Views of Dummerston - 2021#1 - Winter

Art by Gary Blomgren

Volume 31 Issue 1

Winter~ 2021

Cutting the Ice

Free • Since 1990

Communications District Advances Broadband Plans

By Eric Lineback

8th-grade students enjoy the new ice skating rink behind Dummerston School.

Vote to Dissolve Unified Board Included in Town Meeting Agenda

By Thomas Nolan,

Dummerston Representative, WSESD Board

As we head through winter, the unified Windham Southeast School District continues to focus its work on coping with COVID. While at present the threat is as bad as it’s ever been, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel and a path toward reopening schools completely for in-person learning.

The board is currently taking on a large project at Academy School that would bring an addition to the building and renovation of problematic decades-old windows. We are

looking over the financial costs and ways of making the project as environmentally responsible as possible. This project will bring much-needed additional space to the school.

Perhaps the biggest topic on the horizon is the new question that will be on this March’s ballot: should we dissolve the newly united district and revert to town school boards?

Several years back, after the passage of the controversial Act 46, the four towns in the district were asked whether to remain separate, or if they wanted to merge into what has become the WSESD. All four towns continued on page 10

As we take stock of the profound challenges we faced in 2020, and continue to face in the new year, one thing that stands out is the universal need for equitable, sustainable broadband. Though we are not out of the woods yet with COVID-19, we do understand more about the practical necessity for reliable internet access—for education, for healthcare, and for work. Dummerston has recently taken a good and necessary step towards accomplishing this by joining the Deerfield Valley Communications Union District (DVCUD), also known as DVFiber, the growing communications district in southern Vermont. DVFiber’s values are equity, performance, affordability, reliability, and privacy.

Since November, DVFiber has launched a new website (DVFiber.net), published its first quarterly newsletter, and set up a Facebook profile. To stay connected with developments and news, we encourage you to go to the website and sign up for the newsletter. If you use Facebook, we invite you to “Like” us and follow us there (search for DVFiber).

The district is expanding: In the past three months, five towns have joined DVCUD, expanding the collaboration from fifteen to twenty towns with the addition of Weston, Dummerston, Putney, Westminster, and Newfane. This continued growth increases both the ultimate scope of the project and the number of people working to achieve its goals.

In less than a year, the district has grown from its original five member towns to twenty towns in Windham, Bennington, and Windsor counties. You can see the full list of towns and their representatives and alternates on the website. continued on page 17

2 • Winter, 2021 • 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 residents of the town of Dummerston. It is also available online at viewsofdummerston.org. We encourage people to help us save printing and mailing expenses by cancelling their print subscription and accessing the Views online at viewsofdummerston.org; to do so please email Sara Ryan at: subscribe online@viewsofdummerston.org.

If you are not a resident of Dummerston and would prefer to receive a paper copy of the Views, you may subscribe for an annual cost of $5. Mail a check made payable to Views of Dummerston, with your name and mailing address to Lee Tice, 230 School House Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346.

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@viewsof dummerston.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: March 23

Views will be mailed on: May 12 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.)

Big Mouth and Loud Voice Come In Handy

By J. Clyde Johnson, V.M.D. While reading the latest Views of Dummerston, it occurred to me that I might have some history in this old bald head that would be interesting for some residents of the town, and even those who have moved away.

In 1962 Ruth and Patricia Johnson came with me to live in the town when I accepted an offer from Dr. David Baldwin to work with him and “buy in” to the practice that became VT-NH Veterinary Clinic. Just for perspective, I was only the third veterinarian to work in Windham County—amazing to think of now.

By the way, twins Scott and Lisa and another son Timothy joined our family while we lived in Dummerston.

I was born and raised in western Pennsylvania in a town the size of Dummerston. It didn’t take long to appreciate the “independent Vermonter” attitude, and I realized that I had been born a “Vermonter”—just not born in Vermont! Town government, not county, a pleasant surprise, and town meeting was just the best. It was well-attended and the articles were well-discussed.

In 1967 I was honored to be elected as town moderator. Having watched the process for five years and “blessed” with a big mouth and a loud voice, it made the position easy and fun for me, and that must have pleased the voters because I continued in that position for many years. I have lots of great memories, including but not limited to: Harry Fitz from West Dummerston seldom missing a meeting and even in icy cold March weather coming bare-footed and always with a comment or two; great lunches put on by great chefs (we even had people coming just for the lunch!); and governors of the state attending for a short time every other year or two. The best was when Governor Dean came and his first words were, and I quote: “I am so happy to be here in Putney!” The crowd was stunned and I whispered the name “Dummerston” in his ear. He rectified his mistake with a cherry red face, and I know for a fact he never forgot that day.

Of course there were always two sides to an issue and much discussion, whether the article

How Are We D o i n g ?

requested $75 or $75,000 - people just wanted to be heard and they were. Another time a quite vocal-resident wanted to comment on the article on the floor, probably his fourth time to ask to speak. Since I knew him well, I said I would let him comment one more time because I liked his hair style—of course it was a mirror image of mine. How fortunate we both are!

The first Tuesday of March was always an absolutely wonderful day and so important to all of us. Voting was done by voice or by raising of hands or, when it was close, by paper ballot (really just slips of paper with a “yes” or “no” written on them). Town officials would count and the moderator would announce the results. No mail-ins, no absentee. People came in wheel chairs and on crutches and walkers—wouldn’t miss it for the world. All the local positions in town were nominated, with discussion if wanted, then voted on at the meeting. If you weren’t there, you didn’t vote. That process did change and it was for the better, for then voting for town officeholders would be done throughout the day of the meeting.

The moderator also had responsibilities when there were special meetings that affected the residents. For instance, where do we build the new elementary school—on the east side or west side of town? Do we purchase the Jack Williams’ property next to the existing east school at an “exorbitant” price? (Of course what a great buy that seems in 2021!) As I recall, the town voted to spend the money on the new east school, then met again and voted it down, and then met again and built the school. Whew!

Local governance is absolutely the best and my prayer is that it never goes away.

Almost everyone I have described it to has been impressed. It does seem odd to me that the concept didn’t travel west with the pioneer people. Maybe it needed a certain concentration of people—over 250 towns in the small size of Vermont; think how many times Vermont would fit in Texas.

Well, enough “remembrances” for this time.

I’ll be eternally grateful (well, as long as I live) for the opportunity of serving the town as moderator for those many years.

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.

Send your comments to: viewsfeedback@dummerston.com.

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 • Winter, 2021• 3

town government

Selectboard Service Important and Rewarding

By Jerelyn Wilson For anyone who never met Shorty Forrett, let me encourage you to ask anyone you encounter who did know him to tell you a story about Shorty. They will certainly have one! Here is what I wrote about Shorty for the Views in 2018: “I’ve lived on Leonard Road in West Dummerston since 1983. Thirtyone of those years was across the road from Shorty and Mary Forrett. In July of ’86 it was Shorty who stuck a large piece of cardboard nailed to a 2x4 into my front yard with handpainted lettering that said: It’s a Girl! That was the first of two daughters. Over the years we’ve all learned a lot from Shorty and Mary.

Serving 29 years on the Dummerston Selectboard, from 1977-2006, Shorty always had a lot of stories. Maybe in a way he inspired me to take my turn serving the town. Now three years into my service, a little math tells me I’d be 88 if I were to serve as long as he did!”

Well, I’m not 88 yet, I’m only 65, but I will be stepping down this March after my six years of service on the Dummerston Selectboard. Despite the fact that I’m eager to shift my focus to other activities, I am very aware of the value this experience has brought me.

Although I had lived here for three decades prior to serving on the Selectboard, I had little direct experience with the infrastructure of our town. I paid property taxes twice a year. I voted. I appreciated the charm of the town office, Historical Society Schoolhouse, and Congregational Church when I’d drive through Dummerston Center on my way to work at Miller Orchards, or the VT-NH Clinic to take my golden retriever for a check-up.

But, for sure, I was unfamiliar with the inner workings of the town office.

Turns out that a town—even a small one, with less than 2,000 residents—does not run itself. It takes both people to run it and established systems, including policies, ordinances, and regulations, to ensure smooth operations. If you’re not familiar with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT), you can be very thankful that this organization exists to help towns like Dummerston function smoothly! They lend a strong support to selectboards across our state. My orientation as a newly elected selectboard member in 2015 was not only useful, but engaging and inspiring.

Many Vermonters highlight annual town meeting with pride as a vehicle for practicing

a form of local democracy. I know now that town meeting is one piece of a robust civic structure. An engaged selectboard is key to maintaining a participatory town meeting.

And I have learned a lot about how the selectboard’s responsibilities for its town’s finances as well as the maintenance of its roads works only within a structure that includes other key elected and appointed officials. Throughout my terms on the selectboard, my respect and appreciation for this structure kept growing.

I certainly appreciate the geographical beauty of Dummerston. Looking at the wide, starry night sky from my upper field, getting the long view from on top of Black Mountain, experiencing the glory of a sea of white apple blossoms from a high point on Miller Road or watching the waters cascade down Stickney Brook fill me up. I’m thankful for the work of the planning commission, the development review board and the zoning administrator who are all thinking longerterm about how to maintain and enhance what we appreciate about our town. My experience on the selectboard has allowed me to get to know the people in our community who are serving in these roles. Some are people I had already known, but many were not. What we all share is an appreciation for this town—and a commitment to keeping it a great place to live. One of the things I really value has been the opportunity to work with people who think differently than I do. I am challenged to articulate my perspectives clearly and rationally. I am challenged to listen carefully, suspending judgement in order to really understand what is behind someone else’s perspective.

