name added to our list of volunteers, please call Sallie at 257-0387 or Larry at 387-5745.

We extend to all of you peace and joy for the upcoming holiday season.

Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2013 • 7

organizations

and Keep Useable Goods Out Of Landfills continued from preceding page E-Cycles program,” Ms. Knaebel said. “It is exciting – we are seeing a lot of interest and are hoping for a lot of new and innovative ideas as the bids come in, and at the same time a lot of evaluation for any potential adjustments based on what we’ve learned. The program has really taken off since its implementation.”

Indeed, the statistics support this claim. The legislation set a goal to collect 5.5 pounds per capita for the first program year and Vermont collected 7.7 pounds, which was the highest per capita rate in the nation. I asked these three ladies to share with our readers some wisdom. What should we know about that we may not know about today? “Very few materials are truly a waste,” Ms. Oakleaf said.

“Virtually everything is a reusable resource.

We’re talking about a shift in perception. We live in a disposable society but we are seeing

that beginning to change. People, especially Vermonters, are becoming aware of the value of efficiency and of using what we have before using something new. Vermonters tend to be very hands-on with their unwanted materials.

They understand the importance of recycling materials.”

Vermont offers an impressive list of materials accepted for recycling. In addition to the collection of electronics and food scraps, there are several drop-off locations for cans, bottles, cardboard, paper, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermostats, textiles, plastic and even construction materials like metal and wood. Materials are often processed locally rather than being shipped overseas, and reused as building materials, garden soil, and new products. For a full list of reuse opportunities in your area contact your local solid waste management district.

As with all of our other interviewees, I asked

Dummerston Community Center

Playground Upgraded to “Kid-Friendly”

By Ann Davis The Center is pleased to tell you that our playground is finally a safe place to play! Wood chips have been spread (heavily) under the existing play equipment making for a more “kid” friendly area. Many thanks to those who have made this possible.

The “Old Time Gospel Hour” with GinMillBill was held on October 6 and was, as usual, a great way to spend a Sunday morning. We will be having more Gospel Hours in the coming months. We are planning a country western sing-a-long in the near future. This will also be with “Bill”. These are loads of fun for those of us who like country western music. This man is amazing, he know so many songs!!

Halloween is fast approaching; remember to bring your little ghosts and goblins to the center for their treats—no tricks!!

Archer Mayor will entertain us with a talk on

this newest Joe Gunther mystery on Monday, November 8 at 7 p.m. There will be books available to purchase, just in time for Christmas giving. This program is always lots of fun, with good refreshments too!

We hope you will join us for any or all of these events. Just mark your calendars and ‘come on down”.

Please when walking your dogs at the center: pick up after them. Dogs are most welcome on the playground as long as their owners are trained in clean-up duty.

As always, when planning those get-togethers, parties, workshops, etc., remember the Community Center. We have a great facility for all to enjoy. Handicap accessibility and a playground make a safe and comfortable place for everyone.

Many thanks to those who help the community center stay open and operating. We couldn’t do it without you.

the three women what everyday citizens can do.

“Reuse materials,” Oakleaf chimed in. “Avoid unnecessary duplication. Purchase products that are high quality and can serve multiple functions. Be efficient and think about the life-cycle of products purchased.” “Look at the packaging when you purchase something,” Lutchko shared. “Use less throw-away containers and purchase reusable bags.” “Don’t just throw things in the regular trash,” Knaebel says.

“You’d be surprised that there is almost always another use for every item, another person who will find it useful, another product that can be manufactured using what we discard.”

As the old adage says, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and in Vermont, at least, that can be very true.

Helpful links:

• Act 148 legislation full text: http://www.leg. state.vt.us/docs/2012/Acts/ACT148.pdf • Vermont E-Cycles Program: vtecycles.org or toll free at 1-855-6-ECYCLE • E-Cycles legislation full text: http:// www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections. cfm?Title=10&Chapter=166 • E-Cycles program home page: http://www. anr.state.vt.us/dec/e-waste/ • Registered E-Cycles drop off sites: http:// www.anr.state.vt.us/ewaste/facilitylist.aspx • DEC recycling home page: http://www.anr. state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/R3/WReduct.htm • Mercury Education and Reduction Campaign home page (for recycling fluorescent bulbs and mercury http://www.

