Issuu

Art by Gary Blomgren

Volume 29 Issue 2

Spring ~ 2019

Free • Since 1990

Views of Dummerston Now Available Live on the Web The Views steering committee has taken a bold move into the future, if we can say so ourselves. With the invaluable help and guidance of Kevin Ryan, we have acquired our own internet domain name, viewsofdummerston. org, and we have subscribed to an online publishing service in order to provide an enhanced online version of the Views to our readers. The new online Views will permit readers to click on and open any web references contained in articles or ads. For example, if the fire department includes a web address in its article for a particular site which provides information about how to inventory your house for possible fire safety concerns, you will be able to click on that reference in the article and the website will be opened in another browser window on your device. You will be able to click on business ads, and if there is an email reference or a business website reference in the ad, they will likewise open. Those of you who write articles for the Views can take advantage of this new capability by including web references and email addresses in your articles, as described in the example given above. Those of you who place ads with us will now have the added value of allowing our readers instant access to your business sites by simply clicking on your ad. And one other very significant feature of the new online Views: it’s in color, so color photos and ads will have extra impact! Issues of the Views, both present and past, are now available at our website, viewsofdummerston.org. If you send us an email at continued on page 2

The Monarchs are Coming! By Lee Ives Tice Spring has finally sprung, and here in southern Vermont we will soon see monarch butterflies fluttering about. I became obsessed with these magnificent pollinators last summer, nearly 32 years after first learning about them in Mrs. Holiday’s third grade class at Dummerston Elementary. I was weeding around my butterfly weed when I came eye to eye with a striking black, yellow, and white-striped caterpillar. Memories from third grade came rushing back, and before I knew it, I had joined a monarch-rearing Facebook group, ordered a mesh enclosure from Amazon, and prepared my porch to become a monarch haven. I was mesmerized watching these insects transition through the four stages of their life cycle: from egg to larva (caterpillar) to pupa (chrysalis) to butterfly. It took about a month to complete the metamorphosis and I found all of the stages equally amazing. I watched an egg the size of a pinhead being laid in my garden, then used a microscope see a little “worm” chew its way out and turn around to finish eating its shell. Emerging at 0.5 millimeters long, it spent the next couple of weeks eating milkweed, the only plant they eat, and shedding its skin four times until it grew to 45 millimeters long! It then found a spot on the top of the enclosure, laid a silk pad to attach itself to and hung in “J” shape for a couple of days before wriggling around and shedding its skin one last time to form a chrysalis. The jade colored chrysalis adorned with gold specks hung like a jewel for about two weeks, and then the shell became transparent revealing the butterfly inside. The transformation was complete when the butterfly broke out, pumped fluid from its abdomen into its wings, and hung for a few hours to let them dry until indicating that it was ready to fly away by pumping its wings. Each butterfly release was bittersweet, especially those released in late summer and early continued on page 12

photo by Lee Ives Tice

By Roger Turner

2 • spring, 2019 • Views of Dummerston The Views of Dummerston is a quarterly newsletter published by a group of citizen volunteers since 1990, and has non-profit status through the Dummerston Community Center. Mary Lou McBean had the original vision for and was first editor of the Views, and Gary Blomgren created the original masthead art. The current steering committee includes Roger Turner (editor), Michelle Cherrier (co-articles coordinator and calendar), Fred Lee (layout), Sara Ryan (ad coordinator), Linda Rood (co-articles coordinator), and Lee Ives Tice (mailing). We always welcome new interest in joining the committee. SUBSCRIPTIONS: The Views is mailed free of charge to all registered voters of the Town of Dummerston. It is also available online at viewsofdummerston.org. Because of the easy access to the online edition, we encourage people to help us save printing and mailing expenses by cancelling their print subscription; to do so please email Lee Tice at: mailing@viewsofdummerston.org. ARTICLES: We welcome all articles related in any way to the town of Dummerston, including news of town organizations, personalities, history, or activities. Email Microsoft Word documents (preferred) to: articles@ viewsofdummerston.org. Typed or hand-written articles can also be sent to: Michelle Cherrier, 72 Miller Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346. CALENDAR: Any (non-commercial) event you would like listed on our Calendar of Events should be emailed to: calendar@viewsofdummerston.org, or mailed to Michelle Cherrier at the above address. NEXT ISSUE: Submissions due: June 25 Views will be mailed on: August 7 ADVERTISING: Rates: All rates are for four issues, however a large or small box ad can be placed for just one issue at an adjusted rate. Payment should be by a check made out to the Views of Dummerston, and mailed to: Sara Ryan, 53 Greenhoe Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346 Small Box Ad $55 Large Box Ad $85 Information/Inquiries: Contact Sara Ryan at: ads@ viewsofdummerston.org, or at 387-0110. SPONSORSHIPS: Sponsorships of $25 for four issues augment our ad revenues to provide us with operating funds. You will be notified when your sponsorship is up and invited to renew. If you wish to become a sponsor or have questions, contact Sara Ryan as above.

Digital Views Available Featuring easy navigation, clickable links, and full color, we’re sure you’ll love it! viewsofdummerston.org

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.)