There have been relatively few contentious issues during my time on the selectboard— and for that I am grateful. When challenging differences do come up, a key part of my role as a selectboard member has been to listen.

We listen to the concerns of residents, then sort out the issues and discuss the matter. This

is why hearing—and really listening to—the variety of perspectives from our residents is so valuable. And it’s why it’s so important for your selectboard to be representative of the town.

As I prepare to step down this March, we don’t yet know who is going to step up. If you don’t think of yourself as someone who could do the work of a selectboard member, maybe think again. If I could do it, so could you! If you appreciate Dummerston, if you have a desire to listen and learn, and you have a spare evening twice a month, you can do it! And at least for now, there’s no travel involved because the meetings are online. Try it, you might like it! I certainly did.

Wanted

Dummerston Selectboard is looking for a part-time Administrative Assistant.

Please email

selectboard@dummerston.org with interest or questions.

Sponsors

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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 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston

town government Dummerston Conservation Commission

West River Water Quality Good, Though Stressed

By John Anderson By the time this reaches your mailbox, sugar makers will be anticipating sap flows, the road crew will be anticipating late season nor’easters, voters will be anticipating whatever version of town meeting the COVID-19 pandemic will allow and the conservation commission will be anticipating that day when we can once again directly engage with our neighbors and friends. But, recently we’ve had to mostly settle for Zoom meetings and similar forms of indirect contact.

The Windham Regional Commission and the Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance jointly hosted a Zoom presentation with Marie Caduto, Watershed Planner for the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation entitled West River Watershed: Water Quality Presentation and Discussion.

Caduto offered information on the current status of the West River watershed and on what her department’s Tactical Basin Planning process entails. Attendees were encouraged to help inform future clean water efforts and to share first-hand knowledge of river issues, especially on areas that need more protection or maintenance, on access issues, and on other factors that might be stressing the river.

My takeaway from this presentation was that water quality in the basin is generally good but with some localized problems mostly involving nitrogen runoff. Failed septic systems, fertilizers, and pet wastes top the list of possible sources. Issues around dump sites and more recent illegal dumping

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Offices in Brattleboro and Dover

were raised by participants. And the goal of removing obsolete or abandoned dams to normalize stream flow was reiterated.

The Windham Regional Commission also arranged a Zoom version of a Joint Regional Conservation Groups meeting which, logically enough, began with a presentation entitled: How Local Conservation Commissions Have Adapted their Work During COVID-19. Linda Hecker of Guilford, Irwin Kuperberg of Londonderry, and Christine Goepp, Mary Ellen Copeland and Judy Fink of Dummerston spoke.

Other attending commissions and conservation organizations then reported on their current initiatives and on opportunities for collaboration. The meeting concluded with participants outlining, Upcoming Events of Interest Related to either Conservation or Environmental Education.

These normally biannual meetings are an opportunity to explore cross-border conservation issues, learn from the initiatives of others, and keep up to date on regional and statewide concerns.

Traditionally the participants of these meetings have gathered for a pot luck dinner before making presentations. Unfortunately, Zoom cannot accommodate casseroles, salads, or desserts.

Here in Dummerston, boots-on-the-ground projects such as ash tree inventorying, trail work, and rare plant protection are, as always, ongoing. We also have a resource-filled web site, an e-newsletter and a Facebook page that you can visit. And two of our members, Lynn Levine and Judy Fink, have created educational YouTube videos. All in all, the conservation commission is keeping up with its mandated responsibilities.

Now having faithfully reported, I’m going to ramble off in another direction and offer some thoughts triggered by a peregrine sighting.

It occurred on an early October day a few years ago while I was counting migrating raptors from the Putney Mountain summit clearing. As I scanned the skies a peregrine

falcon appeared north of my position and eventually drifted over, about 100 feet above the ridge. It then found a thermal and spiraled up in the warm, rising air until disappearing hundreds of feet up into the blue.

Having recorded that bird, I was scanning the skies searching for other migrants, but saw only a few blue jays gathering acorns on the edge of the clearing. Then I became aware of a noise that brought to mind fabric ripping, but muted and with an unusual persistence.

I looked up to see the source of that noise, the peregrine in full hunting stoop, rocketing toward the foraging blue jays. The ever-alert jays dove over the side of the ridge seeking cover, and a split second later the falcon followed them down over the tree tops and out of my field of view.

Perhaps thirty seconds later, utilizing updrafts caused by northwest breezes hitting the side of the ridge, the big falcon rose back into view clutching a very limp blue jay in one foot. It then floated nearly motionless on that updraft while plucking and eating the jay. I was thrilled! It was what I think of as a ‘magic’ interlude, a totally unexpected glimpse of something rare, something extrahominid.

An average of just 31 peregrine falcons are recorded from Putney Mountain each fall. However, in my youth none would have, or could have, been seen. At that time there were no peregrines east of the Mississippi River. None. Eggshell thinning caused by the organochloride insecticides such as DDT made it impossible for them to incubate eggs. The fragile eggs simply collapsed.

As older birds died off there were no young to replace them. Populations dwindled to nothing.

Eventually organochlorines were banned.

Peregrines were reintroduced. Over time populations recovered. Sightings such as the one I’ve shared once again became possible.

I’m glad that appropriate action was taken fifty years ago. Watching that peregrine hunt was a thrill—for me if not for the blue jay.

And it was a thrill that wouldn’t have been possible had we not agreed to ban organochlorides such as DDT. Such actions pay long-term dividends, often when we least expect them!

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

Views of Dummerston • Winter, 2021• 5

town government Dummerston Planning Commission

Bylaw Forum for Home Businesses and Signs Scheduled

By Sam Farwell

Planning Commission

The planning commission will host a public forum on April 6 at 7 p.m. to present amendments to the “Zoning Bylaw on Home Business and Signs” and get feedback from Dummerston residents. The meeting will be held on Zoom and more information will be available as the date approaches. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The planning commission has tried for years to improve the regulations on home businesses, and even held a public forum on a previous draft, probably in 2012. I have drafts going back to 2011 but the commission was working on it before I took my seat. It has proved to be one of the hardest sections of the bylaw to write, but we believe that what we have drafted is better than what is currently in our bylaw and remained unchanged for too long.

While businesses are allowed in most parts of the Route 30 and Route 5 corridors, in almost all other parts of Dummerston, the only type business allowed is one that is operated out of the business owner’s home. Many people make their living from home and their right to do so is protected by state statute. However, the statute also allows towns to regulate and permit home businesses, in order to protect residential neighborhoods from too much disturbance. A home business that creates noise or traffic (for example) beyond levels that the neighbors can reasonably abide, is a problem that the bylaw should prevent from happening if it is written well and enforced consistently.

Many residents are probably unaware that their work at home may qualify as a Home Business and may require a permit. Currently our bylaw requires conditional use approval by the Development Review Board (DRB) for any home business—even if it is a one-person operation with no customers or deliveries.

It also limits all home businesses to three non-family employees. The proposed amendment allows home businesses with up to two employees and five client visits per day to operate without a permit. Home businesses with up to five employees and up to twenty client/customers on-site per day require a permit but can avoid DRB approval. Larger operations with up to ten employees and/or outside storage or displays of goods or materials are allowed but require a conditional use

permit with DRB approval.

These changes to the home business section of the zoning bylaw relieve small business owners of the DRB approval requirements and allow for more robust operations to legally operate out of the owners’ homes. Permitting and DRB review are required where there is the potential for an impact to neighbors.

Another part of the bylaw in need of updating are the sections regulating signs, but here the main objective is to make it simpler and clearer. While certain types of commercial and nonresidential advertising signs will be allowed a minor increase in total area, the significant changes are in the way the section is presented, and how signs are defined. While this may seem arcane to anyone but a planning commissioner, if you own a business or home business, you probably will want to install a sign one day and you might want to learn about the requirements. If you come to our forum you could even tell us what you think of our proposed rules!

Drafts of the proposed amendments will be available a few weeks before the public forum on the town website. There will be printed copies available for pick up at the town office as well. Even if you cannot—or will not— access Zoom, please take a minute to review the amendments. Commissioners want your feedback—whether at a public forum or by email or phone call.

After considering your comments at the April 6 forum, the planning commission is

Sponsors Linda Rood & Roger Turner Nick & Joan Thorndike Dick & Harriet Virkstis Marcy Hermansader Lou Nelson

planning to hold its public hearing on these amendments and a few other minor ones on June 1, after which they will be sent to the selectboard for adoption.

Regular meetings of the planning commission are on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The agenda and minutes are posted on the commission’s page of the town website.

Meetings are always open to the public. As long as we hold them via videoconference, the Zoom invitation will be included on the agenda so that anyone may attend. Written comments are welcome and can be emailed to planning@ dummerston.org or mailed to the town office.

Planning commissioners are appointed by the selectboard. Currently there is one vacant seat so if you have an interest in working on the zoning bylaw and the town plan please come to a meeting or speak with one of us.

Current planning commissioners are Annamarie Pluhar, Beverly Tier, Bob Danzi, Maria Glabach, Regina Stefanelli, Rick Contino, Sam Farwell, and Sarah Bergh.

6 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston

town government Windham Solid Waste Management District

“Dumps”, With Seagulls and Rank Odors, a Thing of the Past

By Michelle Cherrier, Supervisor, WSWMD

In a recent review of The Front Porch Forum, which is a free, community-building on-line service helping neighbors connect with each other, I ran into an interesting post.

It was a person “Seeking Recommendation” for, “Need a Dump to Dump Dumpy Stuff: I’m purging my storage space and have a bunch of plastics, old electronics and hardwood to get rid of. Where are the dumps in the area and which ones are reasonable about what they charge?”

