Views of Dummerston - 2018#3 - Summer

Art by Gary Blomgren

Volume 28 Issue 3

Summer ~ 2018

Free • Since 1990

Volunteers Form the Backbone of Cares

By Bill Schmidt

2018 Dummerston 8th Grade Graduates (clockwise from left): DeShawn Knapp, Martin Cataldo, Tyler McNary, Emilio Ogden, Kevin New, Noah White, Reese Miner, Julie Anderson, Olivia Lafayette, Kiki McNary, Sylvie Normandeau, Owen Gallagher, Reed Sargent, Max Naylor (horizontal)

Dummerston School Graduates 14 in 2018

By JoCarol Ratti Graduation was held for members of the 8th Grade Class of 2018 on Thursday, June 14th, in the school’s gymnasium. The class marshall was Morgan Houghton, who was also this year’s 7th grade Citizenship Award winner.

The class speakers were Kiki McNary, Sylvie Normandeau, and Emilio Ogden. This year’s guest speakers were 2018 BUHS graduates Mitchell Flood and Morgan Mazelli. Mitchell and Morgan were the Dummerston School 8th grade Citizenship recipients in 2014. Awards and scholarships were presented to the following students: The Travis Sweetser Awards are given to a dedicated member of Dummerston School’s soccer and baseball teams. A member of Travis Sweetser’s family presented Max Naylor and Noah White with this year’s Sweetser Award.

The Ruth E. Knapp Memorial Fund Award is presented to two students for citizenship, scholastic improvement and concern for others. This year’s awards went to Emilio Ogden and Reese Miner. Ellen Rago presented Sylvie Normandeau with the Jenny Rubinstein English Award, which focuses on achievement and creativity in

Volunteers are the heart and backbone of Cares. More, they are Cares. Cares is an allvolunteer organization whose volunteer members carry out a variety of services and programs under the leadership of a board of volunteers.

All of Cares volunteers are charged to provide compassionate, kind and thoughtful attention, and support to residents with health and wellness needs. In a word, Cares’ volunteers’ commitment is “to provide helping hands for neighbors.”

As of July 1, there are 33 active volunteers, including eight board members, who are also involved in Cares services, programs, and other activities. Services that volunteers provide include taking calls on Helpline, managing the Emergency Fuel Fund, serving as Friendly Visitors, driving people to medical appointments, managing medical equipment loans, helping with simple home repairs and maintenance, and welcoming newcomers to town with welcome baskets and providing sunshine baskets for those who are recovering from illness or need perking up because of some other special need.

There are also community programs of various kinds, like the Aging Well program last spring, that individual board members, volunteers, or other community members organize for Cares.

English and is given each year in memory of the Rubinstein’s daughter (and former Dummerston School student), Jenny. Doug Avery presented the Art Avery Award, (also know as the “Unsung Hero Award”) in memory of his father, to a student who exemplified many of the qualities that Art brought to the Dummerston community; it was presented this year to Olivia Lafayette.

The Arlene G. Forrett Memorial Award for class citizenship went to Kiki McNary and was presented to her by Mary Goodemote. Bess Richardson presented Noah White with the Melinda Bussino Community Service Award in memory of Melinda Bussino who, as the director of the Why People Volunteer for Cares “Whether I’m visiting someone or driving Brattleboro Drop-in Center, dedicated her life to someone for errands or for an appointhelping others. Ellen Rago presented the Grade ment, I enjoy the sociability. Plus I like 8 Teacher’s Award to Reed Sargent for his to be helpful. And I know Cares will be understated student leadership, work ethic, and there for me when I need help. Hey, we all-around positive student qualities. drink from wells we didn’t dig. We give The PTFO Scholarship Award was preand we get.” sented by Jill Johnson to this year’s BUHS Class Catie Berg, Rides and Friendly Visitors of 2018 graduate, Riley Beard Sullivan. The volunteer PTFO Scholarship is given each year to Dummerston School graduates who attend BUHS for “As a Friendly Visitor, I volunteer befour years, who plan to continue their education cause I love meeting new people and in the fall and who embrace community service continued on page 2 to the school and community.

2 • summer, 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: Sept. 25, 2018 Mailing: Nov. 8, 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.)

Volunteers Form the Backbone of Cares continued from page 1 especially within my own community.

It’s a great feeling to lift someone’s spirits and my own as well.” Judy Morton, Friendly Visitors volunteer “I enjoy living in community with others.

I love knowing that others in my community care about me and will support me in my times of need and I enjoy being of support to others in the same way.”

Akara Draper, volunteer Rides & Welcome Baskets coordinator and board member.

“I drive for Cares because it makes me feel helpful and kind. And it brings more gratitude into my life.”

Gurudharm Khalsa, Rides volunteer.

“I strongly believe living in a closely knit caring community is the best type of space to live in and to age. I know that Cares fills that role for me. I know what good is done by Cares as a board member.”

John Wilcox, volunteer board member and treasurer.

“Volunteering for Cares has allowed me to meet more neighbors and connect with more people in the community while at the same time I feel like I am giving back and supporting others.”

Heidi Fischer, volunteer Medical Equipment Loan Program coordinator and board member.

“I volunteer for Dummerston Cares because I see unmet needs among our Dummerston neighbors. I’ve needed the help of others in the past, and I may again in the future. I feel better about myself when I can help someone. I’ve learned that if you’re nice to people, they’re nice to you, and it makes for a better community.”

Lew Sorenson, Chores Corps volunteer “I am happy to volunteer for Cares as it feels good to help a neighbor in need. I am gladly meeting fellow Dummerstonians as well. Also, I get to create Sunshine baskets to those of our neighbors needing a boost of support.”

Margi Wood, volunteer Sunshine Baskets coordinator “I first volunteered for the Cares board because I knew I could help the organization navigate the regulatory processes with the Secretary of State, IRS and so on. Dealing with “red tape” is what I do best. I have found that the Cares board

functions like a well-oiled machine and it is a pleasure to work with the other members. Cares’ clients continually express gratitude for what we do for them, so we must be doing something right.”

Susan Daigler, volunteer board member and secretary.

Cares seeks volunteers who….

• want to give a hand to others in the Dummerston community, • want to meet other folks in the community through Cares program or service, • want to put their knowledge and skills to work in a worthy cause, • are flexible in accepting specific assignments knowing at the same time that their time availability will be respected, • know that in giving one receives, • know they will get a program/service coordinator and Volunteer Handbook to orient them to what volunteering for Cares means, • like getting to know and connect with other townspeople and others on the Cares team, • support Cares’ mission of service to neighbors with health and wellness needs, • want to learn and grow in gratitude as a person, • want to help Dummerston become a more caring and compassionate community.

