Views of Dummerston - 2022#2 - Spring

Art by Gary Blomgren

Volume 32 Issue 2

Spring ~ 2022

Free • Since 1990

A Salute to Dummerston’s Steadfast Volunteer Fire & Safety Crew Back Row (l-r): John Harrison III, Colby Bristol, Daniel Kennett, Ethan Bristol, Ethan Sage, Cooper Turner-Renaud, Allen Pike, Luke Evans, Shawn Stone, Larry Pratt, Jr., Travis Bristol.

Front Row (l-r): Rick Looman, chief; Chris Bell, captain; Parker Waite, lieutenant; Tyler Lynch, captain; Leon Dunbar, lieutenant; Andrew Commo, captain; Justin Howard, captain.

Volunteers Not Shown: Paul Chapman, Brian Frechette, Ethan Looman, Dennis Tier, Dan Ridlehoover, David Shaw, Ted Glabach, Paul Dery, and Eric McGowan.

Keeping an eye on things from the truck cabin’s window is Lettie Lou Dunbar.

Missing Link Trail Opens! Little Free Libraries Dot Dummerston’s Byways

By Carolyn Mayo-Brown

By Linda Rood Five miles of new trail are now open! The Dummerston Missing Link trail is one of the most scenic of the Putney Mountain trail system.

The route moves along the ridgeline north from Prospect Hill with its Do you know about the Little Free Library Movement? Do you know stellar vista of Mt. Monadnock. It continues through private land along that we have several very active Little Libraries in Dummerston? Over woods roads then enters into a 55-acre forest. The forest was purchased the past year, I have begun to notice these roadside phenomena here in with grants and contributions from over 200 individuals, conserving our town, and I got curious about them. They are mostly privately maincontinued on page 2 continued on page 12

photo by roger turner

v

2 • Spring, 2022 • 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.

Windham Solid Waste Management District

All Charged Up with (Small) Batteries

By Michelle Cherrier

I learned something new last year, after attending a training session for transfer station operators at the WSWMD headquarters. I have been carefully throwing away my single-use alkaline batteries in the trash; obviously, it was okay for many years. Whoa! That is no longer how to dispose of them. I had not been watching the news that single-use alkaline batteries should be recycled, along with rechargeable and button batteries. Plus, the big, lead-acid batteries from our cars, motorcycles, and boats must be recycled, but I believe we already know about these.

I am talking about all the small batteries that run so may things in our lives.

I went to the WSWMD website (windhamsolidwaste.org) and chose the box ‘Search our site,’ then put in “batteries”. There it is in black and white: Vermont was the first state in the nation to pass single-use/alkaline battery recycling. The new law requires manufacturers of single-use batteries to provide a stewardship plan to manage the proper recycling of batteries sold in Vermont and establishes convenient recycling options for residents, at no cost.

Then I checked the Vermont.gov website and it spelled it out in further (embarrassing) detail: Effective January 1, 2016, Vermont’s first-in-

Missing Link Trail Opens!

NEXT ISSUE: Submissions due: June 14 Views will be mailed on: August 10

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.)

Photo by Carolyn Mayo-Brown

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.

the-nation legislation requires single-use battery manufacturers to participate in a program that manages the responsible disposal of batteries sold in the state (Act 139). The legislation leads the way for a more convenient way for Vermont residents to dispose of their batteries as Vermont residents are now able to recycle all their household batteries, including AA, AAA, C, D, among other battery-types, by bringing them to drop-off locations throughout the state. The program comes at no cost to the state or to Vermont residents. Call2Recycle, Inc. (Call2Recycle), North America’s largest consumer battery stewardship organization, and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources announced the official launch of the statewide program for the responsible recycling of single-use (primary) batteries.

Accessibility is also an important factor, as Vermont residents will be able to bring their spent batteries to over 100 convenient drop-off sites, including retailers, municipalities, libraries, and other frequently visited locations.”

The key to this enormous change is that the manufacturers must provide a stewardship plan to manage recycling of their products, in this case—batteries! I expect to be researching and writing more about stewardship plans in the future, as there are many more products that continued on page 13

temporarily ends at the third largest ash tree (5 continued from feet diameter) in the State of Vermont. page 1 The work continues as we dream about an important wildlife corridor. conserving land and completing the Missing Abundant wild- Links trail between Prospect Hill and Black life signs abound. Mountain. If you would like to be a part of the The trail then rises effort to make this long-held vision a reality through an old let us know. Or come join the fun of building sugarbush with a the next section of trail by contacting trail crew vast understory chief Richard Fletcher at rafletch5@gmail.com of ferns. It passes You can access the trail from two points: To access the southern end, park at the beneath 175-yearo l d h e m l o c k Dummerston Town Office and walk about ½ giants, over folded mile north on Park Laughton Road to the “Trail” rock ledges, and signpost on the left designating the start of the p a s t l a y e r e d Prospect Hill trail. Follow the trail to the top Richard Fletcher, trail crew cliffs. There are of the hill keeping to the right (north) side of chief (left), and Roger sweeping views the field where the trail turns into the woods.

Haydock, trail designer to Black Moun- Follow the white trail markers. (right), with the third largest The trail can also be accessed at its midpoint ash tree in Vermont that tain and another marks the temporary end of cliff-top view of via a trailhead and small parking area about the trail near the Dummer- the West River 100 yards from the end of Hague Road on the ston-Putney town line. valley. The trail north side.

The Views of Dummerston Mission Statement Providing reports of town organizations, and stories of townspeople and their good deeds, in promoting cooperation and understanding toward creating a more “ideal” Dummerston.

“All who read may also contribute!”—Mary Lou McBean, founder, Views of Dummerston

Views of Dummerston • Spring, 2022• 3

town government

In-Person Meetings to be Held at Community Center

By David Baxendale As we enter the third year of the COVID 19 pandemic, encouraging signs have emerged that we are starting to return to more normal times as the number of cases and hospitalizations in the state and county fall quite dramatically. Hopefully, that progress will be sustained. The board has returned to in-person meetings that are held at the West Dummerston Community Center every other Wednesday at 6 p.m.

For the second year in a row the town budget passed by Australian ballot. A nonbinding petition encouraging the sheriff’s department, with whom we contract for police services, to adopt fair and impartial policing practices was passed and sent to the sheriff’s department.