I did not immediately respond with the link to the Windham Solid Waste District’s website or telephone number, being caught up with Christmas week and kitchen renovations. Thank you so much to a kind neighbor who responded a couple of days later by “Making a Recommendation” to “the recycling bins at the ‘dump’ in Brattleboro.”

Why does the term “dump” still exist??

Are too many of us old enough to remember when there were dumps? I have an indelible memory of dumps from my young childhood in New Jersey (yes, we only visited my dad’s Vermont relatives every year until we moved here when I was eleven). The urban-area dump of central New Jersey was enormous (at least to a child), it smelled foul, and was full of flies, other insects, rats, and large, very loud earthmoving equipment. We had to wait in line to dump our household trash and even closing the windows of the car did not contain the odor; it was loathsome, detestable, and wretched. There were not and are not enough

Tax Payments Should be Mailed

By Charlotte Neer Annis Treasurer

Due to Covid-19, we are asking that all tax payments be done through the mail or by using the mail slot to the right of the town office door. Receipts will be sent if you include a SASE or email address with your payment.

We are also requesting that cash payments be made with a money order. If you must bring cash, exact change will be required. Please knock on the door and someone will write up a receipt for you.

adjectives to describe my lifetime recollection of the horrors of that dump.

The truth, I admit, is that I am old enough to remember when the WSWMD was still a landfill. It was formed in 1988 with eight member towns managing the 30-acre landfill. But in 1995, due to federally-mandated landfill operations regulations, the WSWMD opted out of the landfill business and started recycling, only twenty years ago. I was well into my thirties and had been a rabid recycler since it became available when I was nineteen.

All these vivid memories of how our trashgarbage-refuse had been handled has inspired me to report on how we have evolved to our current situation. I suppose I answered the point at issue: our Windham County landfill only closed a mere twenty-six years ago – no wonder people, including my husband, still call it the dump. If you are over thirty years old, that is what it was called for the majority of your life!

For the record, here is a general timeline of the conversion from dumps to landfills and why we’ve had to learn a new vocabulary so recently.

“A Guide to Vermont’s Solid Waste Law” was published in December 1987. This is Vermont Act 78 and can be found online as a 57-page typewritten document. Here are highlights from the Introduction to the Act: “In 1968, the Vermont General Assembly called for each municipality to provide a sanitary landfill, incinerator or both in order to properly dispose of waste. Since then, solid waste management in Vermont has been a municipal responsibility. At the time the original 1968 law was enacted the accepted method of solid waste disposal in most Vermont towns was open burning. In 1987, when Act 78 was enacted Vermont had approximately 200 dumps which openburned on a regular basis. While this seemed to provide a simple way to get rid of our household waste, it soon became complicated by our increasing knowledge of the potential hazards caused by air pollutants produced by the burning trash. In 1970-71, the State began to enforce Air Pollution Control Regulations and municipalities stopped burying and started to improve the operations of their open dumps. This was done by burying the disposal areas on a more frequent basis with adequate cover material.” Consequently, our solid waste vocabulary became more sophis-

ticated and the ‘town dump” became first a landfill, then a ‘sanitary landfill’.

The Act 78 Introduction continues: “In 1972 the state adopted new regulations governing landfills. In 1977, the state adopted solid waste management regulations, with the Department of Environmental Conservation created in 1980. By 1985 landfills all over the state were running out of approved space. In November 1985, the Agency of Environmental Conservation convened a ‘Solid Waste Summit’ after which in 1986 Governor Madeline Kunin created a solid waste management Advisory Committee. In January 1987 the committee issued its report which was the starting point for Act 78.”

In its Declaration of Policy, Act 78 focused on major changes: an increased state role in regulating trash disposal; the development of user fees to assure everyone pays the real cost of solid waste management; and giving waste reduction, reuse, and recycling the highest priority among all solid waste management alternatives. Next fast forward to 2012 when Act 148 was passed which included compliance deadlines in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020 for expanding recycling and composting services. This condensed history brings us up to 2021, and may help to explain why even today, somebody on Front Porch Forum is still looking for the “dump”.

In related facts: The state of Vermont published the rules for solid waste management on February 1, 1989. They have been reviewed and revised eight times in the past thirty-two years.

As of this article in January 2021, we only have ONE landfill operating in the state of Vermont. Unless the transfer station who handles our trash uses that landfill, then our trash is being trucked out of the state.

So, what the neighbor on Front Porch Forum needs is a local transfer station or convenience (drop off) center near him. If he is in Windham County, then he can use the Windham Solid Waste Management District on Old Ferry Road in Brattleboro. https:// windhamsolidwaste.org/ References:https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/ wmp/SolidWaste/Documents/Guide_VTSolidWasteLaw_1987.pdf, https://www.epa.gov/sites/ production/files/2016-03/documents/r02002. pdf, https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wmp/ SolidWaste/Documents/Universal-Recycling/ ACT148.pdf

Views of Dummerston • Winter, 2021• 7

organizations Lydia Taft Pratt Library

Evaluating What is True, and Filling the Board Dena Marger

Library Director

Greetings from the Lydia Taft Pratt Library. There is no denying that these are turbulent times. You are probably aware that the library closed its doors in December to in-library browsing due to the ever rising numbers of COVID transmissions and deaths in our state. And, the transitional events unfolding in Washington D.C. have been anything but smooth, as I write this in mid January. These are important times to be thinking about the reliability of our information sources!

Sam Wineburg, the founder of the Stanford History Education Group, has written: “Never has so much information been at our fingertips as it is today. Whether this bounty will make us smarter and better informed or more ignorant and narrowminded will depend on one thing: our educational response to this challenge.”

In other words, the ability to critically evaluate our information is a skill that can and must be taught but cannot be assumed.

According to a study conducted by Wineburg’s organization, most students, middle school through college, struggle to distinguish between credible and unreliable news articles. Many adults, and even college professors, face the same challenges. A contributing factor to this issue is that it has become increasingly more difficult to

distinguish between factual information and editorial content. Similarly, the line between editorial content and advertising has also blurred.

The study found that college students and even some professors tend to evaluate a website by its look: its overall appearance, its graphics, its logo, and whether the domain contains a .org. But any organization can obscure what its bias is, and hide behind a slick design, a professional-looking logo, and quality images. Conversely, the study found that professional fact checkers immediately searched to find out who is responsible for the information on the website, regardless of how slick the website. This simple act is the key to identifying bias or overt misinformation. It is important to ask every time: Who produced the information and why did they produce it?

Got thoughts about information, bias, “fake news,” or anything else? We love to hear about them! Email: dummerstonvtlibrary@gmail.com Phone: 802-258-9878 In the meanwhile, consider this: Why should you consider being a library trustee at Lydia Taft Pratt Library? First: We need people with a lot of passion! Presently, there are two open seats on the LTP Library Board of Trustees. An infusion of new energy is exactly the thing our board needs to help us reach our potential for the town of Dummerston. The most important qualification is a passionate enthusiasm for providing the best

Dummerston Community Center

Jude Tyler Always Helped Out

By Ann Davis The community center is just waiting for the magic words that will give the okay to open its doors to the public. Hopefully it won’t have to wait too long . . . .

We have a few special people to thank—first of all to our loyal supporters, next to Rick Davis for keeping our grounds neat and tidy, and last but not least to the group who lit up West Street on New Year’s Eve with the luminaria.

We also want to remember Jude Tyler. Jude was always willing to help us no matter what we asked him to do—from shoveling snow to

climbing the tall ladder to put up decorations for numerous events. To me he will always be that energetic little blonde boy who would tap on my son’s window to come out and ride tricycles. The world was a brighter place because of Jude.

Please remember the community center when, once again, we can plan gatherings and special events. We are handicapped accessible, have a great kitchen, yard, and plenty of parking. Keep Jean’s phone number on hand to make your reservations (802-254-9212).

Wishing you all a great New Year. Have a safe, healthy, and happy 2021!

library service to the residents of Dummerston possible. (But, spreadsheet skills don’t hurt!) Second: You possess a desire to build and contribute to a more vibrant community!

Library trustees are volunteers who possess the passion and leadership ability to make their communities stronger and more vibrant through their public library. The heart of the public library system in America has always been regular people who care deeply about providing access to literature, information, and lifelong learning in our communities.

And third: There are many interesting roles to play and skills to build! In addition to general library advocacy, trustees sit on the library board, attend board meetings, help communicate key messages to the media, lobby their representatives, become familiar with funding and budget, hire the library director, help set policies, and develop longterm vision and strategy for the library.

Interested? Email: dummerstonvt library@gmail.com. Phone: 802-258-9878

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Sponsors John & Karen Abel Arnold & Roberta Garland Orly Munzing & Bob Dunbar Mark and Lee Tice Fred Lee Bill & Kathleen Fleischmann

8 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston

organizations Historical Society

Chuck Fish Zooms Stories of Kipling Lore

By Muriel Taylor, President

Although the COVID-19 virus has required the temporary closing of the Schoolhouse to the public and the cancellation of our in-person quarterly meetings, our January annual meeting was held by Zoom for all members and interested others. After financial reports and the budget for 2021 were presented, the following were elected as directors for 2021: Muriel Taylor, president; Sara Ryan, vice president; Ruth Hoffman, treasurer; Chuck Fish, secretary; and Jody Normandeau, director. Continuing directors are Cindy Wilcox, Gail Sorenson, and Sallie May. Jody Normandeau was warmly thanked for her many years of service as our treasurer.

