Views of Dummerston - 2018#1 - Winter

Art by Gary Blomgren

Volume 28 Issue 1

Winter ~ 2018

Free • Since 1990

Friendly Visitors Aid in Times of Need

By Heidi Fischer

So, you finally decide to do something about your knee pain. You’ve seen the orthopedist and your knee replacement surgery is scheduled for next week. Reality is beginning to sink in and you start thinking about how you’re going to manage on your own through this.

That’s when a new neighbor mentions that she recently got a welcome basket from Dummerston Cares and information in it indicates they might be able to help. You give the Help Line (257-5800) a call and someone calls you back that evening. You are referred to Akara Draper, Rides Coordinator, and you arrange to get a ride to the hospital the day of your surgery and to be picked up and brought home when you are discharged. Heidi Fischer, Medical Equipment Loan Coordinator, meets you at your house, brings you a walker and sets up a shower chair for you in your bathroom. She lets you know that if you get to a point that you need a cane instead of the walker to just let her know and she will bring you one. Akara has arranged for volunteer drivers to get you to your physical therapy appointments for the next several weeks. Two weeks into your recovery you realize that you really need to get some groceries but you still aren’t allowed to drive. You call Akara to see if she can help in any way. That’s when you find out that indeed there are volunteers who can take you to the store and help you with your shopping or even pick up what you need if you’re not up to it yourself.

Now you’re on the mend, eating well, getting to your physical therapy and follow-up appointments but you’re getting a little stir crazy at home alone, unable to get out on your own. That’s when Akara mentions Dummerston Cares’ Friendly Visitors program.

Bill Johnson, coordinator of that program, arranges for a volunteer to visit you and you enjoy a few hours chatting and playing cards.

As he leaves, you’re already looking forward to his next visit.

Your recovery is going pretty well but taking longer than you had hoped. Winter has settled in and started in earnest. After the first big snow you realize you need some help shoveling your path and driveway. Once again you learn that Dummerston Cares can help you with that and Bill Schmidt, Chores Corps Coordinator, arranges for some volunteers to come shovel you out.

Finally, you are cleared to drive, you’re feeling stronger, and you don’t need the walker or shower chair any more. You call Heidi and she comes by and picks them up.

At last, you are feeling like yourself again and your pain is gone. You head over to your

neighbor’s to thank her for mentioning that Dummerston Cares could help and to be sure she has the Help Line number because you heard she is about to have surgery and might need a little help herself.

If you are in need of assistance please don’t hesitate to call Dummerston Cares’ Help Line (257-5800). Someone will get back to you within 24 hours of your call. Available assistance includes: rides to medical appointments locally and as far as Lebanon, NH and Boston; help with small household tasks or chores; loan of good quality used medical equipment; friendly visitors; emergency fuel assistance; and welcome baskets for new Dummerston residents. All services are free of charge.

Considerations for the Tiny House You Want to Build

By Roger Jasaitis,

Dummerston Zoning Administrator

The Town of Dummerston does not have a “tiny house” designation in the Zoning Bylaw.

If you are considering building a “Tiny House” your project will fall under one of the following categories: Recreational Vehicle A vehicle which is: (a) built on a single chassis; (b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection; (c) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and (d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as a temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

The Dummerston Zoning Bylaws state: Recreational Vehicles placed on sites with special flood hazard areas shall either: (a) be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days and be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or (b) be permitted in accordance with the elevation and anchoring requirements for

“manufactured homes” in section B.2.(b).

Note that there are no utility connections in this description.

Mobile Home A structure or type of manufactured home that is built on a permanent chassis and is designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation, includes plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, and is: transportable in one or more sections; and at least eight feet wide or 40 feet long or when erected has at least 320 square feet or if the structure was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, at least eight feet wide or 32 feet long.

Manufactured Home A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term “manufactured home” does not include a “recreational vehicle”.

Under the Dummerston Zoning Bylaws, a continied on page 16

2 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston The Views of Dummerston is a quarterly publication of The Dummerston Community Center, and the citizens of Dummerston. The first issue was published in 1990 thanks to the initiative and drive of Mary Lou McBean. Original masthead art created by Gary Blomgren.

The steering committee for the Views includes: Roger Turner, Michelle Cherrier, Fred Lee, Bob Sherwood, Sara Ryan, Linda Rood, and Lee Ives Tice.

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: Lee Ives Tice, 230 Schoolhouse Road, East Dummerston, VT 05346.

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 12, in singlespaced lines, with no “all caps” or paragraph formatting. We also accept typewritten submissions sent to Michelle Cherrier, 72 Miller Road, East Dummerston, VT 05346.

Calendar: Email to Michelle Cherrier at views@dummerston.com, or by note to Michelle at 72 Miller Rd., E. Dummerston 05346 NEXT ISSUE: Submissions due: March 27, 2018 Mailing: May 17, 2018 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

Digital Views Available To receive the Views in digital format only, send an email with your name and mailing address to: ViewsOnline@dummerston.com

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.)

Town Clerk’s Desk by Laurie Frechette

Dog Licenses Now Available

Greetings from the town office!

Town meeting will start at 10 a.m. on Tuesday March 6, 2018 at the Dummerston Elementary School. The school district meeting will be held first this year followed by the town meeting. The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hope to see you all there !

The 2018 dog licenses are ready. According to Vermont law, all dogs six months old and older must be registered with the town each year on or before April 1st. Dog licenses in the

town of Dummerston are $11 for a neutered dog and $16 for an un-neutered dog.

A reminder that property taxes are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20th. If you plan to pay by cash, please bring the correct change with you. For safety reasons, we do not keep much money in the office.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your town clerk and I hope to continue serving in this role. I ask for your support and vote on March 6th. Thank you!

A Few Helpful Notes on Filing Your 2018 Taxes

By Michelle Cherrier Every issue of the Views of Dummerston contains a calendar of events happening around town. The calendar for this issue opened a Pandora’s box for me. While reviewing the dates for various upcoming events, I didn’t assume that the tax due date was April 15. Instead I logged into the Internet and Googled tax date 2018 and discovered we have two extra days to file this year; returns are not due until April 17.

The details were filled in by this article in The Washington Post. “Take note, the IRS says the official start of the 2018 tax season is January 29. If you’re a procrastinator, you have two extra days to file. Returns are not due until April 17. The agency said it expects to get nearly 155 million individual tax returns this year. There is good reason to not procrastinate in filing your tax return. You don’t want identity thieves to beat you to it.”

“Don’t forget that more than 145.5 million Americans had their Social Security numbers and other key personal information stolen when credit bureau Equifax was hacked last year. . . . Even those who haven’t been directly affected by the Equifax breach could be a victim of tax identity theft,” reported Maryalene LaPonsie of U.S. News & World Report on AOL.2 They further reported “During the first five months of 2017, more than 100,000 people received unwelcome news: Someone else had filed a tax return using their name and Social Security number. . . .

As a result, taxpayers may be at heightened risk for tax identity theft this year. To avoid being a victim, be prepared to file returns as early as possible.”

On the taxpayer guide to identity theft, the Internal Revenue Service reads. “Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. . . . . You may be unaware that this has happened until you efile your return and discover that a return already has been filed using your SSN. Or, the IRS may send you a letter saying we have identified a suspicious return using your SSN.” .

The IRS site also advises how to know the warning signs of identity theft, steps to take if you become a victim, and how to reduce your risk. So, while it may seem we have the benefit of two extra days before filing our taxes. the ‘Pandora’s box’ that I opened has also revealed some timely and helpful advice. Use it as you wish, and mark your calendar.

Referenced sites are: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/ get-there/wp/2018/01/11/ready-for-the2018-tax-season-it-starts-jan-29-and-heres-why-you-should-file-early/?utm_term=. b6a9af417b49; 2 https://www.aol.com/article/finance/2018/01/05/why-you-should-file-yourtaxes-asap/23325397/; 3 https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayerguide-to-identity-theft.

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Top 10 Reasons to Get a Digital Views Subscription!

1 0 If enough sign up, we’ll save a few trees.

9 Mailbags won’t be so heavy.

8 You can flip through the pages very easily, not like the version on Dummerston.com.

7 You could be first in your neighborhood to get a digital subscription.

6 You have access to the Views anywhere!

5 You’ll get the digital Views before you would have gotten the printed Views.

4 Lower printing and postage expenses could mean lower advertising and sponsor rates.

3 Less work for Views folders and mailers (they’ll love you)!

2 Simple signup—shoot an email to Views OnLine@dummerston.com with your name and mailing address (street or PO), And #1!—It’s free!

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 3

town government Selectboard

Board’s Loss of Steve Glabach Filled by Wife, Maria

By Joe Cook As I was preparing to write this article, I read Roger Turner’s thoughtful tribute to Steve Glabach in the fall issue of the Views, and Steve’s article in that same issue. Steve passed away unexpectedly in October. He was the selectboard’s liaison to the Sheriff’s Department and Vermont State Police, and a tremendous resource during our discussions concerning heavy equipment purchases, roads, and personnel matters. Steve’s loss is felt throughout our town and beyond.

Vermont statutes address vacancies in town officers, and give the selectboard the discretion to replace those officers. When a town officer resigns his or her office, or has been removed therefrom, or dies, or becomes unable to perform his or her duties due to a mental condition or psychiatric disability, or removes from town. . . Pursuant to those statutes, we posted a notice of the vacancy of Steve’s position within ten days of his passing. When a vacancy occurs in any town office, the selectboard forthwith by appointment in writing shall fill such vacancy until an election is had.