Cemeteries in Town Under Watchful Eyes By Sue Miller A small group of people gathers every June to attend to the business dealings of the plot of land for which they’re responsible. They discuss the location of the newest residents, the finances, and any maintenance and upkeep that needs to be done. The group of people make up the trustees of the Dummerston Cemetery Association and the plot of land is the cemetery below the Grange Hall and behind the homes of Will Collins and Meg Murtha. The cemetery shares the road with Dennis and Debbie Baker, who are very close neighbors. The current trustees and officers of the cemetery association are Ruth Barton (president), Charles Ranney (treasurer), Sue Miller (clerk), Gordon Evans (sexton), and Ines McGillion. All people living within the town of Dummerston who would desire to be interred in the Dummerston Center Cemetery, whether or not they have purchased perpetual care of a lot, and all others who shall be elected by the Dummerston Cemetery Association, shall be and continue to be members of the associa-

tion. Watch the local newspaper for notice of annual meetings, to which interested members are very welcome. At the 2018 annual meeting, a time of silence in memory of Carol Bessette was observed. Carol was a former trustee and president, and next to her brother Don Hazelton, knew more about the Center Cemetery than anyone. Sexton Gordon Evans has been cleaning and straightening monuments, in addition to seeing that lots are prepared to receive caskets or urns. The grass is mown as needed, but additional effort is needed to keep everything in good shape. A work-bee was held last July 14, when we brushed grass clippings off monuments and attended to other details. It has been discussed that this might be a good opportunity for students needing community service hours, so any student who is interested in putting in this sort of service should contact one of the people above and something will be arranged. Keep in mind, too, that donations are always appreciated, either as a direct contribution, or by listing the Dummerston Cemetery Association in an obituary as a memorial in lieu of flowers.

Views Now Available Live on the Web continued from page 1 subscribeonline@viewsofdummerston.org (which you can do by simply clicking on the link) asking us to notify you when the newest Views is available, we will send you an email when the new issue is posted, allowing you to read the Views a couple of weeks earlier than you would when delivered by mail. In your email to us, be sure to give us your preferred email address, and also please tell us if you would like to be removed from our mailing list (in other words, you would no longer receive a printed copy of the Views), which would cut down on our printing and mailing costs, and would save a tree. We hope everyone—readers, writers, and advertisers—will take advantage of the new features in the online Views. If you have any suggestions or feedback for us, please email us at feedback@viewsofdummerston.org. If you

write an article for us, we would ask that you now submit your article to: articles@viewsofdummerston.org. Please submit any requests for placing ads to: ads@viewsofdummerston.org and our advertising coordinator will get back to you. All of these addresses are available on the page 2 sidebar.

Calendar Photographs Needed Photographs are wanted for the 2020 Dummerston Historical Society’s annual calendar. Photos must be horizontal and must be of and around Dummerston. Please send to Jody Normandeau at: jodydvt@gmail.com. If your photo is used, you will get a free calendar.

Andrew MacFarland! Apologies to the MacFarland family for misspelling Andrew’s name in last issue’s headline, even though Nancy says, “It happens all the time.” The Views of Dummerston Mission Statement Providing reports of town organizations, and stories of townspeople and their good deeds, in promoting cooperation and understanding toward creating a more “ideal” Dummerston. “All who read may also contribute!”—Mary Lou McBean, founder,Views of Dummerston

Views of Dummerston • spring, 2019 • 3

town government Dummerston Selectboard

Selectboard Reorganizes After Election By Jerelyn Wilson

Your five-person selectboard reorganized in March after the local elections at town meeting. Thanks go to all who voted, and to anyone who didn’t, hope you’ll be counted next year! The selectboard meets regularly every two weeks, typically on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Dummerston town office. Come join us sometime or watch us on BCTV. Let us know your thoughts. In case you are not up-to-speed, here are your neighbors who are serving you: Lewis White as chair, Zeke Goodband as vice chair, Maria Glabach as clerk and selectboard assistant, and Jerelyn Wilson and Terry Chapman. Even though I’m beginning my third twoyear term, I’ll share a few personal facts. I’ve lived in Dummerston for thirty-six years—the entire time on Leonard Road. Five years ago my husband and I moved just down the road to the historic Leonard Farm, where our son-in-law has recently begun a farming enterprise. I work in Brattleboro and am CEO of BuildingGreen, Inc., a twelve-person, nationally-recognized company that provides architects with consulting services and online content focused on reducing the environmental impact of buildings. I am also vice president of the Brattleboro Food Co-op Board of Directors. Small towns, like Dummerston, depend on active participation for their success. I am enjoying my contributions and will be encouraging other people, especially younger residents, to be more actively involved in town committees and boards. Feel free to be in touch if you are interested or even just curious. At this year’s town meeting, by Australian ballot we voted 297 to 21 in favor of purchasing the Renaud Gravel Pit. This will ensure access to local resources for maintaining our roads for the long term. Our town will come to an agreement with Putney on the operation of the pit and the division of responsibilities each town will undertake. We have begun the appli-