Charles Fish then gave a brief presentation on “Kipling in Vermont” which was enthusiastically received. Thank you, Chuck, for braving the world of Zoom and providing such interesting information about a notable

Sponsors Bruce & Catie Berg Gail & Lew Sorenson Barry & Elsa Waxman David & Nina Hutchison Kevin & Sara Ryan

802-579-1474

Fully Insured Dan Jenks Free Estimate 1412 Stickney Brook Road finishlinevtllc@aol.com Dummerston, VT 05301 www.finishlineconstructionvt.com 802-258-2855

piece of local history. Our Friday “organization days” at the schoolhouse were brought to a standstill as the weather turned cold and COVID-19 restrictions tightened. Our directors continue to meet monthly, courtesy of Zoom, and the work of the society goes on as the directors work from home. We are optimistic about returning to a more normal schedule sometime in 2021 and eagerly await seeing all of you, in-person, soon.

Items for Sale in Support of Our 2021 Operating Budget: Although the popular 2021 Scenes of Dummerston calendars sold out by mid-December, C&S and its Print Shop immediately printed an additional 25 calendars, gratis, through its non-profit grant program. We

are so grateful to them. Both the calendars ($10) and our signature black tee-shirts ($20) with the covered bridge motif are available at the town office (check or exact change, please), or by calling either Jody Normandeau at 380-9027 or Gail Sorenson at 254-9311.

Membership: The Dummerston Historical Society encourages you to join us in 2021 as a member or volunteer and to come to our exhibits and meetings when we are able to resume normal operations. We always welcome hearing about what you are interested in and program ideas. 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.

Evening Star Grange

Grange Continues Senior Meals Despite COVID

by Sallie May, Secretary

As I write this, Christmas is 3 days away!

I can’t believe this year has gone by so fast, even though it seems like I’ve been staying inside and away from folks (sometimes) and wearing a mask forever. I have come out to go to work, and to the grocery store, but no jump-in-the-car-and-take-off-for-the-day shopping trips, no trips with friends out to breakfast up in Dorset, and no meetings at the grange! Our Pomona Grange met twice in 2020, and the first half of 2021 has pretty much been cancelled already. Evening Star Grange in Dummerston had been meeting since August once a month but stopped again in December when Governor Scott asked all meetings of nonresident households to cancel get-togethers until further notice. However, the grange has not gone to sleep. A small group of dedicated members and friends have been getting together twice a month to produce takeout meals for our senior citizens and others who are in need of a meal.

While we call them senior lunches, for a slightly larger donation, anyone can come and eat. These meals are prepared and available on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month January through October, and on the second Wednesday of November and December. Currently the pick-up time for the take-out meals is between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are required and should be

made by 5 p.m. on Tuesday preceding the day of the meal, so that we will have enough food prepared. Just call the grange at 254-1138 and when a person or the machine answers, leave your name, telephone number, and the number of meals required. A donation of $3 for seniors aged 60 and older and $4 for the younger folks is suggested.

The grange has also been allowed to reopen the used clothing box that is in our parking area, which was closed by the owning company due to their inability to get rid of all of the donated clothing. The grange is paid a small amount to have this box in their yard and it is beneficial to community members reduced to cleaning out their closets while staying home.

The first public supper of the 2021 season is hoped to be the annual sugar supper held at the end of March, depending on the status of COVID-19 in our state. This will not be a typical sugar-on-snow supper for obvious reasons, but there would be maple syrup in the baked beans and a maple type dessert.

We anticipate this to be a take-out only meal.

Watch for more information as we get further along into the winter.

So, even though we are not allowed to hold regular, open meetings the grange has not really closed up and we are keeping as busy as we can. We hope soon to be able to open our building back up for dances and the like, but until then, we wish you well as we start a new year and a new decade in this beautiful town.

Views of Dummerston • Winter, 2021• 9

organizations Dummerston Cares

On the Front Lines of the COVID Fight

By Heidi Fischer, RN

Member, Dummerston Cares Board

I’m a nurse in the local ER. I probably don’t need to say that the better part of the last year has been unlike any other. Early in the pandemic, we were all on edge, nervous, not sure exactly what to expect or what the next few months would bring. Would we have enough PPE? How many COVID patients would we have? Would the hospital be overwhelmed by positive patients? Would we have enough ventilators? How many staff would get sick? How many deaths would we have?

We watched our colleagues in New York and other hot spots live through the worst.

During that time, our ER and others across the country, became eerily quiet. Patients weren’t coming in for the “normal” stuffheart attacks, strokes, kidney stones, abdominal pain. It didn’t mean that people weren’t having heart attacks or strokes but they weren’t coming in. That too was worrisome.

As the months dragged on and the initial scare wore off and numbers in Vermont dropped, we started getting very busy again.

Our job as nurses definitely got harder.

Anyone who came in with any symptoms that could be COVID had to be treated as a possible case. That means full PPE on and off with each patient encounter—every time we go in and out of a patient room.

That means spending long stretches of time in rooms with very sick patients while you

Cares Helps with Fuel Costs Bill Schmidt As we move toward spring, payment for fuel delivery may be a challenge for some, especially if income is down because of COVID-19 or money is tight. Dummerston Cares has an emergency fuel assistance program for folks in this situation. For information on this program or to request an application, call the Cares message line (257-5800) and leave a message with your name, address, and phone number.

Any funds provided by Cares are made directly to the fuel dealer of those seeking assistance.

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

sweat under gowns and masks and shields.

That means trying to comfort patients and explain to scared and sometimes irate family members why they can’t come in with their loved one. That means rooms being unusable for hours after use as rooms have to “rest” for droplets to fall before they can be cleaned while meanwhile, other sick patients wait to be seen.

Now, caring for COVID patients feels like second nature. It’s not any easier but it is familiar, almost normal. Thankfully, we still have enough PPE available. I am continually thankful that I live and work in Vermont where our number of cases has remained low compared to the rest of the country. Nonetheless, every day I work I think, “Is this the day I’m going to get COVID? Will this be the day that someone who chose to have dinner

with friends, or traveled to see family will come in and infect me and my colleagues?”

Honestly, that has been the most infinitely frustrating part of this experience, caring for patients who make poor decisions or caring for patients from other states who put our community and others at risk including the nurses and doctors who care for them.

Post holidays this has become even more pronounced. My last two shifts we have had continued on page 15

Neighbors Helping Neighbors During COVID Bill Schmidt

Member, Dummerston Cares Board

Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, Dummerston Cares has created a COVID Relief Fund to help ease the burden of those in the community impacted financially by the COVID pandemic.

Dummerston residents whose financial situation has been negatively affected by the pandemic may request $200 per household from the fund. Requests can be made monthly.

Funds will be available only as long as donations continue to replenish the fund.

To request $200, send an email to info@ dummerstoncares.org or a written request to Dummerston Cares, PO Box 302, West Dummerston, VT 05357. If written communication is not possible you may leave a message at our message line (257-5800) and a board member will call you about your request.

Please explain how your financial situation

has been affected by the COVID pandemic (e.g., job loss, loss of clients due to the nature of your work, increased child care expenses, etc.). Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number in your communication.

Donations to the fund will be gratefully accepted at the address above.

The board of Dummerston Cares: Bill Schmidt, president, 257-0233; Susan Daigler, treasurer, 257-4200; Akara Draper, Pam McFadden, Catie G. Berg, Heidi Fischer, Cindy Levine, Shawn Bracebridge, and Cassie Freese.

Opening mid-April For Plant Sales Old Favorites, New Hybrids, Rare Beauties Annuals, Perennials, Hanging Baskets Herbs and Vegetable Plants Route 5, Dummerston 254-2051

Sponsors Alvino & Bea Fantini Paul & Jody Normandeau Cindy and John Wilcox Michelle Cherrier & Philip Goepp Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison

10 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston

school news Vote to Dissolve Unified Board Included in Town Meeting Agenda continued from page 1 decided not to merge, overwhelmingly so in Dummerston. The state of Vermont, however, disregarded this vote and forced the merger.

We are now presented with the opportunity to retake control of our town’s school. If we choose to do so, it appears that the state will have no legal authority to undo this election.

We currently have a unified board that works diligently to serve the interests of all children in the district. It is also a board that has safeguarded against the threat of future school closures (a big concern of voters).

But with all this, and as a current member of the board, I will be voting to dissolve the unified board for a variety of reasons. I feel that local control of our school is both the most democratic and efficient way of running our school. It is also a simple way to undo the

damage done by the state’s previous overreach. Dummerston can run the Dummerston School on its own, as it has before.

While I urge a vote to dissolve, we will do fine with either outcome. Town control of the town’s school is best in my opinion.

It is also what we already voted for. But the current unified board is not what many opponents of Act 46 feared. School closures are out of the question. Members from each town work in good faith for the children of all communities, not merely their own. I think it is a question whose merits we can all reasonably debate, free of worry.

school district. Article 15 then asks if town voters would conditionally approve of the withdrawal of any other town from the district if it votes to leave.

So, if Dummerston votes to leave the district, it could only do so if the other three towns in the district each votes to allow other member towns to withdraw. Finally, according to Superintendent Andy Skarzynski, a confirmed vote to leave the school district would have to “notify the Secretary of Education who shall advise the State Board.”

He provided this link to the state statute covering dissolution of school districts: https://legislature. vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/011/00724 Also: The school district(s) will be scheduling Editor’s Note: There are two articles related informational meetings regarding this vote. to Dummerston’s membership in the Windham Please be on the lookout for when those meetSoutheast School District on this year’s town ings will be held, and join them to learn about meeting warning. Article 14 is a vote on whether the issues involved with dissolving the new unified to authorize the town to withdraw from the unified district.