To Become a Volunteer: To become a volunteer a Cares volunteer you need to fill out an application form that asks for basic contact data and information pertinent to the specific program or service of interest to you. You will then be given a Cares Volunteer Handbook. After reading it, you will meet with the coordinator of the service or program and perhaps another board member as well, for orientation to Cares and the service you want to provide. You will be asked to sign an acknowledgement form that you have read the Handbook and agree with the policies and procedures in it. You will also be asked to allow a basic background check to be done, the purpose of which is for your and Cares’ protection and to assure clients that Cares volunteers are reputable and trustworthy people.

Volunteers Currently Needed: Currently needed are volunteers for the Rides Program.

Rides drivers take people to medical appointments and sometimes other places, and, if possible, waits for the client to bring them home.

Provision is made for a second driver to make the return trip for appointments that are unusually long.

For more information , google the Cares website (www.dummerstoncares.org), call the Cares Helpline (257-5800), or email Cares at info@dummerstoncares.org. The Volunteer Handbook which is a good source of information about Cares and its programs and services can be seen on the Cares website.

Views of Dummerston • summer, 2018 • 3

town government West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department

New Brush Truck Significant Department Upgrade

By Rich Cogliano, WDFD Asst. Chief

Summer is in full swing and we are keeping very busy. Here are some updates to let you know about: Last summer we were awarded two federal grants to purchase thermal imaging cameras and a new brush truck. All of that equipment is in and operational. The brush truck has been a dramatic improvement for our department and you may have seen it around town as its getting nearly twice as much use as the old one due to the enhanced capabilities and equipment.

In May we completed a two-day live fire training session with our new thermal cameras. This training, funded by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, provided our firefighters with an overview of how the cameras work, their limitations, and practical training on how to use them in smoke filled environments.

The inaugural Golfing Fore Firefighters Golf Tournament will be held October 21 at the Brattleboro Country Club. All proceeds from this fun afternoon of food and golf will benefit the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department. Golfers will play a four-person scramble style tournament. Registration in-

Town Treasurer

Property Taxes Due

by August 20

By Charlotte Neer Annis The tax bills will be sent out the week of July 9th and taxes are due Monday, August 20th by 5 p.m. Please remember that postmarks are not accepted as a timely payment.

The U.S. Postal Service has not been as efficient recently as it was in the past and we have seen that it can take up to a week for mail to arrive, even from Brattleboro.

Direct debit is easy to set up for anyone that would rather not have to worry about the mail service or taking a trip into town.

I look forward to seeing many of you as you come into the town office in July and August.

cludes eighteen holes of golf with cart, raffle • Maintain a three-foot safe zone ticket, WDFD golf swag, and a cookout after around all grills, campfires, and fire the event. Those that just want to come for pits to keep kids and pets safe. the cookout can for a nominal fee. For more • Place the coals from grills, campfires, information or to register, visit www.westand fireplaces in a metal can with a lid dummerstonfire.com/golf after they have cooled.

Finally, a couple of quick tips to keep you • Leave fireworks to the professionals. safe this summer: • In case of fire or medical emergency, • Only use your grill outside and keep call 911. it three feet from siding, deck rails, Hopefully these quick tips will keep you eaves. and your family safe this summer.

Dummerston Zoning Board

Zoning FAQ’s Regarding Short-term Rentals

By Roger Jasaitis

fore offering your property for short term rental.

You want to offer your home for rent on The Zoning Bylaw specifies Short Term “AirBnB”?

Rental as a Conditional Use in all Zoning If you want to rent out your home or rooms Districts. Short Term Rentals are defined as; in your home or property for less than 30 conA dwelling rented to the transient, travsecutive days, whether or not the property is eling, or vacationing public for a period owner occupied, it is considered by the State of of fewer than 30 consecutive days and Vermont and the Dummerston Zoning Bylaw for more than 14 days per calendar year. to be a Short Term Rental.

Rentals of less than 15 days per calendar The Town of Dummerston’s Zoning Bylaw year are not subject to Conditional Use considers short term rentals to be a commercial Permits. use, defined as Contact Roger Vincent Jasaitis, the Zoning any land use or structure where the inAdministrator, to apply for a permit. terchange of goods, wares, products or property of any kind, takes place between individuals either by barter, purchase or Robert E. Dunklee & Sons sale.

72 Flat Street Accordingly, if your property is not approved for this specific commercial use, you Brattleboro, VT 05301 need to obtain a conditional use permit from the Town’s Development Review Board be-

254-5663 Sponsors

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

How Are We Please give us feedback about what you like or would like to see changed about the Views, of if you have any suggestions for articles.

D o i n g ? Send your comments to: viewsfeedback@dummerston.com.

4 • summer, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

town government Dummerston Conservation Commission

Program Encourages Forest Habitat Improvement

By Jon Anderson The spring quarter was extremely busy and rewarding for the Dummerston Conservation Commission.

Andrea Shortsleeve and Hannah Dallas, private land foresters with the Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation, presented the program “Managing Wildlife Habitat and Forest Health on Private Land.” Along with many practical steps that they championed for forest habitat improvement, they included information about the federal Environmental Quality Incentive Program that provides funding for conservation planning on private properties.

Also on our agenda was a meeting of area conservation commissions hosted by Putney.

Among the items discussed at that gathering was the long-dreaded arrival of the emerald ash borer in Vermont and the effects that the borer is now beginning to have on our forests.

Next the Commission sponsored, and Lynn Levine organized, an event entitled “Wise Trees” that was held at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. This showing of historic and inspirational trees from around the world is the work of Diane Cook and Len Jenshal, contributing photographers to National Geographic magazine.

Later in the quarter, Ed Anthes and Commission Chair Mary Ellen Copeland a sponsored a pollinator’s workshop with landscape

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

designer Tom Sullivan at their Camp Arden Road home. Sullivan specializes in planting native species attractive to the pollinators of our region. This event was co-sponsored

by Bonneyvale Environmental Education Center.

And, finally, a slide show and talk titled Hunting Wildflowers, a Ramble through the Natural World; Commission member John Anderson presented an eclectic mix of wildflowers and other nature observations.

Many of these talks were recorded and can be seen at the BCTV website or on BCTV channels 8 or 10.