cation process to secure a bond with a 25-year repayment schedule to pay the Dummerston portion of the purchase. We anticipate a closing in August. At this time our road foreman, Lee Chamberlin, does not anticipate needing additional equipment or machinery to operate the gravel pit. The Town of Putney will pay the Town of Dummerston property tax on one-half of the assessed property value of the gravel pit. Material from this pit will be used only for the Towns of Dummerston and Putney and is expected to last seventy-plus years. You can keep informed by attending our meetings or watching them on BCTV. One of the pleasures of serving on the selectboard for me has been learning what it takes to maintain our dirt roads—all 61.44 miles of them, and becoming familiar with the road crew. Here are some of the duties of our road crew: maintenance and major repair, rebuilding, construction, grading and re-grading of gravel roads, repair and patching of paved roads, culvert installation, hauling of materials and supplies to work sites, hauling and moving heavy equipment, cleaning ditches and culverts, cutting brush, and mowing. Here are some requirements listed in a typical job posting for road crew members: must have the “strength and endurance to repeatedly lift heavy objects, pull and tug objects, dig, chop and use other hand tools, and perform other strenuous activities. The strength and endurance to perform effectively over long hours and in adverse weather conditions is required.” And, our road foreman, in addition to working as part of the crew, is responsible for putting together the highway budget, writing and submitting grants, writing requests for proposals (RFPs) for new equipment, evaluating RFP submissions and making recommendations to the selectboard, and overseeing the maintenance of town equipment as well as understanding and following required safety procedures – of which there are plenty!

Sponsors

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

The Town of Dummerston has an Employee Safety Handbook that is read and signed by all crew members. It is meant to get everyone on the same page with procedures and commonsense protocols for preventing accidents by protecting one’s head, eyes, ears, and hands. It promotes safe work habits for lifting and carrying machinery and equipment, using power tools, extension ladders, and scaffolding, as well as handling hazardous materials. All road crew members take the Vermont flagger course where they learn how to control traffic on a two-way road and how to use different methods to talk with other flaggers and to stop, slow, and release traffic. Official commercial drivers license (CDL) medical requirements demand a physical every two years, performed by a nationally certified examiner, to assure proper hearing, and eyesight necessary for safe driving of large vehicles and equipment. MSHA (“EmShaw”), the Mine Safety and Health Administration, has significant safety requirements, mandated training, and they do spot inspections that carry heavy fines if road crews are found to be out of compliance. I haven’t seen it but I’ve heard that the very thick, tiny-print MSHA handbook is similar to an intense electronic parts catalog! As I drive my town’s dirt roads, appreciating the beauty of Dummerston, I am very grateful for the skill, expertise, and hard work of our road crew. Be sure to show your appreciation as you see a town truck coming down the road or our new grader pass by. You can always bring cookies to the town garage or drop them off at the town office labeled “Road Crew only!” I look forward to your feedback, suggestions, and advice. You can reach me at Wilson@ Dummerston.org. Dummerston is such a great town. Don’t hesitate to show your support— consider getting involved yourself if you aren’t already—so that we can keep this a great place to live, to work, and to raise our families.

Brattleboro Support Pharmacy Locally 413 Canal Street

254-7777

Thank you for your business

Gordon & Linda Evans Heather & Gene Rostov Akara Draper & Linnie Jones Elizabeth Catlin & Jared Flynn Cliff Adler & Lynn Levine

4 • spring, 2019 • Views of Dummerston

town government Dummerston Conservation Commission

Levine Explains Winter Tracks and Trees By John Anderson The conservation commission has had a busy quarter exploring both those things immediately and visually observable, and those things that can only be understood through the lens of the relatively new discipline of conservation genetics. In January, Lynn Levine presented “Tracks and Trees,” leading a group of enthusiasts on a Black Mountain woodland exploration. Levine’s workshops help participants decipher the immediately discernable: tracks and scat. Winter tree identification is also woven through her presentations. During her outings Levine demystifies those things that we all see when exploring the winter woods but often don’t understand. By heightening the awareness of the participants’ surroundings and by giving them a process by which they can understand what they are seeing, Levine makes the language of the winter woods accessible and therefore enjoyable. Four weekly lectures on conservation genetics were presented on Friday mornings in February and March. Bill Johnson of the conservation commission organized these presentations and enlisted a great slate of knowledgeable and engaging speakers. Bonneyvale Environmental Education Center co-sponsored these talks. Sarah Emel, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts spoke on “Conservation Genetics of Wildlife and Plant Species in Disturbed Habitats.” One of her focuses was on how the movement of pollinators is affected by landscape fragmentation. By studying the genes of isolated populations of one plant species Emel found, among other things, that the movements of pollinators are most limited by urban environments. The following week Lisa Komoroski, Ph.D., and Nadia Fernandez, MS, Ph.D. candidate, both from the University of