It is a credit to our town and our selectboard that six qualified candidates, including three former selectboard members, submitted letters of interest to fill Steve’s vacancy. Steve’s widow, Maria Glabach, had been serving as our selectboard’s assistant, and was one of those candidates. Maria shares Steve’s values, has worked with the West Dummerston Fire Department, is continuing to operate Steve’s landscaping business, and has helped us to prepare our municipal budget. Maria emerged as our unanimous choice to fill Steve’s position on the selectboard until town meeting, and was appointed at our meeting on October 25th.

Steve’s article mentioned how all of the members of our selectboard have shared our responsibilities within our respective areas of expertise. Those responsibilities have included

We are a family of four

that currently owns a house in Dummerston and are looking for a slightly larger 3+ bedroom home a bit closer to Brattleboro. Preferably newer construction or recent renovations with energy efficiency in mind.

Please contact glickmanzacchini@ gmail.com or call 802-221-4051.

writing articles for the Views. During a recent meeting I slid a note to Zeke Goodband asking him to address this article under unfinished business. When he did so, Zeke turned to me and said that he thought that it is our tradition to have retiring members of the selectboard write these articles. Although I was not aware of any such tradition, I jumped at the opportunity. It has been my privilege to serve on our selectboard for the last five years, and it is now someone else’s turn. A look around confirms

how fortunate we are to have such a collegial selectboard that works so well with our town’s employees. I hope that there are many candidates for the three selectboard positions, and look forward to town meeting.

We again want to thank everyone who serves on the town’s committees and boards, and those who attend our meetings, which are held every other Wednesday, usually at 6 p.m. If you can’t attend our meetings, you can watch them a few days later on BCTV.

Dummerston Planning Commission

Town Plan Sent to Selectboard

By Deb Forrett As I write this, temperatures have barely left the single digits and a deep snow covers our lovely town. I am reassured by the thought that when you are reading this, the spell of intense cold will have passed, day length will be on the increase, and we’ll be just a bit closer to Spring. And as the cycles of mother nature move slowly forward, so too the ongoing work of the planning commission.

Our regularly scheduled meeting on December 5th was also our public hearing for the revisions to the Town Plan. Following the public hearing, the planning commissioners voted unanimously to send the plan on to the selectboard. The selectboard will now proceed with their process of review and public input. There was a collective sigh of relief from the planning commission to have the document off our agenda and on to the next step toward approval.

With the Town Plan off our to-do list, we have focused on revisions to the Zoning Bylaws and are ready to proceed with a public hearing in February and a vote to send it on to the selectboard as well. Presumably that will have happened by the delivery of this edition of the Views.

So, with the Town Plan and the Zoning Bylaws

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

Offices in Brattleboro and Dover

updated, revised, approved, and sent to theselectboard, the planning commission is celebrating a bit and dusting off other work that we set aside in the past. A few things we hope to look at now are resilience and principles of smart growth, improving some of our definitions in zoning, variable lot sizes, and perhaps a study of the area around Exit 4 in collaboration with the town of Putney. Should be fun.

The public is always welcome to join us at our meetings or to contact us via email at planning@dummerston.org Current commissioners are Joe Little, Bev Tier, Deb Forrett, Sam Farwell, Maria Glabach, Annamarie Pluhar, Brian Richardson, Sarah Bergh, and Nicole Talbot. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at the town office at 6:30 p.m. (unless we have a scheduling conflict) and minutes and agendas are posted on the town website or available at the town office.

Compliments of

Priscilla Svec, P.T.

Practicing Holistic Physical Therapy 126 Main Street, Putney

387-4799

Sponsors Cliff Adler & Lynn Levine Paul & Lou Nelsen Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison Gordon & Linda Evans Heather & Gene Rostov Akara Draper & Linnie Jones

4 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

town government Dummerston Conservation Commission

Recent Programs Examine Archaeology and Wildlife

By John Anderson The conservation commission has had a busy and productive three months, presenting educational programs, attending meetings, and planning next year’s events and initiatives.

Jess Robinson of the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation presented an Archeological History of Vermont. He gave a brief overview of the Archaic period, the Late Archaic period, the Woodland period, and the Late Woodland period. Pictures of dig sites, pottery shards, stone knives, arrowheads, and spear points were shown. Fish bones from late archaic period, native encampments illustrated the changing lifestyle, and diets of people who by that time were mainly subsisting as agriculturalists. Robinson also explained that all digs are done in response to state-financed construction projects. This well-attended and interesting program was co-sponsored by the Dummerston Historical Society.

Our next presentation was a four-person panel discussion on the subject of Deer in the Woods: Too Many, Too Few or Just Right. Foresters George Weir and Tim Morton, state deer

Robert E. Dunklee & Sons 72 Flat Street Brattleboro, VT 05301

254-5663 Sponsors

Linda Rood & Roger Turner Nick & Joan Thorndike Dick & Harriet Virkstis Paul & Jody Normandeau Gincy Bunker

biologist Nick Fortin and one time Connecticut River Steward, and state representative David Deen each presented their perspective on the subject.

Deer, it seems, like to browse oak, maple and ash seedlings, stunting them and giving advantage to black birch, which is unpalatable to whitetails. Panelist presentations were followed by audience comments and questions.

While deer herd diversity is a controversial and predictably arguable subject, one thing is clear. Over time, deer are changing the composition of our forests, thus lowering the income landowners can expect to receive when their land is logged. Commission member Judy Fink ably moderated this discussion.

A follow up Woodland Deer Impact tour led by forester Lynn Levine allowed participants to get a first-hand look at over-browsed properties in Dummerston and Brattleboro.

In November Patti Smith and Skip Lisle presented The Essential Beaver. Beavers are a keystone species. The habitats they create are among our most diverse and their hydrologic engineering provides many human benefits. Smith has spent a decade studying these amazing rodents. Skip Lisle, inventor of the Beaver Deceiver, works to mediate conflicts that arise when beaver wetlands encroach on those things human. This talk was presented

by Bonneyvale Environmental Education Center and co-sponsored by the Dummerston Conservation Commission.

A meeting of conservation commissions held in Westminster was attended by several of our members. These bi-annual gatherings are a chance to learn from the experiences and initiatives of other commissions.

In early December, Ned Pokras of Southeastern Vermont Audubon offered Feeder Birds in Southern Vermont: How to Attract and Identify Them. This informative talk first outlined what foods to offer various avian visitors and then discussed the use of field marks

for identifying those visitors. The event was especially well timed as the first of December is considered by bear experts to be a ‘safe’ date to start feeding birds.

And now, having done my duty, I’m going to ramble off into a discussion of what I call new age litter as opposed to old school litter such as beer cans, butane lighters, chewing tobacco cans, and fast food packaging.

Golf balls are new age litter. Almost every body of water that I have kayaked on or walked beside in recent years has been flecked with minor galaxies of sunken golf balls!

Frisbees are new age litter left floating in ponds, lakes, and rivers when disgruntled dogs refuse to retrieve them Cell phones are new age litter. I have seen several at the bottom of rivers and lakes and dozens along roadsides.

Bagged dog feces are new age litter. Hiking trails, streets, and roadsides are dotted with these bags. Presumably the bags are, in some time frame, biodegradable, but they are certainly not attractive.

Miniature American flags are new age litter, blown off fast moving vehicles and left in ditches to sun bleach and rot until roadside mowing eventually shreds them.

Mylar balloons are new age litter. I seldom walk any distance in the woods without collecting one or more, and during the fall hawkwatch I see many drifting on the prevailing winds.

Times are changing.

In the old fast food and beer can litter I could, I thought, read open defiance by people who felt marginalized by society. It had a sort of unfortunate—and probably oversimplified—explainability.

New age litter certainly doesn’t appear to have any place in that old narrative.

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

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

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 5

organizations Dummerston Historical Society

Photos Wanted for Annual Calendar

by Muriel Taylor The opening reception of Linda Rubinstein’s Dummerston Art Journals Exhibit was well attended on October 1st at the Society’s Schoolhouse. Linda also presented at our October quarterly meeting. This exhibit was open weekends through October and November.

The January annual meeting was entitled “Growing Up in Dummerston”. Several lifelong Dummerston residents shared memories, told stories (to us and on each other!) and made us laugh and become wistful as we all remembered “the good old days”.

The 2018 Scenes of Dummerston calendar had another successful run this year and we are looking for photos for the 2019 edition. Keep your cameras handy as you travel in and around our beautiful town! If you have a “keeper” please contact Jody Normandeau at 802-2549037 for details.

In 2018 we will concentrate on the expansion of our use of technology to improve the organization of our collection and to better communicate with our membership. We also

plan to paint the exterior of the older part of the Schoolhouse. A successful raffle helped raise money for this endeavor. We are grateful to local benefactors who provided the special prizes: Steve White (half gallon maple syrup), Dennis and Debbie Baker (half gallon maple syrup), VT-NH Veterinary Clinic (gift certificate), Linda Rubinstein (Miller Road Map), Walker Farm (gift certificate), and Ahren Ahrenholz (hand thrown pottery bowl). Thank you for your generous support. In 2018, as always, we

Dummerston Community Center

Board Seeks New Blood

By Ann Davis Mother Nature is up to her old tricks . . . a cold summer, warm fall, and a colder than usual winter. Can’t wait to see what spring will be like!