And now, having reported on Conservation Commission programs, I’m going to ramble off into a little story about what I call my legacy lawnmower. During the 1970s my father, then living in Wilmington, bought a new lawnmower. He bought it at the Grand Union and he paid $59.95. Plus, I assume, tax. The brand name proudly painted across the deck of the mower was Spartan. It was about as basic as a mower could be—four wheels, a deck, a Briggs and Stratton motor, and a handle with a throttle control. No extras.

After my father had used the Spartan for several years he and my mother decided to relocate to Florida and they donated the mighty Spartan to the family camp at Sunset Lake. It had developed a terrible vibration and they didn’t expect it to last long.

I mowed with it once and found it more than a bit scary. I then found that the bolts holding the motor to the deck were loose.

Once I tightened them, the vibration went away. That was in 1982 give or take a few years.

During the ensuing years my siblings and I wore out two complete sets of wheels on that mower. At one point the original muffler rotted off. The oft-replaced air cleaner element is no longer quite matched to its housing, and

two or three throttle control cables have been adapted over the years to function on the old machine. The rock-studded lawn has been rough on blades and on timing keys. Over the years I’ve replaced a few of both.

During those years I also learned just how much pollution small engines from that earlier era pump into the atmosphere. They were not, and in the case of the Spartan are not, eco-friendly. And every spring when I drag the old mower out of the shed I think, “This is the last year.” I think, “This year the old mower will belch its last, some irreplaceable part will break.” Each year I think, “Mechanical failure will make the decision for me.” I’ve now thought that for decades. I know the mower to be well over forty years old.

But, the Spartan lives on. It has been durable and dependable and easy to work on.

It’s also too old and decrepit for anyone to steal. In many ways it’s the perfect mower … except for the guilt inducing carbon-spewing design of the engine.

Old, inefficient, polluting power equipment can be hard to give up. I know that mower. No one else has ever worked on it.

I can always make it run. At least, I have so far. I call it my ‘legacy’ mower.

The Spartan has now developed an evil sounding rattle in the top end of the engine.

Any mechanical failure will spell the end for the old machine. It will be scrap metal, and it should be. Its replacement will be safer, prettier, and much cleaner-running. And using that replacement will certainly cause me far less guilt.

I might even consider a battery-powered mower. Who knows, it might be the best legacy I could leave, short of giving up mowing altogether!

For more information on the Conservation Commission go to www.dummerstonconservation.com.

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

Views of Dummerston • summer, 2018 • 5

organizations Dummerston Historical Society

WWII History Shared With School Students

by Muriel Taylor On May 16th, a group from our historical society enjoyed a lively panel discussion with Dummerston’s 8th grade students based on our firsthand memories of the Second World War (WWII). The young people, as a culminating activity for their studies of WWII, had prepared thoughtful questions to expand the discussion and listened attentively as our memories were jogged and their curiosity peaked. A video of the event will soon be posted on our website, dummerstonhistoricalsociety.org. Thanks to Ellen Rago for her ongoing assistance in connecting our youth with the history of our town. As a side note, 63 profiles created by students and school staff will be on exhibit at the Dummerston Historical Society Schoolhouse during the summer months.

Stop in any Sunday afternoon between 2 and 4 during our “Open Hours” to view them.

They’re very special!

Quarterly Meeting: On July 19 th, our quarterly meeting was a “Walk About” to Vernon’s Historical Society, hosted by Barbara Moseley. (“Walk About” was the term used by Carol Bessette for the many tours she led to places of interest in our town. We remember her as we continue her practice.)

Barbara introduced us to the wide and varied collection of the Vernon Society, answering our many questions. We appreciate her generous time and effort.

Painting update: Our painting angel is still waiting in the wings, but your help is still needed! A painting contract with Jeff Dixon has been signed, with work to begin in July. Although we have had two fundraisers and have been awarded two grants from Vermont Community Foundation, more monies are needed. As you know, an anonymous angel has offered to match all donations up to $1,500. This is your opportunity to help maintain this historic Schoolhouse and to double your donation! Please send your tax

Evening Star Grange #154

Grange Building a Valuable Venue

By Sallie May The keys are almost melting beneath my fingertips, and the air conditioner is struggling to keep the temperature in my office under 80 degrees, but the action that has been taking place at our Grange is fantastic. Since our last writing we have had our traditional Memorial Day service dedicated to the war heroes of World War II as well as to two great American Legion band directors, the late Ray Brown and the late Bruce Corwin.

Both of these gentlemen did a fantastic job of developing this band into the talented group of players that they are today. We salute them!

We served the reception for a lovely wedding on May 26th and watched as everyone ate their fill and danced the afternoon away!

On June 2nd we had a successful Pampered Chef Party and were very fortunate to get several new items for our kitchen. We also hosted the Mountain-Valley Pomona Grange when they performed the 5th degree at our Hall for people interested in joining the Pomona Grange.

Our first chicken pie supper was a nominal success, with only a slightly smaller crowd than has been here the past few years. We hope the peach shortcake supper will be more popular with the folks in August (18th) or the second chicken pie supper on Sept. 8th. We are looking forward to a fun time on October 7th, the annual Craft Fair at the Grange and the Apple Pie Festival across the street at the Church. The crafters are sending in their reservations and there is talk of adding a couple of new items to our luncheon menu!!!

We have a very busy schedule, and it isn’t possible to accomplish all of this and still have time to do our senior lunches and other activities without the help of our neighbors and friends. We thank you all most sincerely.

Want to know what else we do? We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. Like to attend a meeting as a visitor and learn more about the Grange? We invite you to come to a meeting as a visitor, and check us out!!

Information is available as easily as asking any Granger, or call Larry at 802-310-0799 or Sallie at 802-257-0387.

We hope your summer is great!!

deductible donation to DHS, PO Box 8064, North Brattleboro, VT 05304, or contact Jody Normandeau, 802-254-9037 for details.

Your help will be very much appreciated.

Water Damage: We recently discovered some water damage on the west wall of the schoolhouse. Investigation revealed that the damage had extended to nearby areas including a major floor joist. Dummerston carpenter, Brian Lewis, has been hired to repair the damage.

Talent Show: A Talent/Variety Show will be sponsored by the Historical Society on November 3rd at the Dummerston Grange.

Although in the very first planning stages, we encourage you to put the date on your calendar! Stay tuned.

The Dummerston Historical Society 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.

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

(802) 257-5292 • gcmlaw@sover.net www.southernvermontattorneys.com

Organic Vegetables and Fruits Summer Flowers

Route 5, Dummerston

254-2051

D u m m e r s t o n Congregational Church se r v i c es at 1 0 : 0 0

a.m.