Massachusetts, made presentations. Among Komoroski’s research projects was a genebased study of sea turtle migrations and their homing instincts. Golden eagle research done by Fernandez defined five populations of golden eagles in the United States and, based on the amount of genetic mixing among those populations, outlined how her findings might inform future conservation efforts. Tanya Llama, MS, Ph.D. candidate, also of the University of Massachusetts, offered “Conservation Genomics in New England Carnivores including the Canada Lynx.” Among Llama’s findings was the fact that the St. Lawrence River is an almost total genetic barrier for lynx populations. And, lastly, Brittany Verrico, MS, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Vermont, presented “Microgeographic Adaptations of Red Spruce Forests in Vermont’s Green Mountains.” Verrico focused on genetic differences among spruce populations that might make a specific population more able to adapt to future climate changes. All of these talks can be found on the Brattleboro Community Television website or by going to the Dummerston Conservation Commission projects page and looking under “Educational Programs”. Genetic research will inform many – perhaps even most—of the conservation initiatives that humanity will be tasked with undertaking in years to come. Genetic explorations trace no tracks in the snow; often their findings can seem somewhat esoteric and their insights are beyond our immediate senses. But, they have made the invisible visible and answered questions that no other branch of science had been able to. This research is pretty amazing stuff. And now, having reported on recent conservation commission events I’m going to ramble off into a brief review of Lynn Levine’s charmingly comprehensive new release: Identifying Ferns the Easy Way, A

Pocket Guide to Common Ferns of the Northeast, illustrated by Briony Morrow-Cribbs. This is a beautifully designed pocket-sized field guide with an easy, effective identification key focusing on blade shape and leaf divisions. Levine’s descriptions of each species’ preferred habitat also advise the reader’s decisions. A clear concise list of tips that will aid in identification as well as comparisons to similar species are provided throughout. continued on page 12

Composting Toilets Subject to State Approval By Roger Vincent Jasaitis,

Dummerston Zoning Administrator

Are you considering installing a composting toilet? The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has specific regulations regarding the use of composting toilets. Composting toilets require specific approval in a water/wastewater permit through the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division, as defined within §1-922, Composting or Incinerating Toilets and Greywater Disposal Systems: 1) Composting toilets may be approved in place of conventional water carried toilets. Use of these toilets in buildings or structures and campgrounds is subject to review related to the adequacy of the particular unit for the proposed use. 2) All waste removed from a composting toilet shall be considered to be pathogenic. If you want to seek approval for this use, you should contact: John Fay, Permit Specialist, State of Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation at: 802-279-4747 or email: john.fay@vermont.gov

Sponsors Carolyn Mayo Brown & Gregory Brown Len Oppenheim Tonia & Whit Wheeler Cheryl Wilfong & Bill McKim Mary Lou & Bill Schmidt

Views of Dummerston • spring, 2019 • 5

Fire and Rescue News by Richard Cogliano, assistant chief 2018 saw a lot of changes and growth for Our calls for assistance increased again this the West Dummerston Fire Department. We year to 186. The complete call breakdown is added a new brush truck and utility truck to below. the fleet, ordered a new engine, placed new Fires (Chimney or Building): 7 thermal cameras into service, added several Medical Emergency: 71 new firefighters, and were awarded a grant to Motor Vehicle Crash: 21 purchase new hose and nozzles. Trees/Wires: 28

Radio 9C1 9C2 9C3 9C4 9C5 9C6 9C7 9C8 9C9 9K1 9P1 9P2 9P3 9P4 9P5 9P6 9P7 9P8 9P9 9P10 9P11 9P12 9P13 9P14 9P15 9P16 9P17 9P18 9P19 9RP1 9W3

Name Rick Looman Rich Cogliano Chris Bell Matt Bolster David Shaw Brian Frechette Justin Howard Charles Stromberg Tyler Lynch Marty Forrett Lester Dunklee Dennis Tier Jon Reed Lee Chamberlin Allen Pike Paul Chapman Travis Bristol Trevor Houle Ted Glabach Parker Waite Luke Evans Shawn Stone Cobe Mager Ethan Bristol Ethan Sage Dan Ridlehoover Zack Grover Leon Dunbar Andrew Commo Melinda Zavorotny Wayne Emery

Rank Chief Assistant Chief Captain Captain Captain Captain Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant FF/Keyman Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter/EMT Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter/FR Firefighter Firefighter/EMT Firefighter Firefighter Jr. Firefighter Jr. Firefighter Jr. Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter EMS/EMT President

Good Intent: 8 Fire Alarm: 11 Carbon Monoxide: 7 Brush Fire: 3 Mutual Aid: 21 Other: 9 More important than the grants, trucks, and call number are our members. We are entirely volunteer, meaning no member receives any payment or stipend for the time they put in. We train and maintain our equipment weekly, respond to more and more calls every year, meet ever-tightening state and federal standards for firefighting and emergency medical treatment, and fundraise. Below are our volunteers, the people that leave their jobs, families, and homes at all hours of the day and night to help you in your time of need. The West Dummerston Fire Department would like to thank you for your support. Corum Mabie Cook Prodan Angell Secrest & Darrow 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