The Little Red Schoolhouse—Part 2

By Alice Loomis Editors note: Alice Loomis has left us with several written recollections of days past. As promised, here is Part II of her memories of school days in Dummerston, just as she wrote it in 2005.

Classes began. How any one teacher could fit in all different subjects for all eight grades, it must have been magic.

I don’t remember any disciplinary problems when a student got smacked with a ruler or a slap in the face. It’s hard to believe that some Naturally Grown Vegetables Free Choice CSA Raw Honey 440 Miller Rd, E. Dummerston VT www.fullplatefarmers.com

of those things didn’t happen. We never left our seats without permission, given when we raised our hand with one finger or two. One to go get a piece of paper, use the dictionary, etc.

Two if we needed to use one of the two “little houses” in back of the schoolhouse.

There were chores assigned to different students, one of them being to go down the road and over a bank to get a bucket of nice spring water for the day. It was dumped into a tank in one corner of the cloakroom and used sparingly.

By the time I became a seventh grader, Mrs. Miller had retired. A new teacher, fresh out of teacher training school, came in with all kinds of fresh ideas. This one stayed one year. My eighth grade teacher was the vivacious Marjorie Douglas. We had lots of fun with her. Special days were more fun – Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas. We even became actors as we put on plays to entertain parents; at night no less, with light from kerosene lamps.

Primary Care  Emergency Care  PT/OT Just up the road in Townshend 365-7357 www.gracecottage.org

Friday afternoons became special. We dabbled with art work in various forms. That was fun. Each of us had a turn putting on some kind of act to entertain the others, I will always remember singing the song “Ramona” with John A. “Ramona the mission bells are ringing. Ramona they’re ringing out our song of love.” Does anyone remember that?

Playground time became more structured.

The game I remember the most was “Prisoner in the Cell.” Girls on one side, boys on the other. The trick was for players to try to cross to the other side and run around the schoolhouse. If caught, the runner was put in prison. Two maple trees, one on each side, served that purpose, and then to escape was the next trick.

A music teacher came in periodically during eighth grade. I still remember one song she taught us – with actions.

“She sailed away on a happy summer’s day, on the back of a crocodile.

You see, said she, he’s as tame as can be.

I’ll speed him down the Nile.

The croc winked his eye as she bade them all goodbye, wearing a happy smile.

At the end of the ride, the lady was inside and the smile on the crocodile.”

The little red schoolhouse, known as the Hollow School, has undergone many changes over the years . Today it is a home and bears no resemblance to the building it once was.

Those two maple trees that served as a prison cells have been cut up for firewood.

Views of Dummerston • Winter, 2021• 11

school news

Creative Adaptations Result From COVID Threat

By Julianne Eagan Principal

As we headed into the New Year, Dummerston School students and staff alike gathered outside by the fire to reflect on our many blessings as a school community and our wishes for the future. Listening to the words of Dummerston children and their teachers served as an important reminder: While the last months have been shaped by the pain of isolation, uncertainty, and upheaval, they also have contained remarkable moments of resilience, creativity, optimism, kindness, and joy.

The collective spirit of our school community played out in so many ways during the fall semester. Far more than any previous year, students learned and played in outdoor settings—gathering under the Dummerston Congregational Church’s Apple Pie Festival tent for games and discussion, walking along the new multi-purpose trail built by parent volunteers, investigating the forest with Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center’s Joan Carey, harvesting food from the school garden, and discovering nature in the forest classroom. Thanks to the dedication of middle school soccer coaches Keith Marshall and Jack McKiernan, parent volunteer Joanna Albright, and athletic director Kim Lane, as well as the support of Dummerston School soccer families, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of a fall soccer season, complete with practices, engaged and focused players, games, and spectators. We found new ways to mark seasonal celebrations, including studentcreated pumpkin displays and winter solstice tree decorating, and fireside song in our forest.

Thank you to Walker Farm and Scott Farm for donating pumpkins, cider, and donuts and to staff for planning the logistics associated with these events.

As we settle into the cold winter months, the support and innovation of our school community continues to guide us. Students arrive to school prepared to spend longer periods of time

outside, and, with the support of funding from the United Way, all students have appropriate winter outerwear and boots for this purpose.

Thanks to the massive efforts of a large group of parent volunteers, Dummerston School has an ice rink in our backyard, and students can be found skating during their outdoor breaks and PE classes. Our middle school basketball teams, coached by John Pinkney and Ryan Golding, have just begun practices, and the gym has come alive after school again with the sounds of dribbling and skill instruction.

At the foundation of all of our work this year is meticulous attention to the cleanliness and safety of our facilities and grounds. This past December Dan Bailey joined Dummerston School as our new facilities manager. Dan has extensive experience as a carpenter and contractor, working locally for over a decade as lead carpenter and supervisor for Frame to Finish Homebuilders in Brattleboro. Most recently, Dan has worked as security officer at Brattleboro Area Middle School, taught in the after-school program, and supported the alternative education program. Dan brings a wealth of experience in facilities maintenance and improvement, safety and building security, elementary and middle-school education, and project oversight. In addition, Dustin Minshull joined our school at the beginning of the school year as evening custodian. Dustin worked at Perkins Home Center for seven years where he specialized in serving contractors and homeowners. Finally, to support the cleanliness and safety of our building during the 20202021 school year, Andrea Burniske has joined our staff as an additional evening custodian.

Andrea splits her time between Putney Central and Dummerston Schools. Andrea comes to us with extensive experience cleaning in both home and industrial settings. Please join me in welcoming Dan, Dustin, and Andrea, and thank you to this hard-working crew for supporting the health, safety, and learning of the Dummerston School community.

As I write to you today, Dummerston

Sponsors

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Meg Murtha Jack & Judy Davidson Tom Zopf Winifred Vogt Joe & Anne Little

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Onsite Septic Design, LLC Alan J. McBean

943 Park Laughton Rd. East Dummerston, VT 05346

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Inground Mounds New Construction/ Replacement Water Supply Geologic Consulting VT Lic #536 Cell 802-258-0971 Home 802-254-6975

School, along with other elementary schools in our district, is on the verge of expanding our in-person learning environment by bringing our hybrid students into the building for four full days of instruction. This change commences for our grades K-6 students on January 28th and on March 4th for grades 7 and 8. As in August, this shift has required extensive planning and preparation at both the school and district level, with updates to our health and safety protocols, and extensive support and expert guidance from our school nurse Mary Ann Runge. Approximately 82% of Dummerston School students will participate in the hybrid environment. Thanks to a collaboration between Dummerston, Oak Grove, Green Street, and Brattleboro Area Middle Schools, 18% of our students participate in fully-remote classrooms staffed by expert teachers from each of these four schools and have forged relationships with peers from these area schools. Dummerston School students have adjusted to new routines and new learning environments with optimism, adaptability, and care for one another—we could not be more proud.

Looking toward next year, we are excited to welcome a new class of PreK students to Dummerston School. If you know of a Dummerston family who has a child who will turn four on or before September 1st, please have them call Melanie Keiser at 254-2733 for more information about our full-time PreK program for the 2021-22 school year.

Additionally, we welcome everyone in the Dummerston School community to become involved in learning about and supporting our school. Our Dummerston Leadership Council meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. and are open to the public.

Agendas and minutes are available on our school website at dummerston.wsesu.org and at the district website at wsesu.org.

Without a doubt, there are many heroes continued on page 15

Sponsors Debbie & Dennis Baker Eleanor & Charles Fish Jan & Todd Brown Teri Robinson Marguerite Demotte Sallie May

12 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston

Election 2021: Candidates’ Statements

The COVID adaptation to running for town office this year was that rather than collect signatures on a petition, candidates had to complete a “Consent of Candidate” form and turn it in to Laurie in the town office.

This year’s open slots and candidates include: Zeke Goodband is running again for the three-year term on the selectboard, with Todd Davidson asking for the chance to occupy that same seat; Rebecca Lotka is running for the two-year term on the selectboard.

There are three open seats for library trustees: Phyllis Emery is running for the remaining one year of a five-year term, Lyle Holiday is running for the remaining two years of a five-year term, and there is currently

no candidate for a third five-year term. Michael Silberman is offering to continue to serve the town for three more years as a lister, and the town office team of clerk Laurie Frechette and treasurer Charlotte Neer Annis are also running to remain hard at work for us. There are no candidates for an open two-year auditor term, or for town agent. Finally, Cindy Jerome is asking for a vote to continue as town moderator for the year following this town meeting. Speaking of which, this year’s “remote” town meeting will certainly be unique in Dummerston’s history, and will be a test of not only Cindy’s considerable people skills, but her technological skills as well. Best of luck to her!

Michael Silberman

Cindy Jerome

Charlotte Neer Annis

I have been a resident of Dummerston since 1987 and have served as a Lister since 2018.

I work on a great team of Listers who are committed to ensuring that all property owners are paying their fair and equitable share of property taxes. If re-elected for a 2nd term I look forward to working on the completion of the town-wide reappraisal and then performing the myriad of tasks that Listers have to carry out for the Town to ensure our property records and Grand List are accurate and complete. I appreciate your consideration and vote.

I am happy to again ask for your vote for Town Moderator.

Although we won’t gather for Town Meeting this year, I hope you participate in the Town Information Meeting I’ll be moderating at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 24th. My goals at Town Meeting are to be sure everyone who has something to say is heard and to help the townsfolk enact their will. While we won’t be voting at this year’s Information Meeting, I’ll ensure you’re heard. To vote, call or email Town Clerk Laurie Frechette for your absentee ballot or come to the basement of the church on Tuesday, March 2nd.