Apple Pie Festival—October 7th

(Piemaking starts on September 25th) Rev. Shawn Bracebridge, pastor Office 257-0544 • Home 802-689-0753 sebreverend04@yahoo.com

6 • summer, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

organizations Dummerston Cares

Volunteers to be Recognized at September Annual Meeting

By Bill Schmidt

friendly visits, helping with home maintenance and repairs, assisting with winter fuel, Cares’ annual meeting this year will be held and giving welcome baskets to newcomon Sunday September 23, from 2-4 p.m. The ers and sunshine baskets to those needing location is to be decided. This event will be a pick-me-up. We’re also looking to have a special recognition of Cares’ volunteers for some clients share what Cares’ services have their services over the past year to residents meant to them. individually, and to Dummerston as a comWe also want to hear everyone’s ideas and

By Bill Schmidt munity. All Dummerston residents are invited. suggestions on other ways that Cares can be The program’s highlight will be reports and helpful to the community.

The Putney Foodshelf provides supplestories by volunteers on what they have done A social time with refreshments will conmental healthy food for area people in need. in driving people to appointments, providing clude the program.

It’s located in Putney village’s Community Center at 10 Christian Square and is open Dummerston Community Center on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m.

Anyone and everyone including Dummoved, a permit applied for, and the site then merston residents can use the Foodshelf.

By Ann Davis okayed by the selectboard (not necessarily in Names and financial information are not Congratulations to the graduates of 2018 – this order). A building to house and display asked for. The aim is to provide as much both 8th graders of Dummerston and BUHS the wagon needs to be constructed, but most supplemental food as is needed for those in importantly, the wagon itself needs some help. one’s household. You are welcome to come seniors! Good job!

Our annual Pampered Chef party was suc- If you would like to donate time or money for to the Foodshelf any time it’s open.

Volunteers are present to help you shop cessful. Thanks to those who attended and also this project please feel free to do so by giving for your family. One person shops for the Rick Davis a call at 802-380-6533. to our great hostess Kim. The front classroom is available for long household. Bring your own shopping bags.

The June 30th tag sale was well attended The Foodshelf is a non-profit organization and profitable. We will have another one in term rental. For information and a tour of the that depends wholly on volunteers and dothe fall. Remember there is always something building call Jean at 802-254-9212 Summer is here and the playground is being nations. The food comes from the Vermont that you just can’t live without!! And we probused so please be a responsible pet owner and Foodbank, Project Feed the Thousands, ably have it!!

The Welcome Center coffee break was an- clean up after man’s best friend. Thank you. area farmers and growers, and fundraisers As always when planning those get togeth- are held by area schools, and various other other profitable fund raiser. We owe this one to all of you who donated time, money, baked ers, parties, workshops, classes, for whatever sources.

For more information go to the Foodgoods, and many other food items. Thank you the occasion, remember the Community Center. With the handicap ramp, kitchen facilities, shelf’s website, www.putneyfoodshelf.org, for your support.

The following events are yet to happen: an playground, and ample parking this is the or call 802-387-8561 and leave a message. afternoon of country/gospel music by Gin Mill ideal location for all group-oriented gather- Telephone messages are picked up twice a Bill, the annual Halloween gathering, and a ings. Make your reservation by calling Jean week.

For information on the many resources visit from Archer Mayor, which usually occurs at 802-254-9212.

Our thanks to all of you who support the available to Dummerston residents, go to in early November.

An update about our quarry wagon: some Community Center. Stop in and see our many the Cares website www.dummerstoncares. org and click on the resources link. trees need to be cut for the site, the swing set improvements.

Food Assistance Available Through Putney Foodshelf

Congrats to Grads! from DCC

Windham County Homeowners!

Glabach Land Management

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

Ted & Kristen Glabach

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

802-536-4025 Glabach@yahoo.com

Landscaping & Excavation Dummerston, VT 05301

Views of Dummerston • summer, 2018 • 7

organizations Lydia Taft Pratt Library

Book Group Passes on Book Club Pick

By Karen Cawrse Librarian

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”

Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty Have you seen the star-studded movie Book Club? According to The New York Times, it’s about “four women meeting once a month to drink wine and talk about a book.” Stars Jane Fonda, Candace Bergen, Diane Keaton, and Mary Steenburgen (the baby of the lot) hang out, drink wine, and share their own carefully-plotted frustrations fueled by E. L. James’s consensual bondage trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey (don’t bother). Attracted by the star power, I took in the movie at the Latchis, but I found the emphasis was more about the overdone frustrations of the ladies and less about the book club and, spoiler alert, all’s well in the end.

I doubt we’ll be reading E.L. James at Lydia Taft Pratt’s book club. We’ve been meeting since March on the third Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. in the Dummerston Community Center, and we pick our selections by consensus. Sorry, there is no wine.

Discussions are lively and spirited: we loved it, hated it, didn’t finish, gave up, read until the wee hours, loved the travelogue, hated the travelogue, thought it was a memoir,

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wished it had more character development, wanted more strong women or at least more visible women, etc. To me, the fun is in the community of readers getting together to speak their mind. New members are always welcome to join. Monthly book selections are available at the Senior Congregate Lunches at the Grange, or stop by the library to pick up a copy. We’re open Tuesdays 2:30 p.m.-7 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to noon. You’ll be happy to learn that we are open Saturdays all summer long, staffed by our devoted volunteers.

According to Care.com there are 9 Ways to Keep an Aging Brain Smart: go back to school, play games and puzzles, pick up an instrument, write, sleep, exercise, eat healthy, socialize, and, #1 on the list, Read. “Reading benefits your mind and memory in ways that watching TV doesn’t. The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging found that reading books (in addition to other cognitive activities) can lead to a 50 percent decrease in your chances of developing dementia.” We invite you to come read with us.

We have been awarded copies of the Vermont Humanities Council’s 2018 Vermont Reads selection, Bread and Roses, Too by Vermont author Katherine Paterson. The library is collaborating with the Community Center and the Senior Congregate Lunch program to bring this book to the community.

A historical novel, Bread and Roses, Too tells the story of the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike in the Lawrence, MA textile mills through the eyes of an Italian-American girl, Rosa, and Jake, a runaway, who are sent temporarily out of harm’s way to foster families in Barre, Vermont, as actually happened during the strike. It takes its title from the strikers’ banners in the story that proclaimed, “We want bread and roses, too!” Copies are available at the library and an open-to-the-public book discussion will take place Thursday, August 16, 2 p.m., at the Community Center. Read-

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ing and discussing the book’s themes will allow readers to explore topics including the emigrant experience in America, labor history, and local Vermont history. A second event, to be determined by the group, will take place in the fall.