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

6 • spring, 2019 • Views of Dummerston

organizations Dummerston Historical Society

History and Future of School for International Training Featured at Annual Meeting By Muriel Taylor Many interested members and others attended our April quarterly meeting to learn more about the history and future of the School for International Training (SIT). Our presenter, Alvino Fantini, a senior faculty member of SIT since 1964, was instrumental in the evolution of the Sandanona estate on Black Mountain into the present SIT Graduate Institute. Although the student population itself is now pursuing their studies in various other countries, we were assured that the future of SIT looks most promising, both here and abroad. Al’s PowerPoint presentation, plus archival information, stories, and memories galore made for lively discussion. This meeting was dedicated to the memory of two recently-deceased major figures of the Historical Society, Tom Johnson and Jonathan Flaccus. Tom, one of the founders of the Dummerston Historical Society, spent many years on the board, guiding its initial steps forward. Jonathan, a more recent member, was instrumental in the management of the Bunker Collection, which ultimately enabled the construction of the Bunker Room addition. To both we are grateful. They will be sorely missed. Repairs: The work of the building committee, Bob Taylor, Kevin Ryan, and Chuck Fish, continues. There is much to learn about

moisture and its insidious relationship to timber rot. The next step will be to develop a plan to encourage water drainage away from the building. We are proceeding slowly and carefully to achieve the best results possible to preserve our beloved Schoolhouse. Capital Fund: The Dummerston Historical Society is immensely grateful to the voters of Dummerston who, at town meeting, so generously contributed to our efforts to preserve the Society’s Schoolhouse in Dummerston Center. This ancient school building, much reconfigured, adds significantly to the civic character of the center, it is an important meeting place, and it holds many of the town’s memories in the form of photographs and various family documents. The vote was a vote of confidence in our work, and we are resolved to bring the project to a satisfactory conclusion. Our capital fund drive proceeds are growing, but we have a way to go. We are grateful to those of you who have responded and look

forward to additional support as others are able to give. Also, we are always in need of support for ongoing expenses such as utilities and insurance. In sending checks please indicate whether they are for operating expenses or the capital fund. For more information, call Chuck Fish at 254-2554 or Muriel Taylor at 257-9358. Donations will be gratefully received by the Dummerston Historical Society at PO Box 8064, North Brattleboro, VT 05304. Donations are tax deductible as the society is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. We appreciate your help. Thank you! The Dummerston Historical Society welcomes donations of historical interest to Dummerston and we encourage you to join us in 2019 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.

Evening Star Grange #154

Memorial Day Program Ready for May 30th By Sallie J. May, Secretary Here we are, three-quarters of the way through the month of March and things are hoppin’ at the Grange! We have the Vermont Theatre Company rehearsing for their May production of Gaslight; tai chi classes sponsored by Dummerston Cares going on; and funeral receptions, dances, birthday parties, and public suppers being scheduled in our hall. If you have need for a space for twenty or ninety, think of the Grange as a place to hold it. Call Ruth Barton at 254-1128 to reserve a time for your event. Speaking of events, we held our second annual sugar on snow supper at the end of March and it proved quite successful. There were minor glitches in seating, food, and advertising, but overall we felt it went pretty well. We thank all of the community folks who came and helped us. Without their help, the Grange would not be able to take on this event, as our aging membership just can’t do what we used to any more. We especially thank those sugar makers who con-

tributed syrup to us this year. We hope that the weather cooperated and they were able to make a lot more syrup since the supper. Looking ahead, plan to join your friends and neighbors at our annual “traditional” Memorial Day Program on Thursday, May 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a mini-band concert by the Brattleboro Legion Band. Our regular program begins at 7 p.m. We will have more information for you in the paper and on social media as we get closer to the date of the program. Also, mark your calendar for the first of our two chicken pie suppers, scheduled for Saturday, June 8 from 5-8 p.m. More details later. The Grange is a national organization, committed to community service, good food, and fun! It is open to both men and women ages fourteen to 140+, of any race, nationality, or color of skin. For more information about helping out at our suppers, senior lunches, or joining our organization, contact any Grange member or call and leave a message on our phone and someone will get back to you. That number is 254-1138. We hope to hear from you!

Views of Dummerston • spring, 2019 • 7

organizations Lydia Taft Pratt Library

Geranium Festival and Silent Auction Boost Library By Karen Cawrse Librarian

“I just rediscovered the library after a neighbor shared the hours. I have stopped by on Saturdays and have been so impressed with the number of new books . . . I just wanted to thank all of those who are involved in this gem of a library.” Cami Elliott As this session of the Views arrives in your mailbox, we anticipate seeing you Saturday, May 18, at our annual fundraiser, the Geranium Festival—Giant Book Sale, Silent Auction. There will be flowers for sale, and of course there’s food! Thank you to all who make this event possible, either by donating books in good condition, donating items to the silent auction, volunteering in any number of ways, and, of course, by stopping by. If you’re reading this after the date, you’ll be happy to learn that the silent auction runs through the end of the month in the library. Town support provides us with two thirds of our annual budget, including salary, rent,

and insurance. The remaining one third is acquired the old fashioned way: by fundraising, including our annual appeal, our raffle to support children’s collections and programming, and our yearly Geranium Festival. In other words, we provide you with new books, programs, and services “one cookie at a time.” Thanks to the many residents who completed our community survey. Michelle Connair was the lucky winner of a $30 gift certificate to Everyone’s Books. We received many thoughtful responses, including: be open three days during the week, be open longer on Saturdays, make open times consistent (e.g., 1-5), open and close earlier on Tuesdays, open more days to accommodate after-school hours. We’re in the process of evaluating what steps we’ll take in response to these suggestions. Librarian’s Pick: My favorite genre is memoir, an account of one’s personal life and experiences focused on a certain period of time or around a specific theme. Author