The annual Halloween/Open House was FUN!! Parents as well as children had an enjoyable night. On hand were lots of sweet treats and, of course, Lester’s doughnuts!

Evening Star Grange #154

Grange Furnaces Overwhelmed by Cold

By Sallie May, Secretary.

Like everyone else, the Grange has suffered somewhat from the cold introduction to 2018!

Subzero temperatures for several days in a row sent our twin furnaces into a tailspin, and we have had to deal with breakdowns, frozen pipes, and chilly working conditions. We’re not complaining; we are grateful that our coffers are replenished by our hard work in the summer time with our public suppers and our ongoing great attendance of the twice-monthly senior lunches, which sometimes add a slight amount to our bottom line. Frugal buying and great attendance pay off on occasion! Fortunately, we were in a position to pre-buy our fuel for the winter, so at least most of the winter heat has already been paid for.

We continue to serve both the Senior Solutions and Grange-sponsored meals. A record breaking amount of meals were served in November for our Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner (between 150-160, including take-outs!) and we were able to feed everyone who came and

will continue to present programs and exhibits of interest to Dummerston residents and visitors The Dummerston Historical Society always welcomes donations of historical interest to Dummerston and we encourage you to join us in 2018 as a member, a volunteer, a participant in our programs, or as a viewer of our exhibits.

(Please note that you do not need to be a member of the Historical Society to attend any of our functions.) Our Schoolhouse is handicapped accessible. You are always welcome.

most of those who requested another meal to take home. Thanks to all who helped us that day, and who waited patiently as we got the food out as quickly as we could.

Ruth Barton continues to do her excellent job of keeping track of our rentals and we thank her most profusely for that. The Tai-Chi group has again rented the hall on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for the next 8 weeks, and seem to have a good turnout.

We have taken in one new member since my last article and have put her to work helping where needed. It’s really simple to join, and involves a phone call or drop in at one of our meetings (2nd or 4th Mondays, 6:30–9 p.m.) except Jan/Feb when we meet on only one Monday, whichever one isn’t getting snow! We basically do community service type projects, and you are welcome to become as involved as you care to be. Check Us Out! For information, call Larry Lynch, Master, at 802-310-0799 (C), Sallie May at 257-0387, or for rental information, Ruth Barton at 254-1128. Thanks, and have a safe, warm, and peaceful winter season.

Archer Mayer was here on the 13th of November to discuss his newest Joe Gunther novel, Trace. As always it was an entertaining evening.

Torrey Luker has started a Facebook page for the Dummerston Community Center. Many thanks to Torrey.

The Wagon project is ongoing. It’s been a long, snowy winter so things have been on hold until better weather. Donations for this project are much appreciated.

We are still looking for an additional board member. We meet on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. If you think you might like to join us please feel free to come to the next meeting.

March 3rd is the date for our Pampered Chef party. Our hostess, Kim, says there are many new and exciting products this spring. Come and check them out and try some delicious snacks. Remember the date—Saturday March 3rd from 1-3 p.m.

Remember the Community Center when planning your get-togethers, workshops, parties or whatever the occasion when a little more space is needed. We are handicapped accessible, have a fully equipped kitchen, adequate parking, and a playground for the children. Call Jean Momaney at 254-9212 to make your reservation.

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

254-7077

www. vermontinsight.org

6 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

organizations Dummerston Cares

How Dummerston Cares Cares

By Bill Johnson Care or caring means compassionate, thoughtful, kind attention and action to another. For Dummerston Cares it is attention and action in support of those with health or wellness needs.

Much can be said about all that is included in the words “health and wellness needs,” but the emphasis here is on the kind and quality of attention and support that is given.

As philosopher and writer Sam Keen puts it in his book To Love and Be Loved, “when we care we take responsibility for and seek the well-being of another person.”

Sam points out that a big part of the practice of caring involves knowing what to give and to whom. Depending on the situation, caregiving can be simply and straightforwardly done or it can be a challenging and complex effort.

Dummerston Cares, for its part, is currently organized to care for residents • in need of emergency fuel assistance; • who are housebound and would value regular visits by one or more friendly visitors who share their interests; • in need of a ride to a medical appointment or for errands such as shopping or going to the bank; • in need of medical equipment such as a walker, shower bench, hospital bed, or wheel chair; • in need of help with home chores and minor repairs they can’t do themselves or pay someone else to do;

• who need assistance in finding help from other area organizations and state agencies for their specific questions and needs; • who are newcomers to town and appreciate being welcomed with a welcome basket full of goodies and information about Dummerston.

Dummerston Cares also highlights specific community needs at times through town-wide programs and workshops, sometimes carried out in collaboration with other local and area organizations and agencies. In this regard, a series of programs on Aging Well is being considered for early spring. Also, under consideration is a program on Elder Abuse and Self Neglect.

We welcome ideas and suggestions from

townspeople on programs and services that would benefit those with health and wellness needs.

Let us know your thoughts by calling the Cares Helpline at 257-5800. And, for more information about Dummerston Cares go to dummerstoncares.org on the internet, call the Helpline or contact a Cares board member.

Cares Board members are: Shawn Bracebridge, 689-0753; Susan Daigler, secretary, 257-4200; Akara Draper, 258-9890; Heidi Fischer, 257-0730; Bill Johnson, vice president, 257-1020; Cindy Levine; Bill Schmidt, president, 257-0233; John Wilcox, treasurer, 257-0674

Cares Delivers on Emergency Fuel Assistance

By Bill Schmidt Thank you, Dummerston Cares, so very much for the 100 gallons of heating fuel Your kindness and commitment to see me through the process simply melted any and all of my fears in asking for help . . . .

I can’t thank you enough.

JR As winter winds down some folks in town may be pressed hard to pay their fuel bills before the arrival of spring and warmer weather.

Dummerston Cares has an emergency fuel assistance program for residents in this situation.

Those seeking assistance fill out an application which helps us to understand their situation,

The Landmark Trust USA

Friends or family about to visit? Feeling over crowded?

learn whether they have had fuel assistance from other agencies this year or in past years, and determine their level of need. The application is then vetted with assistance from a SEVCA Family Services Outreach Worker to see if any available state or SEVCA funds can be utilized and how the Dummerston Cares Fund can be most helpful. Any funds provided by Dummerston Cares, such as payment for 100-150 gallons of fuel, go directly to fuel dealers.

For further information on the Dummerston Cares Fund and to get an application form, call the Cares Helpline at 257-5800.

Fuel assistance is also available from the Dummerston Congregational Church’s Wood Pantry. For dry firewood from the Wood Pantry, contact Charlie Richardson at 254-6963.

The Landmark Trust USA offers shortterm rentals at Rudyard Kipling’s home, Naulakha, his Carriage House, the 1915 Sugarhouse, and the Dutton Farm house, that’s 22 beds!

707 Kipling Road 254-6868

Glabach Land Management Ted & Kristen Glabach Landscaping & Excavation Dummerston, VT 05301 802-536-4025 Glabach@yahoo.com

Windham County Homeowners! $2,000—$4,000 discount to swap your old wood stove for new pellet stove.

Call Windham & Windsor Housing Trust at 802-254-4604 for info

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 7

organizations Lydia Taft Pratt Library

New Librarian Karen Cawrse is a Lover of Libraries

By Karen Bailey Cawrse

merston.org where you can access our full catalog, check out new arrivals, and search by title, author, or subject. To request a book, email me at dummerstonvt.library@gmail. com or call 258-9878. Follow us on Facebook at Dummerston’s Lydia Taft Pratt Library for news and updates. The book club’s coming back in the spring. Interested? Call or email me. Can’t get to the library to return your books? Drop off returns outside the library, at the Dummerston School, or at one of the bimonthly Grange Luncheons.

Below is a partial list of books new to the library in 2018. Although many are found on the New York Times Best Sellers list, I also include books of local interest and consider requests from patrons. You may be #20 on the list somewhere else for Kristin Hannah’s latest book while it’s just waiting for you at Lydia Taft Pratt.

At a library directors’ meeting last fall, a children’s book author from the Midwest was dismayed with what he learned from area librarians: towns with populations as low as 800 support, at least in part, a local library.

There are no regional libraries in Vermont.

The State of Vermont does not provide monetary support to libraries. Instead, small rural libraries pull together town support, grants, and fundraising efforts to serve their communities in unique and diverse ways including promoting local writers and artists, providing free Wi-Fi, bringing story times and summer reading programs to children, sponsoring book clubs, and providing books to seniors and the housebound.

My name is Karen Cawrse (as in “golf”) and I’m the new librarian at Lydia Taft Pratt Library. From the start, I was impressed by the enthusiastic and engaged LTP Board of NEWEST FICTION Trustees, dedicated patrons, first rate collecArtemis by Andy Weir tion of free books and materials, and the group The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah of active, devoted volunteers.

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin When we moved to Vermont full-time Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan five years ago, I rushed to Brooks Memorial Radio Free Vermont: A Fable of ResisLibrary to sign up for a non-resident library tance by Bill McKibbon card. I think it cost about $50 a year at that The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn time. The helpful circulation clerk who took my application looked at my Newfane address and said, “You know you don’t need a card NEWEST NONFICTION here; Newfane [library] can get you whatever Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifeyou want to read!” I found this to be true of any time of Discovery by Scott Kelly Vermont library, including Lydia Taft Pratt.