In years past I was a Selectboard member, including serving as chair for a couple of years. I’ve also chaired the Social Services Advisory Committee. For work, I’m the director of Alice Peck Day Lifecare, which provides elders with assisted living, independent living and memory care.

I love our Town and am honored to play a role in our community. Thank you for your trust in me over these years. I hope to earn it again, and see you in March of 2022, for an 11th year as your Town Moderator.

I am running for the position of Town Treasurer. I have been the treasurer since 2016 and am still learning and growing my knowledge base. This year has been especially challenging for all of us at the town office as we have dealt with Covid-19 and the new routines created by social distancing.

I miss seeing everyone’s face. Hopefully by August tax time we will be unmasked. Thank you for your support.

Passings

Births

Lister, 3-year term

Fruit CSA Sign Ups • Farm Market Baking & Hard Cider Workshops Sponsors Allan & Sally Seymour Milt & Barbara Gilmore Rip Lhamon & Fita Ferguson Jo-Ann Tier Tim Knapp & John Bouffard

Town Meeting Moderator, 1-year term Treasurer

Dorothy Eleanor Jones

9-19-2020

D u m m e r s t o n Congregational Church

David Ashley Patriquin 10-16-2020

Lent Begins February 17

Steven Edward Bird, Sr. 11-09-2020

services at 1 0 : 0 0

a.m.

Rev. Shawn Bracebridge, pastor Office 257-0544 • Home 802-689-0753 www.facebook.com/DummerstonChurch

Jude Luke Tyler Francis (Jake) Jaquith

10-30-2020 11-2-2020

Sherwood Marshall Smith 11-23-2020 Barry Waxman

1-16-21

Laurie Frechette Town Clerk

It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Town Clerk for the past five years.

How the time has flown! I feel so fortunate to work in the Town Office; with a great group of people. This past year was an interesting one, in many ways. Conducting two elections and a school vote during the pandemic presented several challenges but everything ran smoothly, thanks to the many folks who volunteered their time to work at the polls and/or help to set up beforehand. The main challenge of 2020 was not seeing people in person at the Town Office—we missed you all! I look forward to serving the Town for at least another year (hopefully more) and ask for your vote on March 2nd. Thank you!

Corbin David Koski

12-10-2020

Views of Dummerston • Winter, 2021• 13

Election 2021: Candidates’ Statements

Library Trustee

Selectboard

Zeke Goodband

Todd Davidson

I am running for re-election for the three year seat on the Selectboard. I have served a number of years, several as Chair or ViceChair.

I live with my partner on Houghton Road.

I am an orchardist, nurseryman and shepherd to a small flock of sheep. I am a frugal fellow by nature, posses an even temperament, sense of humor, and a pretty good work ethic.

I’d like to think that I take a common sense approach to the issues that come before the Selectboard; I put a lot of time into preparing for our meetings and dig into the statutes and regulations that effect how we govern ourselves. Having been around this long, I have the institutional memory of past debates, ordinances and decisions we often find helpful in our current deliberations. I listen carefully to all sides of an issue and try to work out solutions that will work the best for residents and the Town.

This next year I know we will have several significant challenges. I believe my experience and knowledge of Town and State governing will be a great asset in addressing these issues and putting together solutions that will work for all of us.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served on the Selectboard, I would appreciate your vote one more time.

Christine Goepp and I moved to Dummerston in October 2018 in order to be closer to family. We have most of her nuclear family nearby: her father and stepmother live in Dummerston, her mother, brother and sisterin-law live within 20 minutes just across the border in western Massachusetts. Christine was raised in Gill, MA and is serving as the chair of the Dummerston Conservation Commission so now it’s my turn to volunteer my time and effort to support our wonderful town.

As for my background, I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska—a kid of the open plains, big winds, and rivers—and eventually enlisted in the USAF in 1986. After a great 20 years, the majority of it spent in Europe, I retired and moved to the Washington DC area to continue working. Fortunately, I’ve been able to bring my work with me to Vermont and am able to enjoy a fantastic life/work balance in our new home.

I first visited Brattleboro and Dummerston about 17 years ago, and we’ve spent our vacations (summers and holidays) here ever since. It only took a short week way back then to realize that I loved the area and that we’d eventually live here. We finally got the chance in 2018 to pick up, leave the big population of Northern Virginia and settle here for good. Both of us now feel completely at home in Dummerston and plan to be a part of the community for a long time.

Selectboard, 3-year term

Rebecca Lotka

Selectboard, 2-year term

Dummerston, Vermont means a great deal to me: the views, the neighbors, the dirt roads, the friendliness, and the intention of living in a thoughtful and cooperative manner. Prior to living in Vermont, I lived and worked in NYC for a design firm as a landscape architect. In Vermont, I am the founder of Little Pond Digital, a photography and digital marketing business.

The possibility of joining the selectboard gives me the opportunity to be involved on a direct local level, assisting people and our beautiful natural environment. I will work to continue to make our small town a welcoming, just, and equitable place to call home. I am a curious, creative, problem solver - all qualities that I think will allow me to aid in serving on the board. I will listen to your needs, and do my best to find helpful and positive solutions for a Dummerston that serves all.

Selectboard, 3-year term

Lyle Holiday

Library Trustee, Remaining 2 years of 5-year term

After living in Dummerston for the past 39 years and recently retiring, I now have the time to begin giving back to the community where I have raised my family. I am a frequent patron of the Lydia Taft Pratt Library and have an interest in increasing the Library’s place in our community.

My background includes teaching at Dummerston School, Literacy Coordinator in Windham Southeast Supervisory School District and most recently Superintendent of Schools in Windham Southeast Supervisory School District. I have a deep interest in reading and literacy and serving as a trustee of the Lydia Taft Pratt Library will allow me to continue to work in this area of interest.the community for a long time.

Phyllis Emery

Library Trustee, Remaining year of 5-year term

Although our facility is small we have big dreams to bring our community library into every home in Dummerston. Let our Librarian, Dena Marger, provide resources to you via the Vermont State Inter-Library Loan program.

Enjoy the many books, audio books and videos that are available and enroll your children and grands in the summer reading programs. Take advantage of our shut-in services.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a Trustee on the Lydia Taft Pratt Library this past year.

Grace Cottage’s Cabin Fever Auction: Feb. 14–24

By C.J. King

in value from $20 to priceless.

Generous local businesses and individuals Have you had too much time stuck at home? donate this awesome array of items. All proceeds Ready to dream for the future? benefit the Grace Cottage Patient Care Fund.

Grace Cottage’s Annual Cabin Fever Auction, To learn more, see items, and bid, visit online February 14-24, offers a chance to bid on www.32auctions.com/gracecottage2021 Caribbean trips, an African safari, plus outings to local restaurants, inns, and fun outdoor venues.

Also included are locally-made crafts and foods (cheeses, jams, preserves, baked goods, goat milk caramels, and more), plus a varied array of gift certificates for hair salons, auto services, groceries, coffee, and more. Or choose to be famous: bid to have a character named after you in Archer Mayer’s next book. There’s something for every taste and budget, including treasures you can’t buy anywhere else, ranging

14 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston Good Books

Readers’ Choices, This Winter of 2021

By Linda Rood Back in December, I asked some Dummerston readers to tell me what had been their best reading of the year that was coming to an end.

As usual, I got a varied and intriguing response covering a wide range of topics and genres. If you’re looking for something to read, I’m sure you’ll be able to find it here.

Debbi Doubleday, the first responder, had no doubts about her book-of-the-year: The Splendid and the Vile by Eric Larson (Crown Publishers, 2020). You may remember Larson as the author of The Devil in the White City and In the Garden of Beasts. This new book is about Winston Churchill and the Blitz. Peter and Debbi, both WWII buffs, found the book fascinating enough to read it twice! Debbi says it is “narrative non-fiction at its best—reads like a novel.”

Steve Mindel added his recommendation for Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts (Crown Publishers, 2011). Another masterful piece of narrative non-fiction, this book tells of the experiences of the American ambassador to Berlin in the 1930s, and how his clear-eyed warnings of what was brewing there went ignored by our state department.

Suzanne Weinberg contributed this suggestion for reading an author in depth. “After being nudged toward Kent Haruf by our trusted book columnist Linda Rood, I thought I’d recommend another author whose style is lean, uncluttered, and heartfelt: Sigrid Nunez. I’ve recently read four of Nunez’s novels, and was very moved by three of them: For Rouenna, The Friend,

and What Are You Going Through. (I suggest skipping The Last of Her Kind, which has a tempting idea for an aging baby boomer, but just didn’t make it.) For Rouenna, my favorite, delves into a short friendship between the narrator and a nurse who had served in the Vietnam War long before they met. The Friend is about the narrator’s relationship with, and attempt to understand, a longtime friend who has taken his own life. What Are You Going Through is a tale involving the narrator and a few others who are dealing with the practicalities and emotions around mortality (personal mortality and mortality of the planet).

“Nunez has a way of stepping from the main voice into her characters’ lives that’s almost like a switch to a different first person. It’s very effective in giving the reader a feel for the inner experiences of both the narrator and the other characters, but much more intimate than with an “omniscient narrator.” She manages to deal with the big questions of life and death, while showing how comfortingly mundane many of our life activities are. She weaves a little bit of humor tastefully throughout. In all of that, I found great camaraderie.”

Two readers named two very important works of non-fiction, both published in 2020, and both relevant to a year when race emerged even further as a still painful, unresolved, and tragic problem for our country. Lou Nelson highly recommends Isabel Wilkerson’s new book Caste, The Origins of Our Discontents (Random House).