Dummerston Community Center

Consumer Fraud Presentation to be Hosted By Ann Davis Thank you to everyone who attended our annual Pampered Chef party, and to enjoy good food, good friends, and the latest in cooking and baking tools . . . win, win. And thanks to Kim, our hostess with the mostess. The Community Center and Lydia Taft Pratt Library are hosting AARP’s program on consumer fraud with three presentations: the first on April 9, Weapons of Fraud; the second on May 7, Scams and Con Artists; and the third on June 4, Identity Theft. These programs begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public. May 4th is the date for our first “new style” tag sale. For those who have tag sale or craft items you wish to sell, call Melody at 2542594 to reserve your space ($15.00) We are working at writing a grant to purchase an AED (automated external defibrillator). This is not an easy process! Wagon update: hubs have been sent to a manufacturer in Pennsylvania who will make us four new wheels! Our next project is to build a structure in which to house our historic treasure. The front room of the Community Center

is still available to rent; call Jean at 254-9212 for more information. Spring is here. Children will be playing on the fields; please remember to be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your four-footed friends. Keep the Center in mind when planning those get togethers, classes, parties—whatever those gatherings may be. We are handicapped accessible which makes us a space for all to enjoy. There is a kitchen, playground, and ample parking to complete the package. Call Jean at 254-9212 to reserve your date. As always, thank you to all of you who support us. Without you, we wouldn’t be here.

Dani Shapiro has written five of them, all focused on themes of identity and family history, and her most recent is Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love (Knopf, 2019), a best seller that’s creating a lot of buzz. Her story begins when, with both her parents long dead, she casually takes an Ancestry DNA test and discovers she is not the person she believes herself to be. The results are shocking: not only is her half-sister no relation, but her beloved father is not her biological father. How she makes meaning of these family secrets revealed is the focus of her book. According to a New York Times review by Ruth Franklin, “(her) account is beautifully written and deeply moving—it brought me to tears more than once.” Latest Arrivals (all are new releases): The American Agent, A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear, The Chef by James Patterson, Connections in Death by J.D. Robb, Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide by Benjamin Dreyer, Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi, Green Book (Best Picture, DVD), Guinness World Records 2019, Inheritance by Dani Shapiro, Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, Juliet’s School of Possibilities by Laura Vanderkam, The Last Second by Catherine Coulter, Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly, Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin, The Red Address Book by Sofia Lindbergh, Wolf Pack by C.J. Box, and more. Join us Tuesday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. for the third and last in our series of AARP Fraud Watch Network presentations by Elliott Greenblott. This program focuses on identity theft, explains how and why it occurs, provides instruction on protective steps, and advises what to do if it happens to you. The program takes place at the Community Center, 150 West Street. “Remember: Whenever it is and wherever you are, there’s always a book waiting for you.” Gretchen Rubin

Sponsors Paul & Jody Normandeau Gincy Bunker Michelle Cherrier & Philip Goepp Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison

8 • spring, 2019 • Views of Dummerston

organizations Dummerston Cares

Wednesday Walks and Hikes Fill Weeks of Spring By Bill Johnson

However if you’re finding out about it for the first time and would like to join in for some of This spring, Dummerston Cares and the the remaining schedule of Wednesday walks and Dummerston Conservation Commission have Saturday hikes, you can find details at the webjoined forces to co-sponsor a hiking/walk- sites for Dummerston Cares and Dummerston ing program for our residents. This was in response to a high level of interest expressed in an election day survey last November. Since mid-April, residents have been offered a series of guided Wednesday morning walks on local trails, selected to allow participants to stroll through easy terrain for up to an hour. Lesley N. Fishelman, MD Parallel offerings for Saturday mornings have taken participants for longer, medium-intenOn March 19 th Dummerston Cares and sity hikes, up to two hours in duration. It was the Dummerston School PTFO presented a expected that the Wednesday walks would appeal to seniors who welcome the opportu- Digital Media and Kids forum. This forum nity for moderate outdoor exercise in attrac- came as the result of interest expressed by tive natural settings, in pleasant company town residents on the election day survey with new and old friends, while the Saturday that Cares conducted. I spoke with the school board and they hikes would attract all age groups, including working adults and school-age young people. were interested in and helpful in working with The walks and hikes have taken place on principal JoCarol Ratti in planning this event. familiar public trails such as Prospect Hill, Members of the school board, the DummerBlack Mountain, and the West River former ston Cares board, the school principal, and a rail-line, as well as privately-owned proper- few teachers and parents were present. After ties whose owners have generously opened the forum many suggested that the presentatheir woods land trails to this program. tion be summarized in the Views to enable The spring program is planned to continue into more parents and residents to benefit from mid-June. If you have already been on some the information. Here are the most important points from of these outings, you know what it’s all about. the hour-long presentation: The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends limiting screen time for all children. For children under two years old they recommend only FaceTime, or Skype with no other screen time. . For children ages two through five they recommend a maximum of one hour of high quality programming a day, co-watched with an adult. The basis for these recommendations comes from studies that show lower scores at Windham County Homeowners! thirty-six and sixty months on developmental testing in children with higher levels of screen $2,000—$4,000 discount to use, reflecting poorer verbal and motor skills swap your old wood stove for as well as lower levels of emotional maturity. Studies show that screen time is increasing new pellet stove. in all age groups, and this is associated with Call Windham & Windsor diminishing physical activity and obesity. Housing Trust at Increasing numbers of consecutive days per 802-254-4604 for info week of internet game playing is associated