Listers

There were no changes in the membership of the board as a result of the Australian ballot.

One seat was contested but the incumbent, David Baxendale, retained the seat. In our reorganizational meeting Zeke Goodband was returned as chair, Terry Chapman as vicechair, and Maria Glabach as clerk. We are in the process of reappointing officers for the various boards and commissions. These volunteers are vital in keeping the town running and we appreciate all their time and effort. There are a number of positions that are open, and residents can view the current list to see what may be of interest to them. Please contact a board member if you have any questions.

A new animal control ordinance has been adopted and is now in effect. The ordinance can be reviewed on the town website.

One significant change is that the town has

contracted with the Sheriff’s Department to take on the duties of the animal control officer effective on July 1, 2022. Several other Windham County towns have taken this step and the board feels that having professionals handle these matters makes sense for us. Residents should contact the Sheriff’s Department directly with animal control complaints and issues.

Looking ahead to the new year, the distribution of the pandemic relief (ARPA) funds will be clarified and opportunities for ARPA funded infrastructure and other projects will emerge. The work on repairs to the damage as a result of the flooding last year will continue.

Much of the work has been completed but several projects, including Camp Arden Road, Salmon Brook, and Johnson’s Curve, are still to be done. These are reimbursed by FEMA with the town covering 12.5% of the costs.

We are a small community but a powerful one working together to help maintain a good life for us all. Stay safe and healthy and do not hesitate to contact a board member if you With the real estate market volatility of the have any questions or concerns. last couple of years, maintaining equity and accuracy has become a challenge. We will Sponsors likely reassess sooner than the span between the last two reappraisals. In addition, the Alvino & Bea Fantini town office is a great place to work. We have Paul & Jody Normandeau a congenial and wonderful group of people working to serve the town of Dummerston.

Cindy and John Wilcox We are in the office Tuesday and Thursday Michelle Cherrier & Philip Goepp from 9 a.m.-noon where we can be reached by phone at 802-257-1496, or you can email Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison us at listers@dummerston.org

Homestead Declaration Form Update By the Listers A Homestead Declaration Form HS 122 must be filed to receive a prebate on your next property tax bill, if you are elegible. You have until October 15 to submit this form if you didn’t include it with your tax return.

Longtime lister extraordinaire Jean Newell will be retiring next year after being a lister for twenty-four years. We will be looking to find someone to take her place. If anyone is interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a lister, please contact us at the town office.

The position of lister is detailed and interesting. Our main responsibility is maintaining an accurate accounting of all the properties in town to create a grand list on which property values and taxes are based. Our goal is to create a grand list which is fair to all. We have just completed a town-wide reappraisal which updated town values and assessments.

The previous reappraisal was done in 2006.

Prepare for tomorrow, by contacting us today.

(802) 649-2501

therichardsgrp.com

Sponsors Gordon & Linda Evans

Fruit CSA Sign Ups • Farm Market Baking & Hard Cider Workshops

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

4 • Spring, 2022 • Views of Dummerston

town government Dummerston Conservation Commission

Commission Awarded Grant to Study West River Access Issues

By John Anderson

Planning Commission

Zoning Bylaw Amendments Sent to Selectboard By the Planning Commission In March, the planning commission sent a suite of Zoning Bylaw amendments to the selectboard for adoption. These amendments, which have been described here in previous editions, include improvements to the regulations of home businesses and advertising signs, along with miscellaneous updates. The selectboard will be holding a public hearing before they can be adopted into the bylaw.

This was the culmination of a couple of years of steady work, and the commission took

Sponsors

Sponsors

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

John & Sheila Pinkney Paul & Jody Normandeau Cindy and John Wilcox Michelle Cherrier & Philip Goepp Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison

a moment to acknowledge the accomplishment before looking ahead to the tasks that have been waiting in the “parking lot” until we could get to them.

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 they are held via videoconference, the invitation link 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 are two vacant seats, 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 or the selectboard. Current planning commissioners are Annamarie Pluhar, Beverly Tier, Bob Danzi, Maria Glabach, Regina Stefanelli, Daniel Gehring, and Sarah Bergh.

Photo by Amy Wall

Another three months have come and gone, winter is behind us, and the conservation commission has stayed busy and involved. In February a hawk talk outlining the nearly fiftyyear history of Putney Mountain Hawkwatch, including its record 2021 season, was presented to an appreciative audience.

The construction and siting of two new minilibrary inspired conservation stations should be done in time for warm weather. The first of these stations, located at the intersections of Hague and Green Mtountain Camp roads, has proven to be a real people pleaser.

In March, new commission member Amy Wall organized a bird house building workshop featuring pre-cut materials, help with assembly, and advice on proper siting and installation of the completed bluebird boxes.

Wall’s workshop was held at Dutton Pines, the thirteen-acre park located on Route 5. The park is under the management of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. This “pocket” park features a loop trail beloved by walkers, joggers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers, and a picnic pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that is still a popular attraction.

Steps were also taken toward eventually addressing one of the commission’s nagging concerns. Chairperson Christine Goepp has informed the commission that the design grant application she submitted last year for the “Dummerston Covered Bridge Access Gully

Erosion Design Project” has been approved! The Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District has requested proposals from environmental engineering firms interested in completing the necessary design work.

Hopefully, this will lead to a plan for a safe and environmentally-sound way for people to access West River swimming areas that are currently only accessible at some risk.

A nice group turned out to assemble bluebird boxes to take home at a The commission is workshop organized by Amy Wall, which she conducted in the Dutton also seeking volunteer Pines Park picnic pavilion. gardeners to help with the maintenance of the environmental questions and respond to the rather overgrown rain garden located at the concerns of all townspeople. north end of the covered bridge parking lot.

Among the winter’s phenomena noted, Contact any commission member if you might puzzled over, and reported by many of our be willing to help. neighbors was the huge influx of goldfinch And, as always, our monthly newsletter, swept north by a rain event in February. People Facebook page, blog, and website are easily both locally and regionally were reporting flocks accessible and frequently updated resources that of hundreds of overnight arrivals at feeding we hope people will utilize and enjoy. Commis- stations. While late-winter flocks of goldfinch sion members also do their best to answer the continued on page 10

Views of Dummerston • Spring, 2022• 5

organizations Historical Society

Schoolhouse Being Readied for Reopening

By Muriel Taylor Although the Covid-19 virus continues to require the temporary closing of the Schoolhouse to the public, the directors are hoping to open our doors soon. We are in the process of hanging several exhibits to enable us to share our wonderful Schoolhouse and Dummerston history with both newcomers and old-timers in anticipation of that eagerly-awaited day.