She says, “Wilkerson, journalist, educator, and author of the prize-winning The Warmth of Other Suns, finds eight pillars in caste systems,

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

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

using Nazi Germany and India for comparison with our own historical and ongoing unspoken system of using a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Wilkerson’s fine writing, highly readable style and use of real people’s stories reaches out to a wide audience. She is also an excellent speaker, which I know first-hand from hearing her speak at the Brattleboro Literary Festival in 2011 or 2012. The New York Times reviewer said that this is ‘a book that changes the weather inside a person.’”

To go along with Lou’s suggestion, Bill Schmidt is reading Barack Obama’s muchanticipated presidential memoir, A Promised Land (Crown Publishers). Bill says he wanted to learn more about Obama’s early life, what led him from being a happy-go-lucky teenager to decide to go to law school, become a community organizer in Chicago for two to three years, enter politics as a state senator, and then become a U.S. senator. And, very definitely, why and how he decided to seek the presidency and the person he was as president in his first term. Bill adds, “The book is rewarding me in great detail on all these points and more. Obama writes like he speaks, slowly, in a measured tone, always looking for the right words. He’s a born writer, a pleasure to read as well as listen to.”

Bill also recommends Bill Bryson’s The Body A Guide for Occupants (Doubleday, 2019). It’s a tour through the body, full of amazing facts accompanied by entertaining anecdotes that explain how the human body works. Bill says the detail is overwhelming. For example, says Bryson, “in the second since you started this sentence your body has made a million red cells that are already speeding around you, coursing through your veins, keeping you alive.” It is truly an amazing book about the incredible body each of us has.

Going in another direction, I spoke with Jim Bombicino, who told me about the November 9 issue of Time magazine, which published a list of the “100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time” (which I have, if anyone is interested).

By studying this chronological list, Jim discovered the work of Neil Gaiman, and he has now read three of Gaiman’s books: Neverwhere (1996), American Gods (2001), and Good Omens (1990). Jim says that American Gods is his favorite so far. It tells the story of Mr. Wednesday, actually Odin, the Norse God of War, who, in modern times, has come to travel across the U. S. by car, in order to find and rally other deities from across many ancient cultures to fight a battle for America’s soul against the continued on page 15

Views of Dummerston • Winter, 2021• 15

On the Front Lines of the COVID Fight continued from page 9 multiple people who are COVID positive who spent the holiday with family or are here from elsewhere. If health care workers get sick, who will care for you?

The virus is still here and will be for several more months. We are not safe yet. Here are some numbers to think about. Currently the mortality rate from COVID is 0.5%. The U.S. population is 330 million people. If left to run its course without taking any precautions that means 1.65 million Americans could die of COVID including 100-200,000 people between 20-40 years old. (For comparison, 650,000 Americans die of heart disease each year.)

With numbers like these the health care system becomes overwhelmed as we have seen in New York earlier in the pandemic and as we are now seeing in Los Angeles and other hot spots. First that means that ERs are at capacity and then Intensive Care Units (ICUs), followed by whole hospitals full of COVID patients. All elective surgeries are cancelled, then all surgeries. There are no ICU beds available for the sick, and the staff, many of whom also get sick, cannot possibly care for the volume of patients. There is no capacity to care for patients with other medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes or traumatic injuries and people who need to come to the hospital are too afraid to come. This is why preventative measures are immensely important.

My best advice to people is: wear masks, follow the governor’s and experts’ health guidelines, wash your hands, socially

Creative Adaptations Result From COVID Threat

continued from page 11 and helpers in the story of this pandemic, and members of our school community are among them, caring for each other in in-person and virtual environments, adopting new routines, enduring periods of separation from friends and family, creating new opportunities for learning and connection, volunteering to prepare expanded outdoor spaces for our children, making sure children have regular access to meals, and building new relationships in totally unfamiliar contexts. Thank you to staff, students, families, neighbors, friends, and community partners—including Dummerston Cares, the Dummerston Fire Department, Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, the Dummerston School PTCO, the Dummerston Congregational Church, countless parent volunteers, and anonymous donors—who have worked together to hold our school community together through this challenging time.

distance, stay home except for essentials (grocery shopping, medical appointments) and get the vaccine when it is available to you. Understand that your personal choices have an impact far bigger than you realize; think beyond yourself and make your actions best for the greater good. Everyone taking preventative measures slows the spread and protects your loved ones and our healthcare system so that everyone can get the care they need. Fewer people die.

Someone likened COVID to glitter. You know how when one person does an art project with glitter everyone in the room

goes home and finds glitter on them. That’s how COVID spreads- quietly, unnoticed, but it gets everywhere and affects everyone, some of whom will die from it.

The good news is that the end is in sight.

Vaccines that are 95% effective are being administered as quickly as possible and there is real hope that within a few months enough of us will have enough resistance to the virus that we will be able to socialize with friends and family again. People getting vaccinated is what is going to end this pandemic. Do it for the greater good. And, for now, keep strong, Vermont strong, and do the right thing.

Readers’ Choices, This Winter of 2021 continued from page 14 rising gods of technology, media, and the stock market. A tv series based on this book was released on the Showtime network. Neverwhere tells of adventures in London Below, a magical city that exists below the streets of London. Good Omens, co-written with Terry Pratchett, and also the source of a tv series, has to do with an angel and a demon who are trying to prevent the infant anti-Christ from bringing about the End of Days.

Carrie Walker says that her favorite book in 2020 was The Hummingbird’s Daughter

by Mexican writer Luis Alberto Urrea (Little Brown, 2005). It’s a historical novel based on the author’s great aunt in Mexico who had healing powers and was made a saint. Urrea researched for twenty years to write it. Carrie loved his descriptions, the Mexican history, the culture, the magic, the shamanism, the herbalism, and the Spanish. Carrie also highly recommends Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (Atria, 2018), which she says was an intentional slow read to savor the writing.

It tells the story of a town where a mute child is rescued, and the mysteries surrounding her identity. Carrie says it’s a combo of magic and science, and has plenty of turns to keep you guessing. In addition, Carrie recently read Anxious People (2019) by Fredrik Backman who also wrote the wonderful A Man Called Ove. It was a look into the lives of a group of people thrown together as hostages in a failed bank robbery. There are clever twists and wise dips into human nature and often Carrie was laughing out loud at his wit. Finally, Carrie recommends This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger (Atria, 2019). It’s a Mississippi River adventure by four escaping orphans in the Great Depression.

For non-fiction, Carrie recommends Outrageous Openness: letting the Divine Take the Lead (Atria, 2011) by Tosha Silver, and

the follow-up to it, Change Me Prayers: the Hidden Power of Spiritual Surrender (2015).

She says they were “pretty useful in these uncertain times.”

We have another William Kent Kreuger fan in Jan Brown, who, along with Carrie, recommends Ordinary Grace (Atria 2013). Jan says, “This writer won me over. His prose transported me into small town community Minnesota in the 1950’s. Think of “The Wonder years” tv show and To Kill a Mockingbird. Mysteries have never been my reading choice but Krueger changed my mind. I am thrilled to know he has many more novels.” Jan also liked What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon (2019). It’s a historical romance set in Ireland that spans a century. A young woman is transported through time as she seeks to learn more about her grandfather’s past. Jan says, “Such a well written, beautiful story, I wish it was not fiction!”

And finally, I heard from Marcy Hermansader. She enjoyed the audiobook of Apeirogon

by Colum McCann (2020). This highly acclaimed novel involves the Arab/Israeli conflict but the author weaves in other material as disparate as birds and the writer Jorge Luis Borges. Marcy says the book is unique and beautiful and his reading is pure poetry. Marcy also suggests Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg (2015), an absorbing and elegantly written tale of loss and healing. Marcy’s choice for non-fiction was War in Val D’Orcia - An Italian War Diary from 1943-1944 by Iris Origo (New York Review Books, 2018). Marcy says, “I was surprised how engrossed I was reading.

Perhaps it perfectly fitted our present moment to read of the heroic acts of ordinary people, some who risked their lives to save deserting soldiers from either side.”

What an amazing collection! I challenge anyone NOT to find something of interest from this list. Thanks to all who contributed this year.

I am looking forward to some good reading!

16 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston

Hands to Rope to Ring Out Hope

by Judy Enello During the fall before this pandemic, while the very top of the steeple from the church was removed to be repaired, traffic would often come around the corner and stop as people gawked, surprised that they could have a close-up view of what is normally at the very top of the church. Many hopped out to take a picture. Since last summer, with the very top back in place, another part of that steeple is attracting attention. The steeple bell is rung each evening at seven o’clock, since Carol Bryant mentioned to some Dummerston friends that a group in a neighboring town was ringing their church bell daily. Here in Dummerston, the idea was enthusiastically put into action with volunteer ringers assigned to each day. This group includes Bess and Charlie Richardson, Sue Miller, Shawn Bracebridge, John Dunham, Rick Mills, Ellen Crockett, Catherine Gruver and Catie Berg. There have probably been others who were substitutes.

Why ring the bell? There are as many reasons as there are people hearing it: in memory of those lost to the virus, to honor healthcare workers who have stepped up and stand in, for front-line workers coming into contact with the public in perilous times, and in support of caregivers and those without caregivers. In another sense, the bell is meant to comfort, to spread the word that we are not alone, and our town is fortunate to have wonderful resources, such as Dummerston Cares and the church wood pantry, for anyone in need.

The bell ringer volunteers have been faithfully making the trip up to the church to ring the bell. You are already thinking that to drive up to the center on a summer evening to ring or hear the bell was very pleasant. But now it is cold and dark at that time. So when you see one of these people be sure to thank them.

A note or two about the bell. It is hard to see, fully enclosed within the steeple structure.