Free and open to all ages, Libraries Rock is the theme of this year’s summer reading program. Kids receive a Reading and Learning Log to keep track of learning activities and books they read (or books that are read to them) at home. Learning activities sheets are available at the library. Participants are entered in prize drawings that take place at the end of the program. Two free family events are scheduled at the Dummerston Community Centee. On Saturday, July 14 at 10 a.m., there will be a Uke Can Read, Uke Can Rock ukulele workshop with local musician Jake Geppert (no ukulele needed to participate), and on Saturday, August 18, at 10 a.m., Mike Clough will present Turtles Rock with live wildlife from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.

Librarian’s Summer Pick: “If a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them.” Amor Towles, A Gentleman in Moscow. Because I enjoyed his first novel, Rules of Civility, I was drawn to A Gentleman in Moscow by this New York Times best-selling author. Basically, it’s a story about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a hotel. Boring, right?

On the contrary. An Amazon book review states: “Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel cast a spell as it related the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.” And author Ann Patchett says: “The book is like a salve.

I think the world feels disordered right now.

The count’s refinement and genteel nature are exactly what we’re longing for.” If you like Casablanca-like drama, you’ll love this book! It’s soon to be a major television series starring Kenneth Branagh…but I recommend you read the book first.

If you have any questions about programs or the availability of books, I can be reached at: Dummerstonvtlibrary@gmail.com “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”

Albert Einstein

8 • summer, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

school news

Our Small School: Reflections Following Graduation

By Michael McGillion

Dummerston School Board Member

The Dummerston School recently celebrated an eighth grade graduation on June 14th. If you had the good fortune to be there, we’re glad you were able to come. If you missed it, you happened to miss one of the defining moments of life at a small school. Fourteen students, young men and women, celebrated the achievements of working hard. In turn, the community celebrated these students, as individuals. Sounds pretty standard for a graduation, right? Well, let me tell you a bit more.

Each student was recognized for the individual that she or he has become in the time that student spent at Dummerston School.

Regardless of whether the student had been in the class since kindergarten, or relocated from Chile, teachers and staff gave us a slice of what they had experienced with the student. And the slices were delicious. From descriptions of chubby cheeks in years past, to leadership opportunities seized on the classroom and on the sports field, the young women and men who graduated each brought unique qualities to the class; it was a privilege to hear of their collective journeys and a joy to learn the details that made them shine.

Perhaps better than me explaining the ceremony, would be the words of a graduate, Emilio Ogden. Emilio came to the Dummerston School partway through his sixth grade year from a school in another, nearby town.

As he explained, “When I first came to Dummerston two and a half years ago, I was overwhelmed by the kindness and acceptance that

was shown to me. It has been a wonderful and unique experience for me here at the school and one thing that I can most definitely say is that this school is the best school I have ever attended, and believe me, I have attended quite a few of them including some home schooling, but let’s not talk about that with my parents in the room.” The delivery was perfect, and Emilio earned all the laughter he received.

From here, Emilio turned, as teachers had done before him, to genuinely thank the teachers he’d had, from “specials” teachers such as art and physical education, to core instruction providers anchoring middle school, to Ms. Ratti; Emilio modeled the very wise and thoughtful reflections that teachers provided to describe students. For me, it embodied why I believe in our small school, and why I want to see our small school district thrive.

Much has been said over the past three years or so since the proclamations of Act 46 have issued from Montpelier to seek greater equity, and work to contain costs. As readers no doubt know, the primary means to address these issues is by seeking mergers to consolidate the governance structures of schools deemed “too small” by the state. What’s often missing from the equation drawn by the state is the inherent value of a small school for the sense of closeness, personal connection, and community that it can provide.

For me, I worry that, should savings not arise by merger of governance structures alone, the next step will be to leverage the more distant boards to enact teacher or grade consolidation that will adversely affect Dum-

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merston students, whether those here for a few years, as Emilio was, or those who first tussled in the kindergarten classroom and remained for the next nine years. I value the fact that all kids within the school are seen, and indeed celebrated, for what they bring. I worry that teachers, effective in their roles at Dummerston, may be moved about under a consolidated board structure, with little regard for their contributions to Dummerston—or precisely for their effectiveness as teachers.

Our Dummerston School District has shared specials teachers with other districts for a number of years, finding creative solutions for how we may offer opportunities under a limited budget. The Alternative Governance Structure (“AGS”) Committee has involved individuals from all Windham Southeast Supervisory Union district towns in order to utilize provisions of Act 46 to present a viable and collaborative way to move forward while seeking to expand equity and opportunity for students. Let’s give that a chance before we marry in haste, or under duress. Let’s continue to support those who are supporting our students, or, as Emilio summed it up at graduation, when describing his teacher Ms. Rago “You give so much of your time and energy to our class. Having you as a teacher has more than prepared me for what is to come. And for that and more, I cannot thank you enough.”

We are more than prepared for what is to come and the Dummerston community should know “for that and more, we cannot thank you enough.”

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Views of Dummerston • summer, 2018 • 9

school news

Annual Recognition Ceremony Honors Student Achievement

By JoCarol Ratti Dummerston School held its annual Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, June 12th.

Students in grades five through eight were recognized for citizenship, team membership, club participation, athletic ability, and exceptional achievement in a variety of academic areas.

This year’s ceremony included the awarding of several honors that historically have been given at graduation, specifically the Jean Shaw Creativity-in-Science Award, the Timothy Garland Award, and the Margaret T. Irsch Writing Award.

Academic achievement awards in grades six and seven are given to students who hold Standard Scores of 4, or As, in all core subject areas. This year’s Grade 6 Academic Achievement Award went to Osha Scott, Katherine Normandeau, and Sadie Mills. The Grade 7 Academic Achievement Awards went to Jordy Allembert, Molly Farwell, Morgan Houghton, Kelton Mager, and Paul McGillion.

The eighth grade academic achievement awards were awarded by discipline to students who carried Standard Scores of 4 or As for all three marking periods. The Grade 8 Math Achievement Awards went to Max Naylor, Sylvie Normandeau, and Reed Sargent. Sylvie Normandeau earned the Grade 8 Science Achievement Award and the Grade 8 Humanities Achievement Award, as well.

Awards for Outstanding Effort were given to students who work hard and consistently give 100% in all subject areas. In addition, these students always complete their homework assignments. The Grade 6 Outstanding Effort Awards went to Katherine Normandeau and Sadie Mills. The Grade 7 Outstanding Effort Awards went to Molly Farwell and Kelton Mager, and the Grade 8 Outstanding Effort Awards went to Emilio Ogden and Sylvie Normandeau.