There are currently two empty seats on our board of directors. If you are interested in joining us as a board member or volunteer, please contact Muriel Taylor at 802-257-9358, or any other board member.

A reminder that our signature tee shirts and covered bridge note cards are available at the town office or by contacting us at dummerstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com. All of these sales help fund our ongoing expenses such as heat, electricity, and insurance. Thank you for your continued support.

The Dummerston Historical Society always welcomes donations of historical interest to Dummerston, and we encourage you to join us in 2022 as a member, a volunteer, a participant in our programs, or as a viewer of our exhibits. (Please note that you do not need to be a member of the Historical Society to attend any of our functions.) Our Schoolhouse is handicapped accessible. You are always welcome.

From our archives: We continue the memoir of Fay Morrison Eckerson. As you may remember, in November of 1916 an extended family of nine left South Dakota for Brattleboro. The train trip took four days. Soon after arriving, Papa purchased a large house with 160 acres on Rice Farm Road in Dummerston. Fay Morrison Eckerson was fourteen years old when her family migrated here and many years later wrote a detailed memoir of her life on the Wilder farm entitled A New Frontier. With gratitude for her recollections, we continue to learn about Fay’s life in Dummerston in 1916 as a student at Brattleboro

High School. In Fay’s own words…..

“Everyone but me went to the farm. I was to stay with the Hawkins* and go to high school.

I had started my freshman year in S.D. and left there so suddenly–I had no records or grades with me. I went to school on the trolley and just followed the kids down High St. into the building. Professor W.B. Smith found me wandering about in the hall and asked me where I came from? When I told him S.D, he gave that wonderful smile of his and said, “This morning?”. Then he asked me where I lived and I told him I was staying in W. Brattleboro and when he asked me where my parents lived and I told him I didn’t know, I think he thought I didn’t belong in any school. It seemed the town where one resided paid ½ the tuition at that time.

I told him I would be able to straighten it out after I went home for the weekend.

“There were more kids in the freshman class than in our entire high school in Philip. Everyone

*Mr. Hawkins was papa’s realtor who lived on Greenleaf Street in West Brattleboro.

Cornstalk is Cornhole for a Cause!

By Nanci S. Leitch, Youth Services

Teams from Dummerston are sought now for Youth Services’ newest fundraiser, CORNSTOCK: Cornhole for a Cause!, which will take place on Saturday, May 21, from noon-6 p.m. at the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, at Farmhouse Square on Rt. 30. This event is presented by Chroma Technology.

According to organizers, there will be something for everyone at this event: cornhole matches for groups of 4+ people every hour on the hour; food trucks, the Thirsty Goat Pub, the Creemie Stand, and live music.

The goal is to raise $20,000 to support Youth Services’ twenty vital programs in Windham County.

The $25 early registration fee per player is waived for those willing to find sponsors through peer-to-peer fundraising, and incen-

D u m m e r s t o n Congregational Church s e r v ic e s at 1 0 : 0 0

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

was strange to me also the system of changing classrooms every period. I think I showed up that week in every class as I couldn’t tell the freshmen from the other students. It was most embarrassing. Mr. Smith was forever rescuing me. He kidded me about being so tall and said he was going to enter me in the high hurdles.

Fri. night came at last, and Helen Ring took me to the R.R. station to await the West River train. It left after 6 p.m. and in the dark huffed, puffed and screeched on the curves, leaned out over the dashing west river and slammed back just missing the rock ledges. I held onto my hat and prayed hard but no one else seemed concerned and we finally got off at the quarry where papa and the boys met me. We walked a mile along a road between the track and the river, then ½ mile up and around a steep mountain to our own “Happy Valley”.”

a.m.

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

tive prizes are offered at all levels of fundraising. The registration fee doubles to $50 per person on the day of the event, if lanes are still available. Spectators are welcome for a suggested $5 donation at the gate.

For more information or to register a team of four or more, visit www.youthservicesinc. org/cornstock, email info@youthservicesinc. org, or call (802) 257-0361 x131.

• • •

Onsite Septic Design, LLC Alan J. McBean

943 Park Laughton Rd. East Dummerston, VT 05346

• •

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

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL 802-257-7600

• Interior Painting • Exterior Painting • Exterior Repair/Prep

• Lead-Safe Painting • Lift Work/Steeples • Pressure Washing

Serving clients in Southern VT/NH & Franklin County, MA for over 50 years

momaneypainters.com

6 • Spring, 2022 • Views of Dummerston

organizations Lydia Taft Pratt Library

Library Programming in the COVID Era

By Dena Marger, Library Director

Hello Dummerston! We are now more than two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, and I’ve been thinking about the changes and adjustments we’ve all had to make in response to it.

And, while some of these changes have been heartbreaking, (remember when vulnerable elderly grandparents were unable to see their grandchildren?) some of them addressed issues that it turned out needed addressing anyway.

Here at the library, for example, we are constantly trying to think of creative ways to address the issue that we simply do not have the space that we need to provide the kind of library service that Dummerston deserves and that similar communities enjoy. Last year, however, in response to the pandemic, we moved all our programming outside. We hosted a weekly story hour all summer, we hosted a big end-of-summer event with a live animal presentation from the Vermont Natural History Museum, and we even hosted our annual book sale entirely outdoors! We are fortunate to be able to use the grounds of the Dummerston Community Center to host events such as these, and it occurs to us that our mission and the service we provide to the community is not entirely different or at odds with the service that DCC provides.

In addition to hosting outdoor programs, we have also made efforts to improve our online offerings and will continue to do so this year.

We have significantly improved the Wi-Fi signal in the Dummerston Community Center as well as in the parking lot. This is available for anyone to use, 24/7. (Dummerston Hotspot, no password needed). We’ve also

improved our eBook and Audiobook offerings and expect more additions to these collections over the summer.