Dan Views Ad_Layoutthermostats): 1 9/23/13 10:28 AM Page 1 mercvt.org/

Dan Normandeau Licensed Vermont Realtor

802-380-2077

dan.normandeau@berkleyveller.com

Sponsors Carolyn Mayo Brown & Gregory Brown Art Benedict Michelle Cherrier & Philip Goepp Len Oppenheim

FRENCH & FRENCH ATTORNEYS AT LAW 802 • 254 • 9000

A GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW W ALTER G. FRENCH JODI P. FRENCH POST OFFICE BOX 2, W. DUMMERSTON, VT 05357

8 • Fall, 2013 • Views of Dummerston •

school news

School Welcomes Four New Staff

By Jo Carol Ratti, Principal There are exciting changes that mark the 2013-2014 Dummerston school year. We have a new school counselor, Elizabeth Motta. In addition, we have three new paraeducators joining our team, one of whom replaced our veteran literacy paraeducator, Judy Walker, who retired in June. The new paraeducators are Heather Bertram, Amy Johnston, and Tina St. Peter in the Intensive Program. Chris Lievense, our new middle school Humanities teacher, is filling in for Ellen Rago while she continues her maternity leave through January 2014. Susannah (Cassidy) Freidman is our new fifth grade teacher and Julie

Robinson hit the ground running in her new position as our academic support coach.

We welcomed twenty four new kindergarten students in August! Thankfully, Dummerston has the perfect space (and perfect teacher) for our incoming kindergarteners and, with direct support from additional school personnel, both academic and social time are set up to optimize student learning.

The Dummerston School sports teams are alive and well and playing some serious soccer this season. Our soccer coaches, Ron Svec (girls) and Nancy Clements (boys), worked hard getting our teams in shape for league and tournament play and it appears to be paying

Very Rare and Very Secretive in Vermont continued from page 4 logging of the forest where the butterflies overwinter. Some scientists focus on climatecaused disruptions such as this year’s very dry, milkweed-poor Texas spring. Some scientists lay the blame on genetically modified crops of corn and soybeans engineered to allow farmers to spray glyphosates, thus creating a sterile, milkweed-free, single species crop environment.

Some scientists hold to an all-of-the-above hypothesis.

Here’s what I can tell you: last year from the Putney Mountain hawkwatch, 1564 migrating monarch butterflies were counted. As of 9/12 this year only seven had been spotted. Last year on 9/12 our count was 1253 which was eighty percent of our eventual total. Therefore, seven monarchs may be eighty percent of the migration for this year! And those few still face the high risk journey to Mexico.

The migration may be collapsing. But, as Compliments of

Priscilla Svec, P.T. Practicing Holistic Physical Therapy 126 Main Street, Putney

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the scientists point out, monarchs will not become extinct. There are resident non-migratory populations in, among other places, Florida and Australia. I find scant solace in that, although a few distant non-migratory monarchs are better than no monarchs at all.

And if human-driven climate change or the proliferation of GMO crops is causing such disruptions for the least among us, what further disruptions for what other species might the future hold?

The world can no longer be viewed as a static given. Hopefully the monarchs are not as bad off as the view from Putney Mountain would seem to indicate, but …

For more information on the conservation commission visit http://www.dummerstonconservation.com

john & Lori Brunelle office fax: (802) 254-5818 416 Tucker Reed road office phone: (802) 254-9788 e. dummerston, vt 05346 John cell: (802): 579-9788 lori cell: (802) 275-7111 john@brunelleandson.com lori@brunelleandson.com www.brunelleandson.com

Steve Mindel

h. 802.254.6662 c. 802.254.0834 smmindel@gmail.com

Jonathan Morse

h. 802.254.5791 c. 802.258.0902 jonathan@mindelmorse.com morse@sover.net

Mindel & Morse Builders LLC

P.O. Box 643 Brattleboro, VT 05302

Josheph G. Santry, O.D.

off. Thanks again to all the parents and friends who transport our students to games and who come out, regardless of the weather conditions, to support our teams.

On Monday, September 23 (K-5) and Monday, September 30 (Grades 6-8), we welcomed new families to our school community at an open house. Open house gives us a chance to introduce new faces, provide general information about our school, and have some fun! It also gives us a chance to get to know each other better and to share some of the amazing learning opportunities at school and in the classrooms.

To parents with preschool-aged children: Dummerston School has partnerships with a number of preschools and daycare providers in the area. These partnerships allow access to funds for preschool certification, professional development, and tuition incentives for parents.

If you have questions about preschool partnerships with Dummerston School, you can call 254-2733, ext. 101. You can also contact Janice Stockman, our Early Childhood Coordinator at 802-254-3755.