Citizenship Awards are given to students who were positive role models for their classmates. These students demonstrated leadership and school spirit. Teachers and classmates consider them good all-around students. The Grade 5 Citizenship Awards went to Kylee Mager and Rachel White. The Grade 6 Citizenship Awards were presented to Kadie Moore and Madeline Bozetarnik. The Grade 7 Citizenship Award went to Morgan Houghton, and the Grade 8 Citizenship Awards went to Kiki McNary and Reed Sargent.

Dummerston School’s Physical Education Awards are given to 8th grade students who show persistence in their physical education work by consistently using the 3 PE rules during class and by demonstrating a commitment to their fitness through hard work and determination to their physical well-being.

Reed Sargent and Sylvie Normandeau were this year’s recipients. The Athletic Awards are given to 8th grade students who have been nominated by their coaches for having the following qualities: talent, knowledge, leadership, and dedication to their sport as well as maintaining a positive attitude with their coaches and fellow teammates. This year’s Athletic Awards go to Kiki McNary and Reed Sargent. Mrs. Clements gave the Grade 8 Art Award to two 8th grade students, Kiki McNary and Sylvie Normandeau.

The Dummerston Women’s Association Awards were given by Ms. Winnie Vogt to

the two students with the highest scholastic achievement in grade 8. Max Naylor and Sylvie Normandeau were the recipients. Sue Wilmott, presented the Margaret T. Irsch Writing Award to Sylvie Normandeau, for excellence in writing. Kiki McNary was presented with the Jean Shaw Creativity-in-Science Award for aptitude and creativity in science, and Owen Gallagher was awarded the Timothy Garland Scholarship for distinguishing himself in the area of mathematics.

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10 • summer, 2018 • Views of Dummerston Good Books

Current Fiction Finds Fill the Foyer . . .

By Linda Rood I’ve been trying to get caught up on my contemporary literature lately, which is impossible, but I’ve had some great reads in the last few months. Probably the best book so far is Exit West by Mohsin Hamid (Riverhead Books, 2017). It was the March pick for the PBS Newshour book club, “Now Read This” and was named to the New York Times list of the Ten Best Books of 2017. Hamid is a Pakistani writer who attended Princeton, where he studied writing with Joyce Carol Oates and Toni Morrison. He also earned a Harvard law degree, has worked in international business, and now lives and writes in Lahore. His second novel, The Reluctant Fundmentalist, was an international best seller and adapted for film.

Exit West is the compelling, imaginative story of Saeed and Nadia, two young people who meet in a night school class in an unnamed city and country in the Middle East, “a city swollen by refugees but still mostly at peace, or at least not yet openly at war.” They have jobs, go out for coffee, rely on their cell phones, enjoy listening to music. They are typical young people who could be anywhere, and their lives seem normal and ordinary, not so different from young people we know.

Their relationship grows. She is an intriguing character who rides a motorcycle, and has her own apartment but wears a full length black robe, so that men will leave her alone.

Soon, things in the city change, and civil war brings violence into the streets. Gradually life becomes more difficult as the fighting comes • • •

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to Saeed and Nadia’s part of the city, and we see what it must be like to be a resident of one of those places that gets overrun by war.

It happens so gradually, and they keep finding ways to adapt, until they are trapped. I couldn’t help but empathize, and wonder, what if my life were interrupted by war? They decide that they must leave, and hear rumors that there are “doors” which can take them away.

They make contact with a shadowy character who leads them to a magical door, something like the wardrobe in the Chronicles of Narnia, which Hamid loved as a boy. It is “a passage both like dying and like being born”.

They emerge from this magical door to find themselves on a beach on Mykonos, Greece, where they find a refugee camp. Now we learn what it must be like to be a refugee, with a whole new level of difficulty and desperation.

We learn that there is a network of these doors throughout the world, and once again they decide to “exit west”, this time ending up in a posh suburb of London, which is overrun with refugees and confronting the conflicts between natives who resent the transformation of their city and those who seek refuge there. Hamid has imagined a surreal future where the entire western world has become haven for those whose lives have been overturned by war or disaster, and migration is the norm. I won’t give away the whole story, except to say that the ending suggests a kind of dystopian society that works peacefully. It’s not a tragic ending, but it’s a new kind of world for sure.

I found this book to be a rich and moving tale that confronts our current reality with the nightly news filled with stories of suffering peoples around the globe and our own issues at home around immigration and asylum seekers.

In spare but beautiful language, describing a terrible reality without dwelling on spectacles of horror, and adding a bit of fantasy, we can ask, as we travel with Nadia and Saeed, why should doors be closed to refugees?

This year’s Pulitzer Prize fiction winner and the June pick for the Newshour book club, is the comic novel Less by Andrew Sean Greer

(Lee Boudreaux Books, 2017). A refreshingly different direction for the Pulitzer committee, this novel also involves a character traveling the globe. Arthur Less, a hapless gay man, a minor novelist, has been jilted just before his 50th birthday by the younger man he loves, and he attempts to escape his humiliation by accepting every invitation he has to speak at a conference, compete for a prize, or teach a workshop. This plan takes him to Mexico, Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, and finally Japan “in free fall from the broken bridge of his last hopes.” Awkward, sweet-natured but clueless, Arthur stumbles through his misadventures, enduring embarrassment and contretemps, but winning our affection on his way. Probably the funniest section is the German episode, where Arthur has a teaching post. He believes that he can speak fluent German, and must in fact teach in the language, but the reality of his linguistic skills leads to much hilarity. On the first day of class, he needs to drop students from the much overenrolled class, and he announces “I am sorry, I must kill most of you.” His students are a bit startled. It turns out that this is a story about aging, and amongst the hilarity, there is wisdom about the loss of youth and about love.

It’s a charming tale.

Finally, in the venerable Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver, I found that a prominently displayed staff pick was our own Robin MacArthur’s debut novel, Heart Spring Mountain (ecco/HarperCollins, 2018). Of course I had to read it, and am very glad I did. MacArthur lives in Marlboro on the farm where she grew up, and sets her story in southern Vermont in the months following Tropical Storm Irene in the fall of 2011. It’s a family saga, encompassing four generations of Vermonters, focusing on the women of the family, their love for the land which also isolates them and fulfills them at the same time. During the storm, Bonnie, a third generation member of the family whose life has deteriorated into heroin addiction, disappears, having been last seen on a bridge over continued on page 11

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Views of Dummerston • summer, 2018 • 11

and the Pantry continued from page 10 rushing flood waters. Bonnie’s daughter.