We intend to continue offering outdoor programming throughout this summer, as we recognize that the pandemic is not quite over. We don’t know when or if another wave of another variant may hit, but we do know that we want to be able to continue to offer programming to our community! So, as we did last summer, we intend to host a number of outdoor films on the lawn. We also intend to host events particularly aimed at our community’s children and in conjunction with the summer reading program theme: Oceans of Possibilities! If you would like to help ensure that quality library programming for children happens this summer, we could really use the help of our community volunteers! We are a one-staff organization (me!) and it’s hard to put on the kind of programs we’d like to see with just one quarter-time individual. So, please be in touch if you have ideas about the kinds of programs and events you’d like to see this summer, and especially if you’d like to help make them a reality. Thanks! And, see you at the library!

Grace Cottage Fair Returns this Summer!

By C.J. King, Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital in Townshend invites everyone to join in the fun at the following events we’re planning for the summer. These events bring together medical providers and patients, friends and neighbors, parents and kids, and are meant to promote health, wellness, and fellowship, while raising money for our non-profit hospital. All annual events are held rain or shine. Event sponsors and volunteers are always appreciated!

Grace Cottage Tour de Grace Bicycle Rally: Saturday, June 25th (rain/shine), start anytime

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

8-10 a.m. Ride from Stratton Base Lodge parking lot to Grace Cottage and bus back to Stratton. This is a scenic, mostly-downhill ride for family/friends to raise money for patient care at Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital. Information: 802-365-9109. Signup: gracecottage.org/events.

Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day: Saturday, August 6th (rain/shine), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Townshend Common. We are planning for a return to our traditional event! Live auction, bargain booths, pony rides, food, music, and more! Free admission. Information: 802-3659109, or gracecottage.org/events.

Views of Dummerston • Spring, 2022• 7

organizations Community Center

Donated Items Needed for Upcoming Auction

By Ann Davis After a long, but not too harsh winter, spring is finally here! Time to pick up the fallen branches and rake up the dead leaves.

Got to get the lawn mower serviced and ready. Spring house cleaning, plants to decide on and get started, and much, much more. But we look forward to this time of year with much anticipation. Oh, and did I mention mud season? Whatever, this is the season we wait for every year. Welcome spring!

The Community Center is planning on a tag sale to be held on Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m.–noon. We will be accepting items for this sale on Saturday May 12 from 9 a.m.- noon. We request that no electronics be brought in. Items must be clean and in good repair. We want there to be something for everyone—something you didn’t know you needed, but once you see it you just can’t imagine life without it. Hope to see you here on June 11.

Work on the shed to house the quarry as well as monetary donations. We couldn’t wagon has been put on hold once again, continue to operate if it weren’t for your this time until prices on building mate- support. Thank you! rials go down. But keep in mind that we will welcome volunteers to help with this project—call Rick Davis at 802-380-6533 to coordinate scheduling. The good news is that the wagon made it through the winter in great shape and is here for you to see. office fax: (802) 254-5818 Now that the snow has melted and the good john & Lori Brunelle Tucker Reed road office phone: (802) 254-9788 weather is here, remember to be a responsible 416 e. dummerston, vt 05346 John cell: (802): 579-9788 pet owner and pick up after your four-footed lori cell: (802) 275-7111 john@brunelleandson.com friend. This way everyone can enjoy the field. lori@brunelleandson.com Thank you. www.brunelleandson.com Reservations are coming in for parties, classes, workshops, meetings, and gatherSponsors ings of all types, so remember to call Jean at 802-254-9212 to save your spot. The Allan & Sally Seymour Center has ample parking, kitchen space, a Milt & Barbara Gilmore playground, and is handicapped accessible so no one need be left out.

Rip Lhamon & Fita Ferguson A special thank you to those of you who Jo-Ann Tier continue to support the Center with donations Tim Knapp & John Bouffard of time, items of baked goods, tag sale stuff,

Evening Star Grange

Sit-Down Chicken Pie Supper Expected to Return

By Sallie May Secretary

Happy Spring! The March winds are blowing around the corner of the building, and the snap of the flags flying on the lawn can be heard above the clicking of the keys on my keyboard as I jot down the current doings of our Grange.

We at the Grange talked long and hard one evening about whether to restart our cycle of public suppers with a sit-down sugar-onsnow supper or an “able to travel” take-out meal with maple flavored food and no maple on snow dessert, but a syrup-sweetened dessert of some type. We chose the latter, with the option to stay and sit and eat your “take-out” in our dining room. We knew that while the state has opened up almost everything and many people are not wearing masks, our older Grange and non-Grange workers are still concerned about Covid and did not want to mingle in closely-seated crowds of people. We hope that come June we can have a better option for our chicken pie supper, which is scheduled for June 11th.

There is always the option for take-out, so

we hope to see you then.

Throughout the nation, more and more fraternal and social clubs and organizations are fading into history as today’s folks no longer have the time or interest to commit to keeping these organizations going. We in the Grange are experiencing the same problem.

Are you interested in helping with Senior Meals? Have you interest in organizing a Memorial Day Program? Would you like to have someone come to town to speak about a subject of interest to the community? We here at Evening Star Grange hope that we can continue to keep our building open, stay active in our community, and retain enough members to stay a stable, vibrant organization. This is not an easy task. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of either becoming a member, or just a supporter of the Grange, either with time or money, our doors are open, and we would love to talk with you. You can contact either our Master (and fearless leader) Larry Lynch at 802-310-0799, our secretary Sallie May at 802-257-0387 (leave a message, she’ll get back to you), or any other member for more information.

Brattleboro Support Pharmacy Locally 413 Canal Street

254-7777

Thank you for your business

Sponsors John & Karen Abel Roberta Garland Brattleboro Orly Munzing & Bob Dunbar Mark and Pharmacy Lee Tice Fred 413 LeeCanal Street Bill & Kathleen Fleischmann

254-7777

Support Locally Primary Care  Emergency Care  PT/OT you for Just up the road inThank Townshend your business 365-7357 www.gracecottage.org

8 • Spring, 2022 • Views of Dummerston

organizations Dummerston Cares

Local Firefighters are our “Volunteers of the Season”

by Susan Daigler

This time around, we are recognizing a group vital to the well-being of Dummerston and its residents—the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department. The department was started in 1949 by a small group of West Dummerston residents, hence the “West” in the department’s name. Don’t be fooled by that, however. The department covers all of Dummerston, not just the west side.