In closing, please know that Dummerston School welcomes your participation in our school community. Dummerston is blessed with a large group of wonderful parents and friends who generously contribute their time, talents, and energy to our school. Please consider being an active part of all that goes on here. While we regret that the summer season is fading, all of us are looking forward to an exciting and inspiring new school year. You can find information about our school on our new website: www.

Dummerston-School.com.

Sheep’s Nose Nursery - Heirloom Apples Trees - Custom Grafting - Consulting

Ezekiel Goodband Dummerston, Vermont 802-254-4313

Sponsors Alvino & Bea Fantini Allan & Sally Seymour Milt & Barbara Gilmore Sam and Gincy Bunker Rip Lhamon and Fita Ferguson

Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2013 • 9

Young Jazz Pianist Becomes Church Organist

By Susannah Griefen

tend school. Members of The United Church your closet and help your neighbors.

Once a month the church and Grange preof Christ nationally have donated money to The Dummerston Congregational Church plant 9,000 trees to provide food, soil reten- pare and serve a meal for the overflow shelter thanks all of our members, neighbors and for the homeless in Brattleboro. Friends and friends who helped make the Apple Pie Fesneighbors are welcome to help. tival such a wonderful community event.

The church collects food and non-perishThis fall the church welcomed its first new ables for the Drop-In Center all year. Donaorganist in over 40 years. Franz Robert, 16 tions may be left in the church entry. years old and a jazz prodigy, has begun to delight the congregation with his music leadAdvent and Christmas ership. Franz has studied under jazz pianist The church Mitten Tree will be in the back J.C. Donelson, was classically trained by of the sanctuary from December 1st through Vladimir Odinokikh, and is now training with 16 th. All are invited to bring warm socks, Eugene Uman from the Vermont Jazz Center. gloves or mittens to donate to the Drop-In He also works musically with Ned Phoenix, Center.

Mark Polifrone and various others, and has Advent begins December 1 st with the completed the five week summer program at Greening of the Church. All are invited to Berklee School of Music, with an invitation to come make wreaths and swags after worship come back next year with a full scholarship. and prepare the church for the season. CarolAlso new to the church is Christian educaing and the lighting of the town tree follow tion coordinator Billie Slade to direct the at 4:30 p.m. with hot chocolate and cookies growing church school. Billie is originally afterwards. from Jamaica, Vermont, but spent much of her The annual teddy bear pageant activity will adult life in Wisconsin after graduating from be held on Tuesdays, December 3rd and 10th the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with from 3-4:30 p.m. for children from pre-K a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is through 2nd grade. The afternoon begins with the mother of five children and grandmother a teddy bear tea and games. Children will then of three as well as having worked with chilmake costumes for their own bears to take dren professionally for the past 38 years. Her home, or church bears for our early Christmas professional experience includes kindergarten Eve service. Children may take a bus directly teacher, director of preschools and child care centers, founder and owner of an accredited tion, shade, lumber, and firewood to this rural nursery school/child care program, parent community. The mission group this fall will resource specialist, after school program di- help to plant 500 macadamia nut trees as a rector, adjunct faculty in Education at a small cash crop to feed the children at a secondary liberal arts college, Sunday School Teacher school being built nearby. James Brown is and Christian Education Coordinator at sev- bringing tools and expertise to help with a eral churches in Wisconsin over the years. beginning woodworking program.

The Annual Fall Caring and Sharing clothing give-away will be held November 2nd and The Church in Mission The first two weeks in November, James 4th – 6th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clothing is Brown and pastor Susanna Griefen will ac- given away to any who need it. Donations of company a group from Guilford to Kaiguchu, good, clean winter clothing for all ages may Kenya. The church school has been collecting be left downstairs in the church, but electron- to the church with a note from parents. offerings and money from bottle donations to ics and children’s and baby toys and equipThe children’s pageant will be held Sunday provide uniforms and shoes so that children ment cannot be accepted. This is a wonderful December 22nd. All children of the community orphaned by AIDS/HIV will be able to at- semi-annual event, a good way to clean out continued on page 11

Sponsors Vermont Insight Meditation Center Offering instruction in personal and interpersonal mindfulness practices.

254-7077

www. vermontinsight.org

Cheryl Wilfong & Bill McKim Mary Lou & Bill Schmidt Ron & Jo-Ann Tier Tonia & Whit Wheeler Elizabeth Catlin & Jared Flynn

Dummerston Congregational Church Worship

9:30 a.m. through december ~ 10 a.m. january–march dec. 22nd, 9:30 a.m.