Grant by Ron Chernow As your municipal (versus endowed) Heart Berries, a Memoir by Terese library, we’re here to serve you. As most of Marie Mailhot you know, we are located in the DummerPromise Me, Dad by Joe Biden ston Community Center, 156 West Street, Soulful Simplicity: How Living with West Dummerston. We’re open three days Less Can Lead to So Much More by a week: Tuesdays 2:30-7, Thursdays 10-5, Courtney Carver and Saturdays 9:30-12. Wi-Fi is free and available 24/7 and parking is free. Doesn’t fit Voices from the Attic: The Williamyour schedule? We’re online at library.dumstown Boys in the Civil War by

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Carleton Young Although Brooks is a great resource, I never renewed my membership after the first year. I just couldn’t manage to get there on a regular basis. It was twenty minutes away and out of my way. Parking was limited or a cold walk from the Grove Street lot. Once, when I struggled unsuccessfully to use my prepaid parking card, I got a ticket. Instead, I went the local library route. It’s free.

I’d like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the Dummerston community for supporting our recent Annual Appeal. In May, we hope to see you at our Geranium Festival/ book sale/silent auction. In the meantime, winter’s the best time to catch up on your reading list. Keep in mind that supporting your local library doesn’t necessarily mean donating money, books or supplies. Support can be as simple as requesting a book, borrowing a DVD, or attending a library event.

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8 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

school news

Danny Cohen Visits the Eighth Grade

By Emilio Ogden, grade 8

and genocide of the Jews, the Roma (Gypsies), the disabled, homosexuals, and political enemies of the Nazis. This was known as the Holocaust. In 2016 Train was selected as the inaugural text of the Museum Teacher Fellowship Bookclub of the United States Holocaust Museum Memorial. One of Train’s reviewers, Liz Baudler from the Windy City Times, said “What makes Train unique is that it tries to show the stories of the Holocaust that aren’t usually told, Train’s six main characters’ contraindications and complications make them reassuringly human rather than historical puppets.”

Mr. Cohen has a deep history with the Holocaust—he is Jewish and it is known that his grandfather and his family were murdered during the Holocaust at the Auschwitz prison camp in Poland. Mr. Cohen is also the founder of the Unsilence Project (https://www. unsilence.org). Unsilence is a national educational nonprofit organization that helps communities start conversations about taboos and human rights. After his visit he was interviewed

by Lexi Short of the Dummerston Newsletter Club here is how it went:

On September 22, 2017, the eighth grade had a visitor. He came to talk to them about World War Two, the Holocaust, and human rights. During his presentation he showed them a picture of a young woman named Irma Grese, smiling and in regular clothes. When he asked them what role they thought she played in the Holocaust, they all said they thought she was a victim of the war. When he told them who she actually was—a Nazi guard who was known for her cruelty towards her prisoners—they were all shocked because she looked so nice, innocent and young. She was eventually executed for her war crimes at the end of the war after the Nuremberg Trials when she was still in her early twenties. The visitor talked about how someone you think might be evil—a Nazi—could be more ‘normal’ and have more in common with you than you think. This was just one of his examples.

The visitor was the author of Train, Danny M. Cohen. Train is a historical fiction novel based on the Holocaust. It takes place in Berlin around 1943 over ten days, as six teenagers try Question: What is Unsilence? to escape Nazi Germany, and the persecution Answer: A National nonprofit that helps communities talk about stuff they have a hard time talking about.

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The Work of Young Writers Ellen Rago, Dummerston School’s eighth grade humanities teacher, approached the Views to ask if we would publish student writing.We are very pleased to do that, and will continue to do so in future issues as space allows. We hope you enjoy the creativity and writing skills of our Dummerston students. reached with Unsilence?

Answer: About 7000 people across ten states.

We have trained around 2000 teachers.

Question: What inspired you to write the book Train?

Answer: Human rights; the book would help me share things that are hard to discuss.

Question: How many times did you rewrite Train before you were happy with it?

Answer: 15 times.

Question: How many books have you written?

Answer: Train, Snow Red, Hide Or Speak, and Return To Berlin (a sequel to Train.)

Question: Train is rated 4.64 out of 5 on www. goodreads.com. How do you feel about your book getting such high ratings?

Answer: Great! That means people learned the history inside it, they’re learning.

Question: What advice would you give to students who would like to be writers someday or just love writing.

Answer: Write about stuff that really gets Question: About how many people have you you excited. And be prepared to revise and change a lot until it is just right.

Answer: They run workshops on human rights and have websites with games.

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Question: How did you come to be friends with Ms. Rago?

Answer: Her wife and my husband Bernard went to college together.

Having Mr. Cohen in class was an amazing treat and I believe that everyone involved learned something new. So a big thank you to Mr. Cohen, the people at Unsilence and Ms. Rago for setting this up.

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 9

school news

ASSET Program Addresses School Culture

By JoCarol Ratti

Kelton Mager Middle School students throughout the district attended a Leadership Training on January 8th at

Dummerston School’s student ASSET team attended an all-day training at Landmark College on January 8. This training followed our two-day training in August, which was also held at Landmark College. Dummerston School’s ASSET Council is made up of thirteen students who work together with adults in the building to create a school culture that is free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. The ASSET Council provides leadership in helping students resist negative peer pressure, live comfortably with diversity, and learn to resolve conflicts peacefully. Our January training specifically focused on Perseverance, Teamwork & Friendship, and Listening to Different Points of View with an Open Mind. This year’s council members are Noah White, Reed Sargent, Jordy Allembert, Rowan Chamberlin, Morgan Houghton, Sierra Lane, Kelton Mager, Tucker Sargent, Abby Barnes, Morgan Higley, Sadie Mills, Kate Richardson, and Lily Smith.

And there’s more . . . once the work was complete, they approached Cersosimo Industries for a donation of wood chips to surround the school’s playground structures. Cersosimo’s graciously and generously agreed, and Travis Bristol hauled the truckloads of donated chips to Dummerston School where they were spread and layered around our playground, just in time for the first day of school!

Abby Barnes Landmark College. Both Abby and Kelton are members of Dummerston School’s ASSET team, our student leadership organization.

Schoolboard Endorses AGS for Act 46 Compliance

By Kristina Naylor The past few months have been filled with our usual budgeting and Act 46 work, however we have also begun consideration of the addition of a Dummerston-based Pre-K to our school. While budget constraints challenge our ability to increase our offerings, our board and principal are working together to find cost -effective ways to improve our school. It is also a welcome change of pace from school governance discussion to consideration of how we might best serve our community and support our students.

As the final major step in our board work to comply with Act 46, the board unanimously approved and submitted an Alternative Governance Structure (AGS) proposal on December 26, 2017. Though the subcommittee initially expected Dummerston would apply to remain a standalone district within the

WSESU, the merger rejection by all towns caused us to change course and submit an AGS with all WSESU districts collaborating more closely to meet the goals of Act 46. The AGS structure builds on the best parts of the merger proposal: the ability to share resources and increase equity among our schools. This vision was also supported by our town survey results that indicated support for increased collaboration with our neighbors. We were fortunate to have this input to move ahead in the short timeframe, and fortunate for the schoolboard members, teachers, parents, grandparents and voters from Dummerston who contributed to the proposal. We look forward to discussing the AGS and an advisory vote on town meeting day. A copy of the proposal is available on the WSESU website on the Dummerston Board homepage.

In looking to the future, the board held

two forums to assess community need and support for a Dummerston School full-time, school-year Pre-Kindergarten (pre-K). While Dummerston families can currently receive funding for ten hours of Pre-K with qualified partnering providers, through our forums we found several barriers to Dummerston families accessing preschool through this program. Not only would free Pre-K support our families and attract new families to our town, research indicates high quality preschool improves student outcomes and saves tax dollars in the long run. Our WSESU and neighboring towns have helped us understand the challenges and opportunities in starting up a Pre-K program with guidance from Janice Stockman, WSESU early childhood coordinator, and from Guilford principal John Gagnon, who graciously presented his experience implementing the Guilford School Precontinued on page 16

10 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

Proposed FY18 Dummerston School Budget Compiled by Kristin Naylor

On January 23rd, the Dummerston Town Schoolboard approved the FY19 school budget for presentation to the voters on Town Meeting Day. The table below lists our budget line items based on information available on January 23rd.