Chief Rick Looman has been a member of the department for forty years, having started as a junior firefighter in 1982. He has been chief for fourteen years and after one more year will become the longest serving chief the department has ever had. Rick comes by this role naturally; his father was an assistant chief for many years.

The fire department is in his blood.

Chief Looman could not accomplish much without the services of the thirty members of the department who respond to emergencies, maintain the facilities and equipment, manage

the affairs of the organization, and do some Roster of Dummerston’s fundraising. Decades ago, getting volunteers was not a problem; these days, however, recruiting Volunteer Firefighters Name Rank volunteers is not easy. Many people are overscheduled in their personal lives and the training Command Staff requirements to become a firefighter have Rick Looman Chief become a major time investment. For example, Chris Bell House Captain when Chief Looman joined the department forty years ago, the basic training course for West Street Station firefighters was forty hours long. It is now 133 Engine Company 1 hours for the basic course. Most volunteer fire Justin Howard Captain departments are experiencing the same difficulty with recruiting.

Leon Dunbar Lieutenant A big component of the department is the Allen Pike Firefighter rescue squad that responds to calls for ambulance Travis Bristol Firefighter service. Often, the squad is able to arrive sooner Paul Chapman Firefighter than Rescue, Inc. and can provide aid to resume breathing, stop bleeding, and so on. Rescue Inc. Brian Frechette Firefighter has additional capabilities and provides transport.

Luke Evans Firefighter We wish to thank all the members of the West Ethan Looman Firefighter Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department for Ethan Sage Firefighter their service to our community! See a roster of the membership at right.

Engine Company 3

A Cares Service That Could Help You!

By Bill Schmidt and Norris Evans

Cares’ Chores Corps is coming to life again.

With the gradual release from Covid’s Omicron variant, Cares is open to receiving requests from residents who are in need of help with minor home repairs and household chores that they cannot do themselves or afford to pay someone to do for them. Cares’ wants to do what it can to help folks live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Some of the things Cares volunteers do are yard cleanup, cleaning up clutter, moving furni-

802-254-6662

Brattleboro, Vermont

802-258-7791

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

Andrew Commo

Captain

Parker Waite

Lieutenant

ture, hanging pictures or mirrors, and changing Dennis Tier light bulbs.

Dan Ridlehoover For safety reasons, Cares will consider Covid situations in saying yes to requests for help; Cooper Renaud if a person has Covid symptoms or has been Colby Bristol exposed to Covid, the request for help at this John Harrison, III time won’t be honored. Whether or not face masks are needed must be agreed upon by the East-West Road Station Engine Company 2 volunteer and person making the request.

The Chores Corps service always has a Tyler Lynch welcome sign out for folks who want to help David Shaw their neighbors by joining Cares’ Chores Corps Ted Glabach team of volunteers. Call Cares Message Line at Shawn Stone 257-5800 and leave your contact information to learn more about what it means to be a Chores Ethan Bristol Corps volunteer.

Paul Dery To request Chores Corps assistance, call the Larry Pratt Cares Message Line at 257-5800 and leave a Eric McGowan message with your contact information. The Chores Corps coordinator will get back to you.

Daniel Kennett

Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter JR-Firefighter JR- Firefighter

Captain Lieutenant Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter/EMT JR-Firefighter

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

254-5663

Views of Dummerston • Spring, 2022• 9

school news Dummerston School Prepares for Annual Arts Celebration From the Dummerston School The 27th annual Spring Arts Celebration will be May 19th, with a rain date of May 20th. The event will celebrate every student’s visual art work. The 4th–8th band/instrumental music students and Mrs. Corey’s chorus will perform, and the 3rd and 4th graders will also sing. We hope everyone plans to come enjoy and support the students work!

The playground and outdoor renovation committee is planning a May 14 Community Work Day. We hope that there’s some general interest in the community, as well as from school parents, for a good turnout to work on

improvements to the school playground.

Speaking of which, one of the exciting changes happening to the playground over the summer will be the installation of an out of this world climber! From the company’s web site, “The Interstellar Incline is a 3D Net Climber that is out of this world. This tangle of nylon and steel is a climbing paradise. This provides kids with an organic way to build social skills along with strengthening multiple muscle groups. The Interstellar Incline is a fun way for children to make friends, break a sweat and reach for the stars. Kids can experience a universe of wonders while never leaving the atmosphere.”

Cares Helps Residents Challenged by Technology

By Meg Lyons No matter how you feel about technology, there’s just no avoiding it today . . . to bank, watch a film, pay a bill, reserve a library book, and most importantly, to keep in touch with family and friends. Technology has a lot to offer us, especially when we have the skills and confidence to access information and services online.

If you are easily overwhelmed by the array of digital devices and want to start learning about the technology that’s all around us, or perhaps want to brush up or even expand your tech skills, Dummerston Cares wants to hear from you.

We’re eager to have your input as we assess the technology needs of residents to see what kind of digital literacy services Dummerston Cares might provide the community. We want

to know what your needs and interests are. For example: • Are you new to a computer and want to learn some basics about it and how you might be able to use it to stay in touch with your family and others through email, Skype or Zoom, or use social media, or create documents, or manage your finances?

• Or do you use technology already and want to expand your digital know-how by improving your tech skills?

Please call the Dummerston Cares Message Line at (802) 257-5800 and leave your name, phone number, and a brief message on what you would like to learn, whether basic tech skills or new skills that build on what you already know.

A Dummerston Cares board member will get back to you.

Instrumental music teacher Mary Harvey-Bandish works with a student at an outdoors practice for a concert at the upcoming 27th annual (!) Spring Arts Celebration at the school on May 19th.

This is a graphic representation of the Interstellar Incline 3D Net Climber which will be installed on the Dummerston School playground this summer.