Conservation Commission. You can send an email to info@dummerstoncares.org or info@ dummerstonconservation.com, or call hike/walk coordinator Bill Johnson at 257-1020. We look forward to meeting you on the trail.

Effects of Screen Time on Children Explained with a dependency syndrome. There is evidence of stress in children who have internet dependency syndrome, including premature white blood cell chromosome aging, higher circulating adrenaline, changes in HDLs (the heart protective type of cholesterol), and higher than normal levels of irritability. While the literature on the effects of the use of social media does not show clear evidence of regular and extended social media use leading to depression, the trend seems to be in the direction of increased depression in heavy users of social media. Finally, in Silicon Valley many children of technology specialists and executives are not allowed any screen time other than that related to school work, and some of these children even attend screen-free schools. These Silicon Valley people know that children’s games and content is designed using visual rewards to keep the user coming back to the screen, thus creating a dependency. The program presented some concrete suggestions on how to help limit screen dependency. These suggestions are posted on the Dummerstoncares.org website, along with a list of references used in creating the content of the forum. The Dummerston School will be offering an update of the information from the forum for teachers during a faculty meeting or during a professional development day next year. In addition, I have created my own website, www.kidsnscreens.net, to provide weeklybiweekly updates on the newest information from reputable sources on the subject. There is a link to this website on the Dummerston Cares website.

Views of Dummerston • spring, 2019 • 9

organizations

Low Cost Home Repair Grants Available from Housing Trust Home Repair Grants Available

By Lissa Harris,

Windsor and Windham Housing Trust

A local housing trust has started offering a $2,500 grant to help income-eligible people make necessary home repairs. Windham and Windsor Housing Trust (WWHT) announced that they will be adding a $2,500 grant to all Green Mountain Home Repair (GMHR) loans, low-cost loans with flexible guidelines for those who may have already been turned down by a bank. The new feature, which launched in 2019, was added because of a growing need among the loan program participants whose repair projects were more extensive than they anticipated. “So many times a small repair job can turn into a large, costly project.” said WWHT repair specialist Jerry Freeman. “This can be really difficult when folks are on a tight budget.” Freeman explained that a small leak can eventually lead to mold damage if left unattended. Replacement of a hot water heater could lead to electrical rewiring. “I see these

kinds of problems all the time,” continued Freeman. “Vermont has some really old houses that often need to be brought to code.” “This is sort of GMHR 2.0,” said WWHT Director of Home Ownership Bruce Whitney. “We were seeing that the loans people needed were larger than what they could afford to pay back. This way, if the project costs $4,000 they only need to pay back $1,500 of that.” In order to qualify, an applicant’s household income needs to be no more than 80 percent of their county’s median household income. In Windham County, that’s $40,250 for a household of one; $46,000 for two; $51,750 for three; $57,500 for four; and $62,100 for

Help Needed to Maintain Prospect Hill By Mary Lou Schmidt

Many hikers enjoy the trek up the right-ofway to take in the spectacular view from the plateau of Prospect Hill, or to just sit and meditate while relaxing on the John Evans memorial stone bench. This town-owned parcel is truly very special. The conservation commission continued its

Solid Waste Facility Stands Ready to Assist, Receive By Athena Lee Bradley,

collection of recyclables, food scraps (for composting), and trash. These stations can be checked out at no cost. Got trash? Recyclables? Redeemable botHave questions? Contact the district office tles? Food scraps? Unwanted electronics? at 802-257-0272 or by email at recycle@ Used batteries? Paint? CFLs? Stuff to swap? windhamsolidwaste.org. You’d be amazed at all the things that Windham Solid Waste Management District can accept! Check out our website at www.windhamsolidwaste.org for details and for a comOld Favorites, New Hybrids, plete list of what you can bring to the district. Notices for household hazardous waste colRare Beauties lections and other district events can be found Annuals, Perennials, Hanging Baskets on our website and our Facebook page— Herbs and Vegetable Plants https://www.facebook.com/WindhamSolid Route 5, Dummerston 254-2051 Waste/. Stop by the district offices for information on backyard composting, recycling, and more! We also sell Earth Machine compost bins for $50 and kitchen counter food scrap collection pails for $10. If you run a business, district staff can provide free technical assistance in waste reduction, recycling, food scrap diversion, and proper disposal. We can also provide support to event organizers—from weddings to fairs. The district has event recycling stations for Projects Manager WSWMD

five. Landlords can also qualify for the grant as long as either their income or their tenants’ household incomes qualify. An applicant’s information is taken over the phone. Qualified applicants will then get a home visit from one of WWHT’s repair specialists to determine the scope and priority of the work needed. The program is available to people who live in Windham and Windsor County through WWHT and in Washington, Orange, and Lamoille Counties through Downstreet Housing and Community Development. To find out more, call 802-246- 2116 or visit www.homemattershere.org.