Vale, is called home from New Orleans to help, and she becomes the central character of the story in her quest to find her mother.

Other characters include Hazel, who raised Bonnie, Hazel’s sister Lena, and Deb, who came to Vermont to join a commune in the seventies, married in to the family, and stayed.

The novel is structured with alternating narrators and times, and I had to make myself a chart at first to keep track, but it comes together pretty quickly. In the course of her search,

Vale uncovers some hidden secrets about her family and Vermont history that ultimately help her understand her own identity, and the healing power of truth. MacArthur does a good job evoking the sense of what the aftermath of Irene was like, and along the way takes on climate change, Abenaki history, the opioid crisis, along with her powerful and poetic family narrative.

Next up on my list are Pachinko by Min Jiin Lee (Hatchett Book Group, 2017) and There, There by Tommy Orange (Alfred A. Knopf, 2018).

Apple Pie Fest Moving into View

By Shawn Bracebridge The Dummerston Congregational Church, UCC will again be holding the Fall Apple Pie Festival. The date this year is Sunday, October 7th. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and lasts through the late afternoon until the pies sell out. Please join us and get your fresh baked apple pies and slices with homemade ice cream or cheddar cheese. We will also have coffee, water, apple cider, and donuts for sale. Come

join us in this wonderful community event!

Also, it you enjoy making pies, join us in slicing apples and rolling crust in the two weeks before the festival from 9 a.m. until noon and then 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. each day. It is great fun to make the pies and it is a wonderful chance to catch up with friends and make new ones!

If you would like more information, call the church office at 802-257-0544.

Barry C. “Butch” Robinson 6-2-18 6-18-18

Births Bentley Joseph Spicer

4-21-18

Molly Rose Jenks

4-27-18

Bryce Kenneth White

6-15-18

By Sylvienne Normandeau A blinding glow, a concoction of hues, soft orange, pomegranate, deep purple.

All blend together into a paprika shade, of sorts, painting the weather worn, grey wood of the main cabin.

I wish for my gaze to fall upon a long horizon, stretching on and on, an expanse of distant land doused in nameless, unreplicatable light.

I long for my eyes, starved of awe, to soak in the hope and comforting warmth of the quickly fading glow.

I long to see.

My mother tells me not to.

It will scorch your eyes, she scolds.

But I wonder, what is true beauty if the beautiful things cause pain?

I throw caution to the wind.

I see.

Praise to the glory of the Earth, taken for granted, without fail, as every second ticks by.

Praise to true beauty, worth the suffering. Praise to the glory of the sunset, illuminating my heart, calming as wild darkness fast approaches.

Passings Ruth B. Allard

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12 • summer, 2018 • Views of Dummerston

An Early Description of West Dummerston From: Dummerston,

By David Lufkin Mansfield

Originally published by Mrs. Carrie E.H. Page in 1891 The west village is located near the right bank of West river on a lowland plain running north and south. The principal buildings include a church, store, tavern, post-office, and saw and grist-mill. The thrifty farmers and mechanics occupy neat looking dwellings. The Brattleboro and Whitehall narrow gauge railroad is building past this village. (Written in 1879.)

From this valley the hills rise gradually till their summit is reached, in this town, four miles distant near Marlboro pond.

From that point the hills overlook Black mountain which rises to a height of 1150 feet above the surface of West river into which flow the streams from this high range of hills. The largest stream is Allen’s brook, so named from the circumstance that a Mr. Allen was killed by the Indians many years ago, and buried near its source at Marlboro pond. They defeated the whites in a battle at Newfane, and Mr. Allen was one of the number pursued and killed. For long years a pine stump marked the spot where he was buried near the brook which received his name. Late years it has been called Stickney brook.

On it are good water privileges, and within a few years, 4 saw-mills were standing on its banks within the space of as many miles. Three are still in operation and one has been pulled down. Along the passes of this brook are very deep ravines. The most beautiful stream is “Furnace brook” on which is the “Cascade” made famous and attractive to the passer-by on account of its foaming, rushing and sparkling waters jumping, tossing and glittering in the falling rays of the sun, down over a high ledge of rocks shaded by over-hanging trees and bushes threatening to dash upon the traveler as he passes over the bridge under which it swiftly glides into the river below.

Of the western range, Wicopee Hill is the most famous. Years ago there was no other pathway up the West river valley from Brattleboro to Newfane except over this very steep hill, by marked trees; and the traveler must have found it a hard road to travel. Black Mountain is on the left bank of West river opposite the village of West Dummerston. It rises almost per-

pendicularly from the water 1150 feet and opens to the south in the form of a horseshoe, called “The Shoe of the Mountain.”

The appearance of the mountain as you pass along on the opposite bank of the river is bold and majestic. Granite rocks are piled one upon another. Evergreen trees and stunted shrubbery poorly cover its surface and give it a dark and sombre hue. In the N. W. part of the town is a narrow defile made by the river. Along this narrow passway called “The valley of the

shadow of death,” is the road leading to Newfane. So steep and high are the hills and so narrow the pass, that for two or three months of the winter the rays of the sun scarcely fall upon the road for a mile, any part of the day. Well may the traveler exclaim on his journeying over the hills in this town: “The hills! the everlasting hills!

How peerlessly they rise, Like earth’s gigantic sentinels, Discoursing in the skies.”

Almanac Entries From Earliest Dummerston Settlers From: Dummerston,

By David Lufkin Mansfield

Originally published

by Mrs. Carrie E.H. Page in 1891 Capt. John Kathan settled near the brook north of Putney depot on land then a part of Dummerston; Alexander, near Canoe brook, and Daniel not far from Salmon brook. These families came from Worcester, Mass. Alexander kept a memorandum in almanacs for each year, of principal events in his farming business and other matters worthy of note.

These almanacs were kept in file by stringing them on a leathern thong, and are now in possession of his descendants; some forty in number are in possession of a family in this town.

The earliest of these almanacs is for the year 1764, and the numbers are complete down to the year 1817, except 1795 and 1814. The oldest ones are the almanacs published by Nathaniel Low. Most of the file from 1781, are the almanacs of Isaiah Thomas. Mr. Kathan was in the habit of noting on the margin of these almanacs important events relating to his business and other affairs. Here are a few items in reference to the making of sugar:

“May 19th, 1780, remarkable dark day.”

“April 5th 1781, a man and a horse crossed the river on the ice.”

“The 2d Sabbath in the same month snow was knee deep in the field and solid.”

“1785, snow 1st day of April, 34 inches deep on a level.”