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

Fast Eddie’s Restaurant Ice Cream Shop OPEN YEAR ROUND Catering- Lunch ~Dinner~ Dine-in Curbside Pick up~ Take-Out

Fast Eddie’s Restaurant Ice Cream Shop OPEN YEAR ROUND Old Favorites ❖ New Hybrids Rare Beauties Catering- Lunch ~Dinner~ Dine-in Annuals ❖ Perennials ❖ Hanging Baskets Curbside Pick up~ Take-Out

833Putney Road ~ (802)-579-1474

833Putney Road ~ (802)-579-1474

Herbs and Vegetable Plants

Route 5, Dummerston

Fast Eddie’s Restaurant Ice Cream Shop OPEN YEAR ROUND

Fast Eddie’s Restaurant Ice Cream Shop OPEN YEAR ROUND

254-2051

10 • Spring, 2022 • Views of Dummerston

Dummerston Cares Issues Declaration of Inclusion

By Catie G. Berg

Have you ever experienced a moment of panic when you realized you left your wallet on the table of a restaurant? Out of town? Or in a place that was more convenient than secure? I did!

Oh, the thoughts that ran through my mind!

What can I afford to lose? What cards will I need to cancel?

When I rushed back through the restaurant’s door, I saw the manager smile and wave my wallet between his fingers. I blurted out, “Oh, I was so worried!” With a twinkle in his eye, he said, “Why was that? We’re good people here.

We treat our customers like family.”

In a flash, my disequilibrium turned to relief.

Then, to a rush of familiarity. Then, to a feeling of security within a broad and caring humanity. I had been vulnerable in an unfamiliar place, only to discover that a bond of connection brought me home within the human family.

I was reminded of that experience while exploring the Declaration of Inclusion, a pledge to accept all our townspeople with equity and respect.

The board of Dummerston Cares has already adopted a Declaration of Inclusion (DOI). With our motto, “Helping Hands for Our Neighbors,” it simply makes sense.

Some history: The DOI began with a couple of businessmen in Rutland, Al Wakefield and Bob Harnish, as a response to the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Honoring Wakefield’s and Harnish’s efforts, Governor Scott signed a Proclamation of Inclusion for Vermont on May 7, 2021, designating the second week of May as “Inclusion Week.”

Like the restaurant’s proprietor from my story, I understand how most people see themselves as good people. To strengthen this belief,

FRENCH & FRENCH ATTORNEYS AT LAW 802 • 254 • 9000

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

Office in Brattleboro

Computer questions?

Tired of feeling out of control?

Patient, Sympathetic Coaching Macs • Windows • iPads • Tablets

Annamarie 802-451-1941 www.PatientSympatheticCoaching.com

it’s helpful to outwardly remind ourselves about what we stand for. In this way, we also describe how our townspeople fit within the human community.

Dummerston Cares’ Declaration of Inclusion: We welcome all persons—regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or economic status.

We reject discrimination in all forms and commit to fair and equal treatment of everyone in our community.

We value respectful civic engagement in all forums.

Beyond Dummerston Cares’ proclamation, a campaign started in late March to adopt a DOI across organizations and towns in Windham County. Mike Mrowicki, in addition to being our legislator for Windham-4 in the Vermont House, works as Southern Vermont’s organizer for Vermont Interfaith Action. VIA lobbies Vermont’s legislature to enact laws that promote social justice for vulnerable citizens regarding such issues as housing, health care, prison reform, racial justice, and immigration.

Following Dummerston Cares’ lead, would your organization adopt a Declaration of Inclusion?

Let’s talk about it!

Grant Awarded to Study West River Access Issues continued from page 4 are usual and ordinary, their arrival en masse was quite unusual and was either concerning or noteworthy for many. The scope and concentration of this migratory wave was just amazing!

Now, having reported the news, I’m going to ramble off into a bit of an obscure wildlife observation. Some years ago a mid-winter rain event and the subsequent snow melt raised the water level in all of the nearby gullies and brooks. Temperatures dropped overnight, and ice fringes of varying widths formed along the edges of those waterways. By morning water levels had fallen, leaving the fringes of ice suspended perhaps 3 inches above the still receding water.

About 9 a.m. I was walking along one of those ice-fringed seasonal brooks when the high-frequency splashing of some small creature under the hanging ice fringe stopped me in my tracks. The splashing was intermittent yet robust enough to roil and muddy the water. However, the milky layer of ice made it impossible to see what was causing the commotion.

Sponsors Meg Murtha Jack & Judy Davidson Tom Zopf Joe & Anne Little Doug and Ann Kroc

The splashing started and stopped and started again. At times it seemed frantic. Sometimes it stuttered and paused. I could make no sense of what I was hearing, but I was imagining a life and death scenario. I felt that there must be some dire conflict going on under that ice shelf.

Perhaps thirty seconds later, as I awaited further developments, a junco popped out from under the ice, shook water from its feathers, and flew off. A few seconds later another wet junco emerged. Then a third, and a fourth, and a fifth.

Apparently it was just bath day for juncos, not anything either dire or life threatening.

Temperatures were below the freezing point that morning and the northwest breeze made it feel very cold. To my mind it was not bath weather. For a while I wondered if the overhead ice shelf provided the birds some shelter from the wind or if the sun shining through the ice provided some solar advantage. I felt that there must be a reason or reasons why those juncos chose to bathe deep under that ice collar. But, after pondering the problem, I hit upon the simplest, and probably the right, answer: they were most likely bathing there because that was the only place where the water was the correct depth. Birds like to wade into shallow water and then lower themselves in. The water everywhere else in the area was simply too deep.

The odd acoustical properties of the ice shelf combined with the multi-junco bathing flutter had presented some rather abnormal auditory clues. I never would have guessed what was happening under that ice if I hadn’t stayed to investigate. As usual, I indulged my curiosity. However, the concept of idle curiosity should never be seen as being synonymous with wasting time. Idle curiosity can lead to rewards both large and small. Among them–juncos bathing under the ice!

Who would have guessed?

For more information on the conservation commission go to www.dummerston conservation.com

Views of Dummerston • Spring, 2022• 11 Good Books

2022 is Bursting with Excellent Reading

By Linda Rood 2022 has already brought some excellent books my way. It was a little bit hard to decide which ones to tell you about, but two rose to the top of the list without too much trouble.

For Christmas, my daughter gave me a copy of Anthony Doerr’s new novel, Cloud Cuckoo Land (Scribner, 2021). If you liked All the Light We Cannot See, which I loved, then I think you will be delighted by this new book.

It’s long (600 plus pages) and complex (six story lines, three historical epochs), but so rich.