stewardship of the property, maintaining the trails and markers and keeping the trail guide box replenished. Invasive and sapling regrowth continue to be a real problem and a work day last May, to help control this situation, was poorly attended. A second work day planned for September was canceled as a result. The trustees are planning a new strategy for this coming year in an attempt to maintain the wonderful views. There is a change in the trustees as the last of the original trustees (1974), Mary Lou Schmidt, has stepped down. The vacancy will be filled by a long-time resident, assuring that the legacy of Edith Bradley will continue. The trustees now include: Ed Anthes, Elizabeth Catlin, Betsy Whitaker, Richard Epstein, and the selectboard.

Computer questions?

Tired of feeling out of control? Patient, Sympathetic Coaching Macs • Windows • iPads • Tablets

Annamarie 802-451-1941 www.PatientSympatheticCoaching.com

Naturally Grown Vegetables Free Choice CSA Raw Honey 440 Miller Rd, E. Dummerston VT www.fullplatefarmers.com

10 • spring, 2019 • Views of Dummerston

school news

Julianne Eagan To Assume Principal Duties in Fall By Kristina Naylor

Representative, Dummerston School Board

There is much to be grateful for every spring as the season of new beginnings begins anew. Our newly-paved driveway prevented spring’s usual pothole crop. As spring showers now move away from the building, we thank our voters for supporting the paving article and Lee Chamberlain and Jason Evan’s team who helped this happen at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. As new grass springs up, we are thankful for Dummerston Selectboard’s recent purchase of our playing fields. These fields, assessed for over $4 million, were purchased for ten dollars. While this sounds like a bad real estate deal, the purchase assures that our fields remain with Dummerston and will be kept as athletic fields if we are merged. The school will continue to maintain and schedule field use for community members. Thanks to board member Michael McGillion for his work on this as well. Though finding gratitude for Act 46 is challenging, we are thankful for the lawyers, mostly volunteering, who are challenging the forced merger legality. We also thank our legislators who are working to extend merger

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

254-5663

Vermont Insight Meditation Center Offering instruction in personal and interpersonal mindfulness practices. 254-7077

www. vermontinsight.org

deadlines beyond July 1, to allow the courts to rule and to assure a smooth transition. Meanwhile our board’s work continues to assure Dummerston school is well-managed however governance proceeds. This spring has brought prekindergarten to Dummerston, with the unanimous support of our town meeting day budget. Free, highquality preK benefits our children, our longterm tax rate, and Dummerston families. Our board was inspired by the many Dummerston parents who have approached us saying that free preK is “a game changer for their families” and “making it possible for us to have a second child”. We are certain our preschool curriculum will be of the highest quality. Our staff is known for their high-quality, developmentally-appropriate programming and this commitment extends to our youngest students. We are also excited about the possibility of extending all our incredible building resources—nursing, library, music, art, and physical education—to support our Preschoolers. In a season of new beginnings, we welcome a new principal to Dummerston School. Two excellent finalists were chosen from nineteen candidates by a multi-stakeholder hiring committee. These two finalists then interviewed with over 30 community members, including parent, staff, administrator, and board members. We are grateful for superintendent Lyle Holiday’s inclusive vision for this process which also gave candidates a chance to meet our community. We are also grateful that Julianne Eagan accepted the principalship. In

addition to her extensive classroom experience, Julianne co-founded Parent Express, a newspaper for parents of young children and currently serves as a WSESU Curriculum Coordinator. The board has planned a welcome event in late April to welcome Julianne to Dummerston. In the spirit of thankfulness, we thank Jo Carol for her twenty years of dedicated service. Recognizing any principal is a difficult task; they manage challenging students, legal issues, endless paperwork, and flooded basements. However, thanking Jo Carol is even more difficult. The first challenge is that Jo Carol does not like the spotlight. Recently the Vernon schoolboard chair, Kerry Amidon, asked JoCarol her secret for Dummerston’s fantastic academic results. Jo Carol replied, “I hire great staff”. Jo Carol does not take credit, even when it is due. The more challenging factor in recognizing JoCarol is her length and breadth of service. While only six percent of Vermont principals remain in the same school over twelve years, Jo Carol has been our principal for twenty. As a small school principal, JoCarol is also sort of a “know it all”. She knows families, children, teachers, supervisory union staff, laws, curriculum, educational quality standards, and cleaning schedules. The line, “You can learn a lot from him, he knows where the bodies are buried,” applies to Jo Carol; she knows where all the waterlines and septic tanks are buried. JoCarol has also maintained her commitment to getting the job done. When we needed a board recorder, JoCarol immediately offered to take minutes. After a long day as principal she took on a thankless job to save money for programming and to allow board members to concentrate on their work. Jo Carol leaves behind an incredible legacy. Her “hiring of great staff” over twenty years has filled our classrooms with top-notch educators. She has mentored and trained new continued on page 12