Figure 1. Proposed FY18 Dummerston Town School Budget Revenue and Expense Summary Revenues Tuition

FY17 Actual

FY18 Adopted

FY19 Proposed

$ change

% change

$21,000

$30,500

$21,500

-$9,000

-30%

$428

$200

$325

$125

63%

Rental Fees

$10,500

$10,000

$10,000

$0

0%

Health Services-WSESU

$17,000

$17,000

$17,000

$0

0%

Donations

$0

$0

$9,000

$9,000

Transfer from Food Svs Fund

$0

$0

$10,000

$10,000

$54,484

$18,500

$37,875

$19,375

Interest Earning

Medicaid Sub Grant EPSDT Medicaid Subgrant Title IIA Subgrant General State Support Grant Small Schools Grant(VT)) Transportation Grant(VT)

105%

$9,083

$7,600

$5,288

-$2,312

-30%

$77,713

$76,665

$1,500

-$75,165

-98%

$2,810,894

$2,792,166

$2,722,758

-$69,408

-2%

$34,900

$34,515

$50,000

$15,485

45% 15%

$59,261

$60,354

$69,354

$9,000

$361,657

$0

$0

$0

$3,456,920

$3,047,500

$2,954,600

-$92,900

-3%

Technology

$14,735

$11,020

$14,520

$3,500

32%

Guidance

$82,401

$82,337

$106,707

$24,370

30%

Health Services

$93,853

$96,093

$96,640

$547

1%

Program Improvement

$14,828

$9,600

$12,000

$2,400

25%

Library Services

$56,085

$57,262

$57,666

$404

1%

$7,186

$9,689

$8,697

-$992

-10%

WSESU-Asess-Super

$153,559

$153,789

$144,896

-$8,893

-6%

Principal’s Office

$193,502

$192,709

$197,975

$5,266

3%

$1,600

$1,600

$1,600

$0

0%

$187,486

$276,127

$220,546

-$55,581

-20%

Special Ed State Aid

TOTAL REVENUE EXPENDITURES

School Board

Treasurer Building Maintenance Grounds Maintenance

$10,245

$12,000

$12,000

$0

0%

Student Transportation

$141,211

$139,914

$144,050

$4,136

3%

Field Trips

$9,238

$4,000

$4,000

$0

0%

Debt Service

$7,495

$8,495

$8,495

$0

0%

Preschool Contract Srvc Elementary Secondary Education SUBTOTAL Regular Programs After School &Co-curricular Special Education Food Services

$50,926

$37,104

$39,204

$2,100

6%

$1,383,617

$1,322,354

$1,297,336

-$25,018

-2%

$261,831

$257,235

$232,493

-$24,742

-10%

$2,669,798

$2,671,328

$2,598,825

-$72,503

-3%

$19,708

$20,673

$19,995

-$678

-3%

$670,897

$341,774

$312,355

-$29,419

-9%

$8,000

$13,725

$14,425

$700

5%

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 11 The notable changes in our budget, often driven by forces outside of our school are listed below: • $51K Federal funding cut in Title IIA funds • A $19K increase in Federal Medicaid funding • A $15K increase in our State “Small Schools” grant • Change in statute that removed 2 “phantom students” which reduces our Average Daily Membership • Contractual increases in teacher and staff salaries • An $8K WSESU assessment decrease • A $19K WSESU Special Education assessment decrease • Cost decreases for employee healthcare plans mandated by the Affordable Care Act • A $58K reduction in the Building Maintenance budget • A $4K increase in Technology support Changes in Federal Law have cut our Title IIA funding, however WSESU have worked to increase our Federal Medicaid funding, which lessens the overall budget impact.

State statute changes for Average Daily Membership (ADM) calculation lower our student count, which negatively affects our budget by over $30K, however the lower student count increase our “Small Schools” Grant by an estimated $15K. Costs for Special Education and Supervisory Union services are assessed to our district based on our pupil count and both have decreased.

Recent changes in statute mandated administration of Special Education be changed to the Supervisory Union. These services are dictated by students’ IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and are now administered by WSESU staff. WSESU services for our Superintendent, Curriculum Coordination and Business Manager are assessed to us through a separate line item. The full budget back up for these assessments is available on the WSESU website.

Employee healthcare plan costs have also decreased and will be a notable change in many budget line items. The Affordable Care Act mandated changes to healthcare plans with higher deductible, which reduces premiums by approximately 30%. However, to reimburse staff for potential increased out-of-pocket costs, a new line item for school contributions to “Health Reimbursement Accounts”. These changes will reduce taxpayer costs, with little or no extra healthcare expenses for our employees.

These changes pushed us over the spending threshold if we had level funded our budget. To bring us below this double tax penalty, we have made several cuts from last year’s budget. Last year the voters approved an additional $60K for the maintenance budget to cover energy upgrades and paving, which we will not fund this coming year. The board has also reduced our legal fund budget by $1K and reduced the Winter Activities budget by $1K. The board will use one time funds of a $10K surplus in our food fund and hopes to use a $9K donation from our School Endowment fund to support technology in our schools. Part of this money will return $4K to technology funding cut last year.

These cuts have brought us below the spending threshold for a total district FY19 budget of $2,945,600, a 3.3% decrease from FY18. Our estimated district per pupil spending will be $17,802, a 0.3% decrease from FY18.

Many of the same forces on our budget affected the BUHS budget, most notable the elimination of “phantom students” so the BUHS tax rate increased this year. However, since we have a lower percentage of our students attending BUHS, the BUHS portion of our tax bill will slightly decrease from $0.546 to $0.54.

In the world of statewide education funding, budget reductions may not translate into tax rate reductions and two factors increase our final estimated tax rate. This year our Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) decreased from 106.5% to 104% due to an increase in our properties values as compared with assessments. In addition, the state decreased the “property dollar equivalent yield” from $10,160 to $9842 to address state fund balance challenges. These changes both contribute to a 3.8% increase in our estimated tax rate, to $1.728. The board and administration have worked to balance our charge to provide a high-quality education with our tax rate and look forward to discussing this on Town Meeting Day.

Figure 2. Education Residential Tax Rates—FY16, FY17, FY18, and FY19 Estimated Tax Rates

FY16 actual

FY17 actual

FY18 budget

FY19 proposed

Dummerston Tax Rate

$1.229

$1.216

$1.222

$1.258

BUHS

$0.564

$0.563

$0.546

$0.540

Combined tax rate CLA(common level of appraisal)

$1.793 103%

$1.779 106%

$1.772 106.5%

$1.798 104%

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12 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

Election 2018:Candidates’ Statements There is only one contested election this year. Amy Wall resigned There are no candidates for the following offices: lister (three-term), town from the schoolboard after fourteen years of service with one year agent (one year), grand juror (one year), and two library trustees, one remaining to serve on her three-year term. Both Jody Normandeau and for a full five-year term, and the other for four years of a five-year term.

Bob Thibault have stepped up to offer their services to fill out that term.

Town & School Moderator (1-year term)—Cindy Jerome There are also two one-year slots open on the school board, for which Town Clerk (1-year term)—Laurie Frechette Kristina Naylor and Emily Evans are running, and Sue Meggiolaro is Town Treasurer (1-year term)—Charlotte Neer Annis running for a three-year term. Ruth Barton is stepping aside after servSelectboard (3-year term)—Zeke Goodband ing thirteen years as the town’s representative to the Brattleboro Union Selectboard (2-year term)—Rachel Glickman Zacchini High School Board, and Rick Mills seeks to replace her.

Selectboard (remaining 2 years of 3-year term)—Maria Glabach On the selectboard, Maria Glabach has petitioned to finish out the Auditor (3-year term)—Kelly Carlin remaining two years of deceased husband Steve’s three-year term. She Trustee of Cemetery Funds—Selectboard was appointed to that position by the selectboard after Steve’s death, to School Director (3-year term)—Susan Meggiolaro serve until the first town election is held. Joe Cook is stepping down after School Director (1-year term)—Kristina Naylor & Emily Evans five years on the board, and Rachel Glickman Zacchini is running for a School Directors (remaining 1 year of 3-year term)—Jody Nortwo-year term to replace him. Zeke Goodband is running unopposed for mandeau & Bob Thibault a three-year term. Kelly Carlin is offering her services as an auditor for BUHS Director (3-year term)—Rick Mills a three-year term, and nobody has petitioned to fill out the two years of There are no candidates for the following offices: a three-year term which became vacant when Libby Laflamd resigned Lister (3-year term); Auditor (remaining 2 years of 3-term); after town meeting last year.

Town Agent (1-year term); Town Grand Juror (1-year term); Also running unopposed are Cindy Jerome for town and school modLibrary Trustee (5-year term); Library Trustee (remaining 4 erator, Laurie Frechette for clerk, and Charlotte Neer Annis for treasurer. years of 5-year term)

Selectboard

Zeke Goodband

Rachel Glickman Zacchini Maria Glabach

I am running for re-election for a three year seat on the Selectboard. I live with my wife, Diana, on Houghton Road where I raise sheep and, to the consternation of commuters, my wife raises chickens. I’ve been the Orchard Manager at the Scott Farm for 18 years.

I’m a frugal fellow by nature, have a pretty good work ethic and I’d like to think that I take a common sense approach to the issues that come before the Selectboard. I put a lot of time into preparing for our meetings and dig into the statutes and regulations that effect how we govern ourselves. I listen carefully to all sides of an issue and try to make decisions that will be the best for the people of this town.

I would like to continue to work on the business that makes Dummerston the town that it is, from budgets to bridges, trucks and gravel, boards and committees, farms and forests. I am always willing to listen and I would appreciate your vote on Town Meeting Day.

Seven generations ago, my forbearers eked out a living as Vermont farmers. It wasn’t an easy life, but their love for the land and its people became central to our family’s narrative While many of us spent years out of the state, we would always return, and I was no exception.

As a young mother, we bought our house in Dummerston in 2003 and having raised our two daughters here, it has been our home ever since. Proximity to family, the vibrancy of the local community, and interesting work opportunities brought me to this area. I spent many years at SIT and then worked with Vermont’s early childcare and education community. I now teach 6th grade at Academy School in West Brattleboro. For a period of time, my husband and I taught in international schools in both Mexico and England but always returned for the summers where my daughters attended Green Mountain Camp, and we re-immersed ourselves in the Dummerston community.