In the novel, Cloud Cuckoo Land is a mythical place in the sky where there is no suffering; it is the subject of an ancient Greek text by one Antonius Diogenes, discovered in 15th century Constantinople by an orphan character named Anna, being translated into English by 21st century American Zeno Ninis, and also discovered and beloved by 22nd century space traveler Konstance. This ancient tale, invented by Doerr, is the thread that runs through the novel. Over and over, it brings comfort to people who are struggling through hard times. The novel takes us to Constantinople under attack by the Ottomans in 1453, the Korean War, rural Idaho 1950-2020, and a space capsule travelling away from Earth in 2120. The story of how the manuscript survives destruction is the link that connects such different settings and stories. Doerr’s book is a fantastic tale, an epic, a mystery, a science fiction drama, tragedy, comedy, and fable all in one.

In one of the story lines, a lonely child, Zeno Ninis, growing up in a lakeside town in Idaho, finds refuge in the town library. The kindly librarians, two elderly sisters, read to him from the Ancient Greeks: The Odyssey, The Golden Fleece, Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles. Reading sustains him through the loss of his father, his lonely life as a foster child, his status as an outsider. Later, as an adult, Zeno tells a friend about these librarians and the solace he found with them. The friend tells him, “I know why those librarians read the old stories to you…Because if it’s told well enough, for as long as the story

Births Aubrey Ann Wise

1-28-2022

Hayden Elizabeth Moore 3-10-2022

lasts, you get to slip the trap.” And that is what this novel can do for us, help us “slip the trap” for a while, like the best of stories have always done.

I should say that it was a little slow getting into the book. All of the main characters are orphans of a sort, isolated and lonely children. It was a pretty sad start. But, as he did in All the Light We Cannot See, Doerr has again made use of short chapters and presenttense narrative to keep the story moving and ease the reader’s progress. Each section and chapter is helpfully labelled by time, place, and main character to allay confusion. (I admit, I eventually had to make a little chart to keep myself oriented, but I like that challenge.) Part of the fascination of the reading is to see how all the pieces finally resolve and connect. The book is an epic puzzle. It’s a joy to see how the pieces fit together. Doerr manages to include themes related to climate change, eco-terrorism, ancient history, metallurgy, single motherhood, homophobia, and autism, all in this fantastic tale, while he celebrates the power of reading, the value of books, and the heroism of librarians. Give it a try. You won’t regret it.

For non-fiction, my book group read Heather Coxe Richardson’s How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America (Oxford University Press, 2020). Some of you may be subscribers to Richardson’s daily newsletter, “Letters from an American” which began as a chronicle of the Trump administration from the perspective of a historian.

(Richardson is a professor of history at Boston College.) If so, you will be familiar with some of the material in this book.

If you’ve been thinking that current social and political trends seem out of keeping with your understanding of our democracy and its history, then this book will provide an explanation for how we got to where we are today.

Broadly speaking, it’s a history of the Conservative Movement in this country, going back to the Founders and bringing us up to today. A lot of things that don’t seem to make sense these days will become clear to you. Richardson sees our history as a struggle between democracy and oligarchy, between the ideal that all men are created equal and the desire to concentrate power in the hands of a few wealthy men who try to erode equality. According to Richardson, our country is founded on a paradox: the principle of equality depended on inequality. Early democracy relied on the subjugation of others

(slaves, women, the poor, immigrants, indigenous people) so that the “equal” (white property owners) could rule. After the Civil War and Reconstruction, the ideology of southern slaveholders spread west with the settlement of the western territories. Richardson very carefully draws a line from the Confederacy with its society and economy based on racial inequality to the Western mining and ranching oligarchs (and their anti-Mexican, anti-native, and anti-Chinese practices) on through to the conservative movement in the 20th and 21st century Republican party.

Within a very fact-dense, careful history, Richardson discusses the career and presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater, with his opposition to the Civil Rights Bill and drive to deconstruct Roosevelt and Eisenhower governmental programs as the establishment of a new brand of conservatism. She explains the influence of William F. Buckley, and then the presidency of Ronald Reagan, the rise of Newt Gingrich and on to Trump. It all starts to make sense. It’s a slow read, but highly informative and useful.

In the last few months, I also thoroughly enjoyed and recommend Oh! William!

(Random House, 2021) by Elizabeth Strout.

Her newest novel, now available in paperback, continues the story of Lucy Barton.

I had great fun reading British author Jane Gardam’s Old Filth trilogy, the saga of an English couple who lived through WWII, and spent their careers in colonial Hong Kong and return to retire in the English countryside. The characters are very interesting and appealing, there is pathos as well as humor, and the twists created by changes in point of view are fascinating. The three books are (in this order) Old Filth, The Man in the Wooden Hat, and Last Friends, published

by Europa Editions.

Happy Spring, and good reading.

Passings Henry Hellus, JR Norma Louise Smith Donna Saunders Beverly Jean Brown

1-24-2022 2-3-2022 2-14-2022 3-8-2022

12 • Spring, 2022 • Views of Dummerston

Little Free Libraries Dot Dummerston’s Byways continued from page 1 tained and available to all readers. They are small cabinets, covered, and with doors so that the books stay dry and clean. Visit one of these little gems, borrow a book, leave a book, share with a friend. Open all hours, no due dates, no fees.

I’ve known for a while that the Lydia Taft Pratt Library has been maintaining a Little Free Library outside the town office for a number of years. It’s hanging on the wall on the porch, just past Laurie’s window, a small white cupboard with a glass door. The books in it are free for the taking; they can be returned to the box or passed on to another reader; patrons are welcome to add books to the library too. It’s all about sharing. In the fourth week of every month, Jeannie Bristol, LTP Board member, goes through the books in the library and makes a list of what’s there. If a book has been there for more than three months, it gets retired, and a new book is added to replace it. Jeannie says that some months, she observes a complete turnover: every book in the library is something that wasn’t there before! There are usually 20-25 books in the box at a time, and they are mostly discarded books from LTP or donated books. Jeannie says mystery books are very popular, and sometimes there are children’s books available. The LTP library currently has a large supply of surplus books, and is planning a book sale at the library in West Dummerston on May 14.