The bell was cast at a foundry in Troy, New York and added to the church in Dummerston in 1854. For the next thirty years it tolled at the hour for church, but also upon the death of someone from town. It has been used at times of celebration, such as the town bicentennial. A picture (see inset) of a gentleman, who has been identified as H.H. Miller, pulling on the cord to ring the bell, taken in about 1896, is currently in the narthex (entry room) of the church. He lived just a short distance from the church up Park Laughton Road, a handy location when he was called upon to ring the bell.

Thus our bell is not of the colonial era when the town crier would announce the o’clock

and “all is well…” You may want to think, as Cowper wrote, that the bell rings “to welcome peaceful evening in,” or as Moreton advises, “to wish you go safely, friend.”

If you can hear the bell, please mark your location on the map also in the narthex. If you have been among the volunteer ringers this past year, please add your name to the list there.

Pastor Shawn has taught us that in urgent or dire or overwhelming situations we do not need to make long eloquent prayers—one or two words will do. “Help me.” Now that you know the bell is ringing, perhaps you will pause at seven to utter three words.

“Be with us.”

The Bell Yet Rings

Mark Brown captured the beauty of the Dummerston Church bell, which, in its perch atop the steeple, is otherwise hidden away from view. Yet anybody within hearing range has enjoyed its wonderful sound thanks to the efforts of the volunteers who have been faithfully ringing it daily at 7 p.m.

Views of Dummerston • Winter, 2021• 17

Neighbors Make the Difference: A Dummerston Tale

by Connie Woodberry This year has given me ample opportunity to know how important good neighbors are.

While my son Nathan Hirth comes to stay with me each weekend, I am on my own for most of the week. The pandemic has been a challenge, but I am grateful I have never felt really alone. Motivated by the resurrected article by Mary Lou McBean and the thank yous in the recent 30th anniversary publication of the Dummerston Views, I have been reflecting on how much I appreciate my Partridge Road neighbors.

We are nine households, plus Tonia and Whit Wheeler, who live on the East-West Road, and whose farmhouse originally owned the 90 acres that is now the Partridge Road neighborhood. They too are part of our Partridge Road community.

Although it was quite an accomplishment on January 1, 2020 to sign the third 20-year covenant stating that we each agree to pay our fair share to maintain the road and to respect and care for the land, that is not what makes us good neighbors. Even though there is a well-oiled system of having Cliff Adler bill us for snowplowing, sanding, and road maintenance, and having Diana Wahle organize the mowing of the roadsides and clearing of the walking trails, that is not what makes us good neighbors.

Although Cheryl Wilfong arranges for a daily morning meditation group that six of us attend, and Eileen Christelow inspires our children and grandchildren by welcoming them in to her artist studio to see how she puts books together, and Bill McKim has cut my hemlock hedge for twenty years, and Ahren Ahrenholz has used his tractor both to carry my children down the road in its bucket and to pull my car out of a ditch, and John Warren has given us a geologic tour of Partridge Road’s land formation, that still is not what makes us good neighbors. Nor is it because Lynn Levine built a lovely woodland trail, or because Susan Barduhn and my brother, David Woodberry have an annual blueberry party, or because Orly Munzing warns me when the foxes are leaving her pond and heading for my chicken coop, or because Bob Dunbar chainsawed two huge pines that fell on my field after a microburst, or because Michael Silberman annually helps me split kindling. No it is not because Rob Koegel and Jane Burgess save their vegetable scraps and bring them over to my chickens regularly, or because Tonia and Whit Wheeler generously welcome us

to their swimming pool, or because Marti Anderson sewed the bustle on my daughter, Kristin Clos’, wedding dress.

What makes the Partridge Road neighborhood a ‘hidden gem’, as Kristin calls it, is yes, a combination of all the above, plus the daily interactions that go unacclaimed.

These interactions, in addition to sneaking zucchinis, colorful gladiolas, or scented hyacinths into each others’ kitchens, there is also borrowing butter, milk, baking powder, eggs, ladders, saws, lawn mowers, and trucks from each other. In the winter there is the group email to check on the condition of the

icy/snowy/muddy road. Throughout the year there are in-person and email conversations, many very humorous, about everything from stumps, bears, turkeys, partridges, and corn removers to bird feeders and invasives.

Then there are the forty years of playgroups, Burton Island State Park vacations, walking and skiing the woods together, and being present as our children grew into adulthood.

In the midst of a pandemic, a light shines on the small acts of kindness, generosity, and neighborliness which make me feel that I am part of a team, that my neighbors care, and that I am not alone.

Communications District Advances Broadband Plans continued from page 1 What’s DVCUD?—And what’s DVFiber?

The “Deerfield Valley Communications Union District (DVCUD)” is the legal name of a municipal entity enabled by state statute to oversee every single aspect for the provision of a reliable, affordable broadband connection to all houses and businesses that want it in all member towns in the district.

Certain legal requirements and provisions accompany this oversight and development responsibility, for example, compliance with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law. You could say that DVCUD is similar to a waste management municipality or water district.

“DVFiber” is .the name of the business that DVCUD is developing to secure and provide internet access for its member towns.

Once broadband service becomes available, customers will interact with DVFiber for that service. DVCUD exists to make sure that DVFiber acts in accordance with state statute and the organization’s mission and guiding principles.

What’s the latest news? 1. DVFiber contracted a study of telephone poles in three towns. Because fiber is placed on existing telephone poles, an initial step is an actual physical check-up of every telephone pole in each member town. In accordance with the business plan (http://windhamregional. org/images/docs/community-dev/Broadband-Business-Plan-Windham-Region. pdf) developed for the Windham Regional Commission (WRC), DVFiber sent a survey team to Halifax, Stamford, and Whitingham.

Once completed in all twenty towns the data will inform upcoming specifications for a high-level design to connect all member towns.

2. To support its strategic planning and marketing, DVFiber contracted for “prem-

ises density mapping” for all E-911 addresses in the district. Maps were completed in December, and complementary data were collected in the recent three-town pole studies. These data formulas are readily expandable to the entire district. Information from both of these studies will inform construction cost estimates.

3. DVCUD met with the Windham County legislative delegation in mid-December and presented key advocacy issues: (a) prioritize Vermont communications union districts (CUDs) in policy and funding; (b) strengthen paths to state loan programs; (c) increase the role of collaboration between CUDs and public utilities; and (d) strengthen leadership and planning capacities for CUDs. DVFiber looks forward to a strong working relationship with our delegation. In particular, we have a great friend in state Representative (and DVCUD board member) Mike Mrowicki from Putney!

Intrigued?—Want to get involved? There is an enormous amount of work required to secure broadband for and win customers to DVFiber. Learn more by visiting our website at DVFiber.net. Contact Eric Lineback, our Dummerston town DVCUD board member, at ericlineback@earthlink.net if you have specific skills or interests (networking, business development, finance, marketing, etc.)

The district is powered solely by volunteers at this point.

Compliments of

Priscilla Svec, P.T.

Practicing Holistic Physical Therapy 126 Main Street, Putney

387-4799

18 • Winter, 2021 • Views of Dummerston PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mailed From Zip Code 05346 Permit No. 61

change Service REquested

Editors Note: Lynn sent this to us for inclusion in our 30 th Anniversary Issue. Unfortunately, it got “misfoldered”, and was left out. But now here it is, her thoughtful tribute to the Views. Thanks Lynn!

NAMES & TIMES & NUMBERS Dummerston Meetings

Please note that these meetings will not be taking place at their usual locations. Please refer to the town web site, www.Dummerston.org, for updated information.

Town Meetings Selectboard

Every other Wednesday

Planning Commission 1st Tuesday

6:00 pm 6:30 pm

Conservation Commission 6:00 pm 2nd Thursday

Community Center Jean Momaney 254-9212 Conservation Commission Web site: www.dummerstonconservation.com Dummerston Cares Message line & Fuel Assistance 258-5800, email: info@dummerstoncares.org,, web site: wwwdummerstoncares.org Dummerston School 254-2733 Web site www.dummerston.wsesu.org Evening Star Grange Ruth Barton 254-1128 or mrgjb@sover.net Fire Chief Rick Looman 258-1731 Fire Warden Ted Glabach 384-6994 Deputy Fire Warden Allen Pike 258-0100 ydia Taft Pratt Library L

258-9878 Hours: Tue. 2-6; Wed. 1-5; Thu. 1-5; Sat. 10–1 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 Carol Lynch 254-2517 Springfield Office 800-642-5119 Town Garage Lee Chamberlin 254-2411 Town Office Laurie Frechette 257-1496 email: townclerk@dummerston.org Veterans Assistance Contact Dummerston Cares message line or email.

Vermont Theatre Company 258-1344 Views of Dummerston views@viewsofdummerston.org WSESU 254-3730 Websites: Official Town www.dummerston.org Municipal Calendar http://calendar.dummerston.org Local Interest www.dummerston.com Senior Lunches

Evening Star Grange, 2nd and 4th Wednesday; Take-out only. Call 254-1128 by 6 PM Tuesday.

The Front Porch Forum

online at www.frontporchforum.com

Energy Committee 1st Monday

6:00 pm

Development Review Board 7:00 pm 3rd Tuesday at the town office

Community Center

7:00 pm

PTFO

6:00 pm

WSESD

6:00 pm

1st Monday at the Community Center

3rd Thurs. at the Dummerston School Library 1st & 3rd Wed., revolving locations

Dummerston School Leadership Council Monthly meetings; date, location and agenda posted on the Dummerston School web site

Historical Society

7:30 pm

3rd Thursday of Jan./April/July/Oct. at the Dummerston Historical Society

Senior Congregate Meal

Information/reservations:Carol Lynch 254-2528