Having now been back in Dummerston yearround since 2015, I was reminded that one of my favorite days of the year is Town Meeting.

I didn’t realize how much I missed this New England institution until several Marches passed when I was not able to attend. I was so inspired and refreshed to see the workings of direct democracy, I decided the time was right for me to take a more active and formal role in our town.

For this reason, I am running for a two-year

Selectboard, 3-year term

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Selectboard, last 2 years of a 3-year term

I am running to fill the remaining 2 years of Steve’s 3 year term. Last fall the Board appointed me to fill Steve’s seat after his passing. I have lived in Dummerston my entire life and feel that volunteerism is an essential part of contributing to our community. I have worked with the Selectboard for the past year as the Selectboard Assistant. I also serve on the Planning Commission and Treasurer for the Fire Department.

Your vote of support would be appreciated.

I am always happy to talk and welcome calls 802-257-0939, emails gfcserv@svcable.net, or if you see me around town.

Rachel Glickman Zacchini (continued)

selectboard position. I would be honored to represent the residents of Dummerston as we find our way through this pivotal time in history. We are faced with many questions whose answers will shape our rural communities, local farms, and the values and institutions we hold dear. I look forward to working with a varied group of selectboard members and hope to bring fresh perspective. I have experienced firsthand what works well (and what does not) in a number of different contexts, and would like to be a part of ensuring that Dummerston remains a strong community for generations to come. I am proud to be a selectboard candidate on Town Meeting Day, and I will most definitely see you there with a cider donut in hand.

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 13

Election 2018: Candidates’ Statements

schoolboard

Kristina Naylor

Emily Evans

Jody Normandeau Bob Thibault

My name is Kristina Naylor and I am running for a one-year seat on the Dummerston Town School Board. It’s been a privilege to serve on the board for the past two years, as the Dummerston Alternate Act 46 study committee member, Vice-Chair, WSESU board representative, Alternative Governance Structure Subcommittee member and currently serving as board chair.

My son is in eighth grade and my daughter recently graduated from Dummerston School and is attending BUHS. Our family chose to live in Dummerston for the school and we have been continually impressed with the dedication of the teachers, principal and staff and the community of learners they have created.

As a former middle-school Science Teacher and a small business owner, the schoolboard seemed like a good fit for me to give back to the community.

If elected, I am looking forward to working on PreK implementation and assuring our educational governance remains aligned with our town’s vision. I feel fortunate to work with our school principal and staff, as well as my talented fellow board members who all work to assure that Dummerston School continues to meet our town’s expectations. Thank you for your support over the past year and hope that you will support my candidacy for the Dummerston Town School Board.

My name is Emily Evans and I am a native of Dummerston. I have been a Dummerston School Board acting member since January, 2017 when I was first elected to fill a vacancy. I have very much enjoyed my time on the Dummerston School Board and am very appreciative to be able to represent both a school faculty and local community that share such strong beliefs.

I have been in the field of education for fifteen years and have been teaching locally in th neighboring district of Windham Central Supervisory Union since 2011. I spend the majority of my days at a school that consists of two towns that merged together eight years ago. I also travel to a small school house weekly and my time spent there encourages me to instill the value of our small Vermont schools and the wealth they have to offer.

I have two school age daughters and one more daughter who is still in preschool. I am a Dummerston School graduate and returned home with my family to raise my children in this community I so value. I am currently pursuing my Masters of Education in Administration.

I have completed my internship and am currently working on the Action Research portion of my education.

Schoolboard, 1 year of 3-year term

Schoolboard, 1 year of 3-year term

I am announcing as a candidate for the remaining one year of a three year term on the Dummerston School Board. I am a lifelong resident of the area and a strong advocate of local schools. I have always felt fortunate that my husband and I were able to move to Dummerston in 1970 to raise our boys.

After graduating from BUHS, I attended the University of New Hampshire and have a degree in Sociology. I have two sons who attended the Dummerston School and are graduates of BUHS. Presently, I am lucky to have two granddaughters at our school.

My interest in education spans many years. I have served on our school board, both as a member and as the chair, and have been a volunteer in the school in many areas. I have continued to go to board meetings on and off since being on the board and have been attending steadily for the last two years. I also have been present, and have been active at most of the Act 46 Study Committee meetings over the last two plus years. As a representative of Dummerston, I am presently on the WSESU Alternative Governance Committee, which is making a presentation to the state to be able to retain our school continued on page 14

As a candidate for the Dummerston School Board, I bring some unique and valuable perspectives that will help me better serve the students of our fine town. First of all, I’m a husband and father of seven “children”— ages 6-20—including 2 currently attending Dummerston School. I have been an educator for nearly 25 years, including the last 9 as a principal, first at Springfield H.S. and currently at Leland & Gray. I have served the people of Dummerston already, as a member of the school board from 2007-2015. In the time since I left the board, I’ve followed the work of the board through the Act 46 process. I believe that whatever governance structure we end up being a part of, the process of getting there ought to be one in which civil discourse and mutual respect are the foundational characteristics that we choose to demonstrate for our neighbors, and more importantly, our students. In short, if you choose to cast your vote for me, you’ll be doing so for someone who will represent you with dignity, thoughtfulness, and with a students-first approach.

mittee arose, I volunteered to be a member. Not long after becoming involved with the AGS, I applied for the pending vacancy on the School Board so I would be able to serve in a more official capacity to help our School through the challenges of the Law. I started College as an Accounting Major and finished with a BS in Mathematics. In my working career, my first job out of College was in Banking and I have

since worked in the Insurance and Financial Industries for over 25 years. I am a critical thinker and look to find creative ways to be more efficient and to provide the best education we can to our children. As someone who loves numbers, I bring my financial background to fully understand the complexities of the education finance formula, as the State of Vermont does not make it easy to continued on page 14

Schoolbard, 1-year term

Schoolboard, 1-year term

Susan Meggiolaro Schoolboard, 3-year term

My name is Susan Meggiolaro and I am running for the Dummerston Town School Board. My husband, Steve, and I purchased our home in Dummerston in 1998, after a 3 year search. We chose Dummerston because of the School and the Community.

We have 3 children: Travis is a Sophomore, who went through the Dummerston School, Kyle is currently in 6th grade and Alana

is in 3rd.

I am currently serving on the School Board as a replacement for Katey Everest when she moved out of Town. My path to the School Board is probably a little different than most. After hearing about Act 46 through neighbors I began following the Act 46 meetings, and became very concerned for our School. When the opportunity to join the AGS (Alternative Governance Structure) Sub-com-

14 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

Election 2018:Candidates’ Statements Cindy Jerome

Kelly Carlin

Rick Mills

I am happy to again ask for your vote for Town Moderator and School District Moderator. This March 6 th will be the 7 th Town Meeting I’ve been privileged to serve; you’ll be voting on whether I serve an 8 th time next year.

In years past I was a Selectboard member, including serving as chair for a couple of years. I also chair the Social Services Advisory Committee. For work, I’m the director of Holton Home and Bradley House, the assisted living homes in Brattleboro. My two sons, Ben and Jesse, grew up in the Dummerston School.

I love our Town and am proud to play a role in our community. My goals at Town Meeting are to be sure everyone who has something to say is heard, to help the townsfolk enact their will, and to be sure we’re home in time for dinner.

Thank you for your trust in me over these years. I hope to earn it again.

year, I was appointed by the Selectboard for the balance of the current year as an auditor.

I would like to run for a 3 year term.

Fiscal responsibility and accountability are a large part of my job at The Scott Farm and The Landmark Trust, where I’ve worked for the last 17 years as Operations Manager.

Part of my daily responsibilities are accounts payable and accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting and preparing reports for our Board of Directors. Before this I was co-owner of a chain of restaurants, and keeping an eye on the financial statements and profitability of the business was my main focus. I’ve always been a “numbers” person, and I’m comfortable with accounting programs, identifying discrepancies and providing accurate information.

I’ve been wanting to become involved with the Town of Dummerston ever since I moved here 13 years ago. I rented an apartment for a few years while searching for a permanent place to call home. I purchased a home 10 years ago on Sunset Lake Road and have never been happier. Being an auditor is a good fit for me and I’m confident I have the time and expertise to do a good job.

I am announcing my decision to seek the BUHS #6 School Board Director seat to represent our town. This is more informally known as the High School Board but includes the Middle School ( BAMS ) and the Career Center. If elected, I will be filling the spot that Ruth Barton is vacating. Ruth has been at this position for 13+ years and served on the Bellows Falls School Board before that. She has, (and does) serve our town admirably. I only hope that I can continue where she has left off, providing no nonsense input and great Community relations. Ruth—thank you for your wonderful service!

To qualify, I served the Dummerston Town School Board for 8 years. I have 2 Children that attend in W S ESU. My wife is an Assistant Teacher in W N E S U. I feel I have a good cross section of friends & Associates in town—that will allow me to represent our Town well. If elected I hope I will hear from new Residents as well. I want to do a good job for Dummerston Residents.

So in closing, thank you for all who have supported me in the past—your vote will allow me to continue that service to my town—something I consider a privilege but also a necessity for all people to consider serving in some way—to give back to their town—which is what I want to do.