Children’s Pageant Outdoor Pageant Christmas Eve 4 .

dec. 22nd,6 p.m.

p m. and 7 p.m.

rev. susanna griefen 257-0544 • susanna@griefen.com www.dummerstonchurch.org

10 • Fall, 2013 • Views of Dummerston •

Alaskan Journal: Moses Leads His People continued from page 1 permeated my time in Alaska. I am here as part of a two-month humanitarian mission with the military. This summer marks the last of five in which reservists from the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy have pitched in to help relocate the roughly 400 villagers of Newtok.

Situated on the coast of western Alaska, the village sits atop permafrost that in recent years has become less permanently frosted. The village is sinking. To complicate matters, the adjacent Ninglick River has taken advantage of the soft soil to erode almost eighty feet per year of its banks; the Army Corps of Engineers estimates the river will reach the current center of town by 2017.

Faced with the imminent demise of their home, the villagers of Newtok initially tried to fend off the encroaching river by implementing erosion control methods and building a sea wall. The sea wall sank in a matter of a few years. Subsequent studies finally determined the villagers had no choice but to completely relocate. Through a land swap negotiated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Newtok obtained title to a site nine miles upriver, known as Mertarvik. Mertarvik sits on gently sloping tundra and, unlike Newtok, enjoys a base of volcanic rock. It is here the military

has set up shop for the summer; it is also here where, last summer, Moses became the first villager to relocate permanently.

Conversation ceases in the hut as we focus on the effects of the steam on our bodies.

Another ladle from Moses. I dully note the surreal nature of my surroundings. I am in a plywood steam hut on the edge of the Bering Sea…I am in a plywood steam hut on the edge of the Bering Sea where, earlier, I witnessed a solitary, shaggy musk ox roaming the tundra…

I am in a plywood steam hut on the edge of the Bering Sea where, earlier, I witnessed a solitary, shaggy musk ox roaming the tundra, and I am naked with two Yup’ik Eskimos… wow. I’m hot.

Moses is a pioneer, the first to adopt Mertarvik as his home. Like many pioneers, he may have been driven out of his community.

Rumor has it a bloc of younger villagers, disgruntled due to the slow pace of the relocation effort, voted Moses out as head of the Newtok Tribal Council last summer. I don’t know if this is true or not – I decide not to delve into the local village politics, instead narrowly focusing on my role to provide medical care for the reservists. Nonetheless, I find it easy to sympathize with Moses. He and the council must navigate a daunting maze of state and federal bureaucracies to enlist help.

A 2007 Army Corps of Engineers study put the cost of moving the entire village at $130 million; the estimated cost of relocating a single house rises quickly above $200,000.

For the villagers of Newtok who live largely below the poverty line and subsist on hunting and fishing, paying for the move themselves is out of the question.

The Tribal Council first asked Alaska’s Corum Mabie Cook Prodan Angell & Secrest Estate Planning and Administration, Family Law, Real Estate, and the General Practice of Law 45 Linden Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301

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Ronald Veenema, v.m.d.

Ronald Svec, d.v.m.

Theodore Johnson, d.v.m.

Jerilyn Jacobs, d.v.m.

Tammy McNamara, d.v.m.

Dan Abbott, v.m.d.

Sponsors Kelly McCue Meg Murtha Jack & Judy Davidson John Sommer Lou & Tom Zopf Winifred Vogt

senators and congressman for assistance from the federal authorities. While the delegation proved sympathetic to Newtok’s plight, they offered no immediate solutions. In fact, a 2009 Government Accountability Office report recognized that “no government agency has the authority to relocate communities, no governmental organization exists that can address the strategic planning needs of relocation, and no funding is specifically designated for relocation.” Current disaster prevention and relief programs are structured to provide protection in place (by building a sea wall, for example), not to wholly relocate a community.

Newtok’s situation, then, is a unique one that poses new challenges.

The State of Alaska proved more responsive but, like many states, currently finds itself strapped for funding. In 2007, then-governor Sarah Palin formed the Alaska Climate Change Sub-Cabinet, tasked with developing a statewide strategy to understand and respond to the impact of climate change. The SubCabinet’s mandate included identifying the needs of communities imminently threatened by the effects of erosion, flooding, permafrost degradation, and other climate change-related impacts. Newtok was listed as one of six communities most imperiled by climate change.

Funding trickled in for studies, but the studies have yet to translate into action.