“19th, old snow knee deep, new snow.” “’May 26th, put in seine and catch no shad.”

“May 30, catch shad.”

“March 31st. 1786, no snow.”

“2d day of April, terrible storm of wind, and. snow fell knee deep.”

“17th. began to plow.”

“March 29th. 1787, burnt out the bass-wood stub and scart out two flying squirrels.”

“May 10th. 1788, the mountains covered with snow.”

“Aug. 19th. a hurricane.”

“March, 1803, what a sight of pigeons did fly all the 13th.”

“June 6th. 1804, set tobacco.”

“March 19, 1764, tapped trees, made 21 lbs.

“Aug. 29th. cut up tobacco.” of molasses.”

“February 1765, tapped trees, and sugared “Mrs. Kathan sea a robin on the 9th of February, Robins here seen til the 17th.” off 18 pounds on the 26th.”

“Apr. 6, 1778, made off, 10 lbs. of sugar; “March 5th, sea two robins.” that’s the first this season.”

“July 12th. had string beans.”

Here we find the date when the first meeting- “the 22d, had new tatos.” house in town was raised.

“February 1811, killed 110 rats in the corn “November 10th 1773, raised the meeting house in one day.” house.”

Views of Dummerston • summer, 2018 • 13

West Dummerston Village Chosen for Sanitation Study

By Roger Turner The village of West Dummerston has been chosen by the Windham Regional Commission and the Rich Earth Institute to take part in a study of existing sewage disposal practices, the “Village Sanitation Pilot Study,” which will result in the Rich Earth making recommendations to participating families about how in the future they can reduce their reliance on their existing septic systems. Eleven village households have signed on to the study, which is being described as a “pioneering pilot program,” though any other village household may still join the study. “More families would allow us to have a fuller picture of the village, and give us a chance to see what is actually happening,” said Rich Earth Executive Director Kim Nace. “We’re looking at how many toilets are in each house, where their water sources and septic systems are, and plot them using GIS mapping technology.”

West Dummerston Village met the criteria for applicants to participate in the study; it is a high-density, clustered village of homes alongside a river or stream, with a minimum of 8-20 households willing to participate.

Sam Farwell wrote an “exceptional” letter of interest which tilted the selection committee toward the West Dummerston application, though Westminster West also made a strong application, and they are also going to participate in a similar process.

An Americorps volunteer will be joining the WRC staff in September to work primarily as a support to the Rich Earth Institute on this study.

There will be a meeting, likely in September, to which all study participants and Dummerston residents will be invited, to clarify what the Rich Earth and Windham Regional Commission can do, and to ask the study participants, who are essentially taking part in a research project, what their expectations for the study are and what kind of information they would like to come from it. Study participants will thereby be participating in the actual design of the project.

“I like to think of sanitation issues as the other side of the local food movement, though people don’t like to talk about sanitation,” Kim explained. “We want people to leave the experience of this study knowing more than when they started, what issues are involved with sanitation, and how they impact individual households.

“This is not a regulatory process,” she

continued. “This is not a state inspection or enforcement issue. This is citizens taking charge of their waterways, both surface and ground, and learning how their septic systems impact the water.”

Kim recommends a book titled The Big Necessity by Rose George for its description of sanitation issues worldwide, and to help us understand how our local sanitation problems fit into that perspective. “It is very informative,” she reports, and she encourages us all to read it.

What will result from the study? There have been sewage disposal problems in the West Dummerston village for years. When our Dummerston Blue Jays had to play on the ball field in the southwest corner of the then elementary school field back in the late 80s and early 90s, sewage stench frequently wafted around us, and there was a patch of tall grass there from which I would forbid players to retrieve balls. There’s lots of ledge underneath West Dummerston village, so it’s not always easy to find appropriate sites for septic systems. That old ball field problem has been cleaned up, and some residents have to pump their sewage for mound systems. A village sewer line and treatment plant has been proposed in the past, but the cost is prohibitive. This is the kind of problem that the Rich Earth Institute sees as an opportunity. “There’s been a dead-end feel-

ing about (sewage disposal) options because of cost, but with new technology, there are new options,” Kim told me.

The study will result in both a public report summarizing the current water and septic resources in West Dummerston Village, and private reports to participating households which will explain what their sanitation options are, based on the new technologies, and what the costs for implementing the recommendations would be. All Dummerston residents, and particularly residents of the Village, are encouraged to come to the introductory meeting in September.

Please pay attention to local media and to Laurie Frechette’s weekly email newsletter to learn when that meeting will be. And if you live in the West Dummerston Village and you’re not one of the eleven families that have already committed to being part of the study, please sign up!

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2018 Scenes of Dummerston Calendar Now for Sale Make sure to get yours at the Town Office or by calling Jody Normandeau (380-9027) or Gail Sorensen (254-9311)

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

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Community Center Jean Momaney 254-9212 Conservation Commission Web site: www.dummerstonconservation.com Dummerston Cares Helpline & Fuel Assistance

Are you a veteran seeking assistance?

Bill Schmidt 257-5800 email: info@dummerstoncares.org Dummerston School 254-2733 Web site www.dummerstonschool.org 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 Book Discussion: 3rd Thursday, 2:00 pm Story Time: 2nd and 4th Thursday, 12:30 pm 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 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

Dummerston Historical Society Open House Schoolhouse, open 2-4 p.m., Sunday afternoons

August 16 Book Talk: Bread and Roses, Too Lydia Taft Pratt Library; 2 p.m.,

18 “Turtles Rock!”

Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, free family program; 10 a.m.

18 Peach shortcake supper

Evening Star Grange; 5-7 p.m.; No reservations, take out available

September 8 Second Chicken Pie supper p.m.

Evening Star Grange; 5-7 p.m.

No reservations, take out available

23 Dummerston Cares Annual Meeting Volunteer Appreciation; 2-4 p.m.

Location to be announced

23 Apple Fest Pie making begins.

Dummerston Congregational Church; 9 a.m.-noon, 6-9 p.m. each day.

Join in slicing apples and rolling crust.

October 7 Apple Pie Festival; Fireman’s Breakfast; lunch;craft fair,

Dummerston Center; 10 a.m. till sold out Breakfast runs from 7 until 10

7 16th Annual Heirloom Apple Day

Scott Farm 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free Details : ScottFarmVermont.com/farm-events

20 Kingston Black Hard Cider Festival Scott Farm;12-4 p.m.

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

PTFO Meeting

6:00 pm

BUHS Board Meeting

7:00 pm

Historical Society

7:30 pm

2nd & 4th Tuesday at the Dummerston School 4th Thurs., 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