Moderator, town and school district, Auditor, 2 years of 3-year term BUHS Board Director, 3-year term My name is Kelly Carlin. In January of this Greetings Dummerston Residents, 1-year term

Susan Meggiolaro

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continued from page 13 ‘follow the money’. While learning about programming and building maintenance is interesting, without assuring that finances are in order, we will not be able to provide the best we can for our students. Moving forward I hope to use my skills to be sure that we are using the finance formula to Dummerston’s advantage wherever possible, and that we are using every dollar cost effectively. I have been proud to serve on the Board since July, 2017 and look forward to working with the other School Board members in the future.

Therefore, I ask for your vote on March 6th.

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

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continued from page 13 and local school board. Because this AGS will be in process for this coming year, I feel that it is important for me to continue working for what is best for our students and our community.

As I have been involved, over the years, with the School Board, I am very familiar with the budgeting process and the issues that have come before the board. One example of these issues is the discussion of starting a PreK in our school. Dummerston’s community school is a very special place. We are fortunate to have an excellent Principal and high quality teachers who make all of our students feel like family and see to it that they are well prepared for their years at BUHS and beyond.

I also have the time and energy to devote to helping maintain the high quality education our administration, staff and board have provided. I hope you will consider my candidacy and vote for me on Town Meeting Day.

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 15 Good Books

Good Books, 2018: Reader’s Choice

By Linda Rood Once again, I have collected suggestions from some of Dummerston’s readers, who kindly offered us their selections for good reading from 2017. As in the past, there is a rich variety and range of choice, and I bet there’s something of interest for everybody.

Months ago, Bill Schmidt told me about Marrow: a Love Story by Elizabeth Lesser (HarperCollins, 2016). It is the compelling story of Maggie Lake and her sister Elizabeth who found new meaning and love through the experience of a bone marrow transplant.

According to Bill, Maggie, whom I’m sure some of you knew, died of lymphoma at her Putney home in January of 2015, the third person in Vermont to use Act 39, the patient choice bill. Bill recommends this moving story that for us takes place so close to home.

Jim Bombicino recommends The Terror

by Dan Simmons (Little Brown, 2007). This national best seller is a historical thriller, based on the 1845 Sir John Franklin expedition, which was the first attempt by a steampowered vessel to find a northwest passage through the Arctic. The ships become trapped in the ice, and struggle to survive while being stalked by a fantastical monster lurking out on the ice. Jim was interested in the careful details that tell how the crew copes with starvation, disease, weather, and fear, as well as the role of the native people of the Arctic who offer help. This is a page-turner, a well-done, convincing tale.

This past year, Lou Nelson has been moved by the writings of Jesmyn Ward, a new young Mississippi author whose books have received national attention recently.

This past fall, Lou read Ward’s newest novel, Sing, Unburied, Sing (Scribner, 2017), named to the New York Times list of 10 Best Books of 2017. Ward’s previous novel, Salvage the Bones (Bloomsbury, 2011) won the National Book Award. Lou says, “Both novels deliver that rare fiction experience: fine storytelling, based on her personal experiences, creating vivid characters living today in small town Mississippi, where most of the residents are black and poor.” According to Lou, Ward lived through Hurricane Katrina, and also has suffered the deaths by violence of her brother and four other young black men she grew up with. Lou says, “Her fiction rises up out of her own grief.”

Lou also writes: “ Salvage the Bones is told through the eyes of 15 year old Esch, who is drawn to the myths she studies in her

high school English class. Universal themes whirl through Esch’s head as she discovers she is pregnant just as the catastrophe that was Hurricane Katrina looms on their horizon. Her entire family is caught up in daily struggles, not the least of which is to scramble for supplies to wait out the storm.

Not at all incidentally, her brother Sketch’s dog China is giving birth. Ward tells these events with lyricism and emotional truth, including instances of violence.”

Ward’s newest book, Sing, Unburied, Sing is told through the voices of three family members plus a young man who died young and continues to hang between the living and the dead waiting to hear his story told. This book was selected as the inaugural text to be discussed in the new PBS Newshour / New York Times Book Club.

Once again this year I heard from Jan Brown, who says, “I truly loved The Velvet Hours (Penguin Random House, 2015) by Alyson Richman, author of The Lost Wife, one of my favorite books. Richman builds her story on an actual apartment in Paris that was abandoned during World War II, the owner leaving behind treasures, fine art, and the mystery of ownership. Richman weaves a beautifully written story of two women, alternating between the late 1800s and the 1930s in the lush atmosphere of the Belle Epoque and the stress of the oncoming war.” Jan also recommends The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith. (Sarah Crichton books, 2016) “This is a riveting tale of art theft. The author’s extensive research into the Dutch painters of the 16th century and the expertise needed to successfully forge a work of art makes this a novel that is intriguing, educational, and highly enjoyable.”

Chuck Fish wanted to recommend a book he HASN’T read. It sounded interesting to me, so I thought I’d let Chuck get away with this one. He thinks Mark Lilla’s Once and Future Liberal (HarperCollins, 2017) sounds like a good book for Democrats because Lilla “supposedly suggests—rather provocatively—a new direction for the party or perhaps a return to an old direction when the party was able to speak to the broad spectrum of American life, not tethered so tightly to the claims of identity politics and the concerns of the coastal elites.”

Another returning reader is Suzanne Weinberg, who says, “My top recommendation from 2017 is Tess of the D’Urbervilles

by Thomas Hardy (first published in 1891).

I loved the book at age 14, when an English

teacher handed it to me. Then my eye fell on it in the library in November, during the gathering intensity of #MeToo. It seemed like revisiting this controversial book 50 years later, in a new context, would be really interesting. It didn’t disappoint. There was much to mull over about the topic—then and now. While Hardy’s writing seems, on first impression, a little ponderous to the modern ear—it actually goes down like spoonfuls of chocolate mousse. The chapters are short, and it’s a book that can be savored over time.”

Another recommendation from Suzanne, which I will second, because I also admire this author, are two books by Elizabeth Strout, whom you might recognize as the author of Olive Kitteredge. Suzanne enjoyed two books, My Name is Lucy Barton (Random House, 2016) and Anything Is Possible (Penguin Random House, 2017). Suzanne writes: “These are intertwining books, best read together in that order, though either will stand on its own. The style is sparse in Lucy, centering on one woman’s inner experience and her relationship with her mother. The many people from their home town that she and her mother mention in passing are then fleshed out in Anything Is Possible, where the style is much less reticent. Each chapter centers on a different character, but there are appearances of the others in stories that are not “their own.” Beautiful, satisfying writing!”

Last but not least comes Joyce Marcel, whose mini-article on the best books she read in 2017 was so entertaining that I had to include it as is: “The problem with looking over the hundreds of books I’ve read in the past 12 months is that it’s too revealing of my personality.

Do I want people to know how many books I’ve read that begin with a dead body? That I’m devoted to Donna Leon, Janet Evanovich, Louise Penny, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith et al? Or that this past year I discovered Victoria Thompson and read at least nine of her Old New York mysteries? Murder in the Bowery, Murder on St. Michael’s Avenue, Murder in Chinatown, etc? Or that I just discovered a new-to-me mystery writer, David Handler, and I’ll be tracking down his books throughout 2018?

“Or do I want people to know how lame I am, reading wonderful books that everyone else has read years ago? For example, this year I had the pleasure of interviewing continued on page 17

16 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

John Sommer Dies in New Jersey John Sommer, 76, longtime resident of Dummerston, VT, and Dean of the Study Abroad Program at the School for International Training from 1981-1999, passed away on November 11 after a long and gallant struggle against multiple myeloma. He had decided to forego further ameliorative treatment in part to protest drug company policies and the unsustainable drain of the health costs on US government budgets.

boro Music Center. He attended Town Meeting as well as meetings of the Historical Society, volunteered to help residents fill out their taxes, and went door to door to gather census data. His love of nature, chocolate and puns followed him wherever he went.

In addition to his devoted children, Julia, of Maplewood NJ, and Paul, of Danville, PA, and their spouses Alex and Sarah, he leaves behind

five beloved grandchildren: Thea, David, Leo, Kipplen and Tillem. He also leaves behind his partner, Ann Wright-Parsons, of Brattleboro, and his former wife, Wendy Solmssen Sommer of Washington, DC. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Unitarian-Universalist Association’s Holdeen India Program, where he served as Chairman of the Advisory Board.

Easter Sunrise Service to Take Place on April 1

By Shawn Bracebridge The Dummerston Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is a progressive Christian church located at 1535 Middle Road.

We invite you to join us in our upcoming community and worship events! The sacred season of Lent begins with a gathering on Ash Wednesday, February 14th. We will begin with a pancake supper at 6 a.m. followed by a service with imposition of ashes at 7 p.m.

At the end of the Lenten season during Holy Week, you are invited to a Maundy Thursday service of Tenebrae at 6 p.m. on His career, dedicated to advancing interna- March 29th. A Good Friday service will be tional understanding and development, began as a volunteer building schools in South Vietnam with International Voluntary Services (IVS).

His 1969 book Viet Nam: The Unheard Voices, continued from page 9 co-authored with Don Luce, chronicled a grow- K program. After consideration of the time ing concern about US action in Vietnam during required to implement Pre-K, the potential for streamlined regulations from the state in the late sixties.