Faced with stultifying responses from the state and federal authorities, the tribal council turned to the broader public. For a village of fewer than 400 people, Newtok has garnered a surprising amount of media attention. NPR aired a piece in May of this year dubbing the villagers “America’s first climate refugees;” the British newspaper, The Guardian, ran a six-part series, also in May, on Newtok and the predicament its inhabitants face; a professionally shot fundraising video posted last year on Vimeo, “Newtok Moves,” entreated viewers to visit a website and donate to the cause.

Will these efforts add up to the $130 million necessary to relocate Newtok? continued on next page

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Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2013 • 11

Alaskan Journal: Moses Leads His People continued from preceding page Moses’ grandson adopts a fetal pose on the floor – he can’t last much longer. Or can he? I no longer trust my senses; I fear I am delirious.

Moses grabs a suds-laden cloth and blithely begins lathering up. I have been told that the steam hut serves as a combination sports bar/ shower for the Yup’iks; it is both a place to talk with buddies after a long day of fishing and the spot to scrub away the smell of salmon. I fear I have not upheld my social end of the bargain, instead preferring to rock back and forth silently in the corner. Moses eventually reaches for the ladle and pours on a fresh round of water.

“Helps with the rinse,” he says softly.

The military arrived in Mertarvik in 2009 under the auspices of a Department of Defense program known as Innovative Readiness Training (IRT). The goal of the program is to serve communities in the United States while providing training for reservists. As a rule, IRT missions generally focus on providing medical resources to rural communities with limited access to health care. Last year, for example, I helped set up a mobile medical clinic in west-

ern Alabama that saw nearly 4,000 patients in two weeks.

The Mertarvik mission, focused on building a new community, is the first of its kind. I suspect it may also be the last. The logistical challenges are enormous. Supplies must be shipped along an Alaskan coast notorious for

Pie Fest or Bust!

Bikers wind their way on the East West Road on their way to Dummerston’s annual apple pie festival.

Young Jazz Pianist Becomes Church Organist continued from page 9 are invited to participate or attend. Costuming and rehearsals will be Sundays December 1st, 8th, and 15th. Come and be part of portraying Christmas from the animals’ point of view.

The outdoor pageant by the youth group is at 6 p.m. on December 22nd beginning at the church. This is a vivid re-telling of the Christmas story as the group moves from one scene to another outside, and all are invited.

Cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa follow.

Christmas eve services will be at 4 and 7p.m. The early service of lessons and carols and candle lighting is very child-friendly. The later candlelight service will include music by the choir and a Christmas story by Mark Brown. The Christmas eve offering will go to the Drop-In Center.

The choir under the direction of Larry

Crockett will sing on December 8th, 15th. and on Christmas Eve. New voices are always welcome, even if only for Christmas eve.

Meeting space is available for private rental for a nominal fee and for community groups.

Worship is cancelled in hazardous driving conditions, Check WTSA 96.7FM or WKVT 92.7 FM. Worship is at 9:30 a.m. through December and 10 a.m. January through March.

The Dummerston Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is a community church committed to service to anyone in need and a commitment to social justice. It is a warm and friendly fellowship with an active church school. All are welcome to worship and to all church activities. For more information, please contact Pastor Susanna Griefen, 257-0544, susanna@griefen.com. or go to www.dummerstonchurch.org and the church Facebook page.

Sponsors Cliff Adler & Lynn Levine

Macoun Apples • Apple Cider Fall Vegetables Open ‘Til Thanksgiving 10am-6pm Route 5, Dummerston

254-2051

its shifting channels and bad weather. The 2012 mission was scrubbed after one of the supply ships ran aground off Kodiak Island and caused a fuel spill of mini-Exxon Valdez proportions.

I also question the ultimate impact of the work.

The military has done its part to construct a number of buildings and to lay the foundations for an evacuation center, but who will pay for and finish the rest – the airstrip, the school, the plumbing?

One afternoon, about halfway through the mission, I observe the housing construction with Captain Hailey, the commanding officer.

He has served as the commanding officer since the mission’s inception in 2009. Knowing this summer would be his last in Mertarvik, I ask him what he would expect to see if he returned in ten year’s time. Would the move be complete? Would Moses’ house have become the center of a bustling neighborhood? He shook his head reflectively. “No, I expect you’ll see a slow trickle of villagers from Newtok to Mertarvik…unless some sort of disaster hits.”

I wonder whether the disaster has already hit, whether it’s moving just slowly enough that he can’t see it.