From 1970-1975 he served with the Ford FY20 and the current tight budget climate, Foundation in New Delhi, India, and from 1975- the board is working with the administration 1980, in senior positions at the Peace Corps to make the investment in Pre-K for FY20. and USAID. In 1981 he moved to Vermont to For this coming year, the board expects to become SIT’s first Dean of the Study Abroad extend the age for kindergarten enrollment program. SIT established a scholarship in his from September to January. This change name. He returned in 2007 to Dummerston, should increase our Average Daily Memberrelishing the beloved view from his deck, swims ship (ADM) and decrease Pre-K partnership under the covered bridge, walks up Hague Road, expenses, which should help our bottom line and the excellence of the community’s musical and make Pre-K implementation affordable offerings, especially Marlboro and the Brattle- for our taxpayers.

The board has also accepted with regret Amy Wall’s resignation from the board after fourteen years of service. Amy has served in many capacities on our board, WSESU representative, board chair, board clerk, Act 46 representative, and VSBA representative Nell Orlaya Hoskins 9-12-17 and in all her capacities has been a staunch Karson Louise Weaver 10-3-17 supporter of our school. Our board greatly benefitted from her wealth of experience Kelmark Joseph-Blaise Seamans and her tireless energy and thanks her for her 10-24-17 service. It is fitting that her seat is contested by two residents who also bring a wealth of Lyla Joan Fitzpatrick 11-5-17 experience from their previous service on the Dummerston Board; Bob Thibault and Jody Colton Michael McLean 11-7-17 Normandeau.

Through all our challenges and oppor-

held on March 30th at 7 p.m. An Easter Sunrise service will take place on the church steps at 6:15 a.m. on April 1st with a breakfast following. Easter Festival service will be also on April 1st at 10:00 a.m.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 31st at 9:00 a.m. Please meet on the green space next to the church.

There will be separate hunts for younger and older children.

The community is also encouraged to attend our monthly Potluck and Games nights.

Upcoming dates are Saturdays, February 17th, March 17th and April 21st. We begin about 5 p.m. and wrap up at 8 p.m.

Schoolboard Endorses AGS for Act 46 Compliance

Births

tunities our board is grateful for the able assistance of our WSESU professionals and principal and the willingness of Dummerston citizens to learn about the issues and participate in the process and for the input—on both sides of the many issues we have before us this year. As we work towards improving our offerings we welcome community input and invite you to our meeting in the coming year.

Considerations for the Tiny House You Want to Build

continued from page 1 manufactured or mobile home falls into the following category and needs a Zoning Permit; Dwelling—Single Family A structure designed and constructed for use by one family. Single Family dwelling includes mobile home, modular home, manufactured home, and camp.

Camps Note that camps have restrictions on usage defined by state law: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Waste-water system and Potable water supply rules §1-304(a)(3) Exemptions: “primitive camp”— no interior plumbing consisting of no more than a sink with water that is used for no more than three consecutive weeks per year and no more than a total of sixty days per year.

Views of Dummerston • winter, 2018 • 17

Remembering Steve Glabach

By Margret Everitt

When I learned of Steve Glabach’s death, I, with many others, was peeling and slicing apples for the Pie Festival. A silence fell over the room, and a sadness settled in.

Steve and Maria have been my caretakers for

Good Books, 2018: Reader’s Choice

continued from page 15 two-time Newbery award-winning writer Katherine Paterson for a profile and finally — decades late!—read her most beloved books— The Bridge to Terabithia among them. Also her lovely memoir, Stories of My Life.” Or that John LeCarre’s new A Legacy of Spies has sent me back to the Smiley series once again?

Or that Joan Didion broke my heart with Blue Nights, her tragic follow-up to her brilliant The Year of Magical Thinking?

“Then there’s my curiosity into other people’s lives—OK, let’s call it what it is, my love of gossip— which is the reason I passed out copies of Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Marriage of the Century to many of my friends and treasured We’ll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie. And I also loved This Wheel’s On Fire, written by Levon Helm about his amazing musical career with the Band.

“As far as fresh-off-the-presses books, I loved local author Peter Gould’s HorseDrawn Yogurt.”

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve got a long list of wonderful books to consider. Good reading to you, and thanks to all who shared their choices with us.

over 20 years. The fields, the lawns, the trees, the orchard, the woodland trails and so many other things were cared for meticulously and joyfully by the Glabachs.

Lots and lots of memories come to mind.

Bobby and I felt so fortunate that our property was in the hands of Steve. The last year of Bobby’s life, when he was in a wheelchair, Steve came by with a four wheeler and said,

“Mr. Scott, let me show you your wonderful property.” He scooped Bobby out of his chair, carefully placing him on his ATV, and off they3. went for an hour—the fields, the meadows, and the woodlands. Bobby was thrilled to have seen the beauty Steve showed him, and mentioned several times “how wonderful Steve was.”

I think of the times I would call Steve about the things that would alarm me. A bat in my bedroom, “No problem, Margaret, I’ll be right over.” Strange sounds in the basement, again, “I’ll be right over.” The time there was a snake on my stone wall, and I was afraid to go out, “Well, that’s Maria’s department”, and so lovely Maria arrived.

I learned so much from Steve. From the caring of the meadows and the forest to the pruning needs of the orchard and other trees, to composting, and learning of a nearby fox den that has thrived for many, many years.

Steve was thoughtful and knowledgeable, and generous. During sugaring season, school children would crowd into his sugarhouse where Steve joyfully explained the magic of producing maple syrup.

So, at Steve’s service, I was not surprised to see the church bursting with hundreds of people, all with heartfelt memories of Steve.

Remembering Florence

Florence Howe carries the torch for the Atlanta Olympics when the relay came through Vermont in 1996.

www.therichardsgrp.com

Naturally Grown Vegetables Free Choice CSA Raw Honey

Passings Myrna Melroy

10-3-17

John Sommer

11-11-17

Ralph Melroy

11-15-17

440 Miller Rd, E. Dummerston VT www.fullplatefarmers.com

DummerstonCongregationalChurch Worship and Church School • 9:30 a.m.

Opening mid-April For Plant Sales Old Favorites, New Hybrids, Rare Beauties Annuals, Perennials, Hanging Baskets Herbs and Vegetable Plants

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31~10 a.m.

Easter Sunrise Service S , A 1~6:15 . . followedbyPancakeBreakfast Easter Service S , A 1~10 . . unday

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257-0544 • dccsecretarysjm@gmail.com www.dummerstonchurch.org

18 • winter, 2018 • Views of Dummerston PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 468 West Dummerston VT 05357

change Service REquested

Community Center Jean Momaney 254-9212 Conservation Commission Web site: www.dummerstonconservation.com Dummerston Cares Helpline Bill Schmidt 257-5800 Dummerston School 254-2733 Web site www.dummerstonschool.org Dummerston Times (school newsletter): Web site: www.dummerstonnewsletterweekly.net Dummerston PTFO email:dummerstonptfo@yahoo.com Emergency Mgmnt Coordinator Dawn Hubbard 257-4431 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

Wayne Emery (h)254-8708 Lydia Taft Pratt Library 258-9878 Hours: Tue. 2:30-7; Thu. 10-5; Sat. 9:30-Noon Web site: library.dummerston.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/dummerstonlibrary email: dummerstonvtlibrary@gmail.com Meals on Wheels Chris McAvoy 257-1236 Selectboard selectboard@dummerston.org Senior Solutions Ruth Barton 254-1128 Springfield Office 800-642-5119 Town Garage Lee Chamberlin 254-2411 Town Office Laurie Frechette 257-1496 email: townclerk@dummerston.org Vermont Theatre Company 258-1344 Views of Dummerston email: views@dummerston.com WSESU 254-3730 Websites: Official Town www.dummerston.org Municipal Calendar http://calendar.dummerston.org Local Interest www.dummerston.com

Dummerston Calendar of Events Ongoing Senior Lunches

2nd & 4th Wednesday, noon, at the Grange

Of Note Are you a veteran seeking assistance?

Call the Dummerston Cares’ HelpLine 2575800, email to info@dummerstoncares.org,

Emergency Fuel Assistance application.

Dummerston Cares Helpline at 257-5800.

Dry firewood

Dummerston Congregational Church Wood Pantry. Charlie Richardson 802-254-6963

February 2018 28 Candidates’ Night:

Meetings At the Dummerston Town Office:

Selectboard

6:00 pm

Planning Commission

6:30 pm

Every other Wednesday 1st Tuesday

Conservation Commission 7:00 pm 2nd Thursday

Energy Committee 1st Monday

6:00 pm

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

March 2018 6 Town meeting

PTFO Meeting

6:30 pm

17 Potluck and Games night

BUHS Board Meeting

7:00 pm

31 Easter Egg Hunt

Historical Society

7:30 pm

Dummerston Center Church, 6:00 p.m.

Elementary School, 10 a.m.

Dummerston Congregational, 5:00 p.m.

Dummerston Congregational, 9:00 a.m.

April 2018 21 Potluck and Games night

Dummerston Congregational, 5:00 p.m.

22 Earth Day.

http://www.earthday.org/earth-day/

May 2018 5 Green Up Day in Vermont 48 years! http://www.greenupvermont.org

2nd Tuesday at the Dummerston School

3rd Wed., BUHS Learning Center library

1st & 3rd Monday at the Historical Society 3rd Thursday of Jan./April/July/Oct. at the Dummerston Historical Society

Story Time

10:30 am

Every Thursday at the Evening Star Grange

Senior Congregate Meal

2nd and 4th Wednesday; Information/ reservations:Ruth Barton 254-1128