The grandson breaks and makes a move for the exit. At last! I scurry behind him out of the steam room and into the cool, open antechamber that sits plainly in view of Moses’ house; the entire extended family gazes out from the kitchen window with what looks to be great interest. I do not care. With my pride intact, I can now breathe cool, steam-free Alaskan air. Only Moses remains inside, adapting to the changes, adapting to the heat.

For more images and stories from Will’s time in Alaska, head to http://murthamertarvik. blogspot.com/ or conduct an internet search for the articles & videos referenced above.

Births Asa Arthur Ellis-Bigelow 7-22-13

Passings

Paul & Lou Nelsen Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison

Timothy Allen Sanderson 6-10-13

Gordon & Linda Evans

Dana Howard Shannon

Heather & Gene Rostov

7-17-13

Tiffany Anne Tetreault 7-25-13

12 • Fall, 2013 • Views of Dummerston •

Dummerston Calendar of Events Ongoing

2014 Dummerston Historical Society Calendar: On sale at town office, or call Muriel Taylor (257-9358).

Dummerston Selectboard meetings: Recorded and televised by BCTV and online at www.brattleborotv.org. (Select “Watch”, select “Watch On Demand”, select “Playlist”, scroll to “Dummerston”, select meeting.)

November 8 Archer Mayor talk—Three Can Keep a Secret Community Center, 7 p.m.

December Mitten Tree Dummerston Congregational Church, Socks, gloves, and mittens collection for Drop-In Center 1 Caroling and lighting the town Christmas tree Dummerston Center, 4:30 p.m 22 Outdoor pageant retelling the Christmas story by Dummerston Congregational Church youth group Dummerston Congregational Church, 6 p.m.

February 2014 5 Town property taxes due

At the Dummerston Town Office: Selectboard 6:00 pm Every other Wednesday Planning Commission 6:30 pm 1st Tuesday Conservation Commission 7:00 pm 2nd Thursday Energy Committee 6:00 pm 1st Monday Development Review Board 7:00 pm 3rd Tuesday At the Community Center Community Center meetings 7:00 pm 1st Monday At the Dummerston School School Board Meeting 6:30 pm 2nd Tuesday PTFO Meeting 6:30 pm 3rd Wednesday, in the library At the BUHS Learning Center BUHS Board Meeting 7:00 pm 1st & 3rd Monday At the Historical Society Historical Society 7:30 pm 3rd Thursday of Jan./April/July/Oct. At the Lydia Taft Pratt Library Book Club various—call 6:00 pm Story Time Every Thursday 10:30 am At the Evening Star Grange Senior Congregate Meal 2nd and 4th Wednesday Information/reservations: Shirley Perkins, 254-2249 Find the calendar of all town meetings at: http://townclerk.dummerston. org/tc-cal.html

150 West Street Dummerston, Vermont 05357

Telephone numbers and contacts: Community Center Jean Momaney 254-9212 Conservation Commission www.dummerstonconservation.com Council on Aging Ruth Barton 254-1128 Springfield Office 800-642-5119 Dummerston Cares Assistance Shirley Perkins 257-5800 Dummerston School 254-2733 Web site www.dummerstonschool.org Dummerston PTFO dummerstonptfo@yahoo.com Emergency Mgmnt Coordinators Eric (Rick) Davis 251-1033 Evening Star Grange Ruth Barton 254-1128 or mrgjb@sover.net Fire Chief Rick Looman 258-1731 Fire Warden Marty Forrett (h)387-2180 (w)254-9877 Deputy Fire Wardens Charlie Richardson 254-6963

Laurence Lynch Sr. 254-2517 Wayne Emery (h)254-8708 Fire Volunteers Peter Wrenn 254-8677 Lydia Taft Pratt Library 258-9878 Hours: Tue. 2:30-7; Thu. 10-5; Sat. 9:30-Noon Web site http://www.crossroadswebgroup.com /DummerstonPublicLibrary/aboutus.html.

Meals on Wheels Chris McAvoy 257-1236 Selectboard selectboard@dummerston.org Town Garage Lee Chamberlin 254-2411 Town Office Pam McFadden 257-1496 townclerk@dummerston.org Vermont Theatre Company 258-1344 Views of Dummerston views@dummerston.com WSESU 254-3730 Websites: Official Town www.dummerston.org Municipal Calendar http://calendar.dummerston.org Local Interest www.dummerston.com

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid West Dummerston, VT 05357 Permit #1