You may have read in John Anderson’s Views column about the “Conservation Station” that has been established near his home on the corner of Green Mountain Camp Road and Hague Road. This is a project of the conservation commission, created by commissioners Rick Mills and Jesse Wampler. This library is a handsome cabinet filled with science and nature books. There is even an Adirondack

Calendar Photographs Do you have a photo of somewhere in Dummerston?

The Historical Society is seeking photos for the 2023 Scenes of Dummerston Calendar. All photos must be horizontal and have no identifiable people.

Please send photos to Jody Normandeau at: jodydvt@ gmail.com. If your photo is selected, you will receive a free calendar.

chair nearby for your browsing comfort! The first time I visited this library, when I was out for an afternoon walk last fall, I discovered a wonderful book by Sue Hubbell called A Country Year, a month-by-month memoir of her time as a single woman beekeeper on her farm in West Virginia. When I visited again in early April, I found such books as A Guide to Bird Finding in Vermont, Tim Wessel’s Reading the Forested Landscape, and American Wolf by Nate Blakeslee. Plans are in the works for two more such stations, one at the trailhead of the Deer Run Nature Preserve on Camp Arden Road, and another at a location on the east side of town.

A little further up the Hague Road, you can find another Little Free Library at the corner of Hague Road and Old Coach Road. This one was established by Nicole Price, and is strategically placed where the school bus stops. A small sign on the door says that the library is “a free book exchange. It belongs to everyone, and everyone can use it.” I found that this one was about halffull of children’s books, as well as containing some interesting fiction for grown-ups.

On the other side of town, at 51 Houghton Road, I found the beautiful Little Library established and operated by Melody Stone. This one is the largest in town, and was built by 85-year-old master carpenter Stanley Evans.

His craftsmanship is evident in the two wide shelves and the handsome glass doors. Melody says she got the idea to create this library when she and her husband were on vacation in Maine, visiting a lighthouse. They found parking in the nearby neighborhood and passed a little library there. Delighted, they selected books and spent the afternoon reading books on the lawn with a view of the ocean. Melody likes to keep her collection “fresh” with books that are up-to-date. She regularly weeds out the old

ones; these are recycled. The sign on the door says that it is a lending library. It encourages donations but there are some clear guidelines: books only, preferably less than twenty years old. When I visited, there was a good variety of titles: some mysteries and other fiction as well as an impressive choice of history and memoir.

Melody says her library is busy, getting up to six stops a day, so many that her dogs no longer bark when a car stops in the road to check out the books!

Melody’s library was the inspiration for another library built by Stan Evans. This one will be set up this spring by Brattleboro resident Joan Bonneyan on Black Mountain Road, close to SIT just over the town line into Brattleboro.

Although this one is technically not in Dummerston, quite a few Dummerstonians will pass by it on their way to town. Joan enjoyed Melody’s library, especially during the Covid lockdown, when she found it to be “a lifesaver when we were all isolated.” She says it will operate like the others: take, return, pass on, or donate one.

She says the main idea is to “just keep reading.”

Little Free Library is an international nonprofit book-sharing organization with over 100,000 registered libraries worldwide. It was founded in 2012 by Todd Bol as a tribute to his mother, and its headquarters are located in Hudson, Wisconsin. (littlefreelibrary.org) Their mission is “to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all.” Their website provides information about how to set up a library of your own, how to register with the organization, and a map of all registered book boxes. They offer an e-newsletter and of course, a mobile app to help you find books wherever you might be. The town office library and the Hague Road library are both registered with Little Free Library. It’s pretty exciting to think Dummerston is part of a worldwide movement!

Compliments of

Priscilla Svec, P.T.

Practicing Holistic Physical Therapy 126 Main Street, Putney

387-4799

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

Views of Dummerston • Spring, 2022• 13 Windham Solid Waste Management District

Use Caution with Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries

By Michelle Cherrier

After writing the article about battery recycling, I have done more research about lithiumion batteries. My search of the internet showed dozens of results, the most important which I will share with you. I want you, our readers, to have knowledge about these items that are common in our lives. Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors.

In my research I have discovered that lithium-ion batteries malfunction, and there are safety concerns with them making them more dangerous than you think: there are five main reasons why they catch fire, and they can explode!

Here is the synopsis of my research: We, as consumers, use a lot more electronics

than ever, which are mostly battery-driven.

Issues still exist with li-ion batteries such as unintended discharge and maintaining the integrity of important qualities like energy density, stability, and safety, as well as cost.1 Lithium-ion batteries were developed in the 1970s and first commercialized by Sony in 1991 for the company’s handheld video recorder. Today everything you see is powered by batteries, from smartphones to electric cars to even the International Space Station, which makes increased battery safety all the more crucial.2 Lithium-ion batteries are popular because of how much power they can put out at a given size and weight. 2 However, lithiumion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and are inherently flammable.

These battery packs tend to degrade much faster

All Charged Up with (Small) Batteries continued from page 2 should be recycled; they need a stewardship plan.

The Call2recycle website (www.call2recycle.org/explore-the-secret-life-of-batteries) has an uplifting quote: “From household appliances, to laptops, cellphones, and other portable electronics, batteries help power our modern world. But what happens when batteries lose their charge? Each year billions of batteries end up in landfills, where toxic metals could enter the waste stream and possibly harm our environment. Imagine a different journey. When batteries are recycled at various processors, valuable metals can be recovered and used into new products such as silverware, pots and pans, new batteries, and even golf clubs! To do your part, recycle your used batteries at any one of our certified dropoff locations. Your batteries have worked hard for you—give them the chance at the second life they deserve.”

The Windham Solid Waste Management District is one of the convenient FREE dropoff locations for your small batteries. Bring your: alkaline single-use batteries, such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt; and rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel-MetalHydride (Ni-MH), Lithium-Ion (Li-ion), and others-found in cell phones, laptops, digital cameras/camcorders. Also, batteries used for cordless tools, scooters and electric bicycles, and button batteries from hearing aids, cameras, flashlights, key fobs, laser pointers, etc.

The WSWMD is also a drop-off location for your larger batteries. These will have a fee: a $3 charge for smaller lead acid batteries- electric fence, lawnmower, etc., and a $5 charge for

than normal if subjected to heat. If a lithium-ion battery pack fails, it will burst into flames and can cause widespread damage.2 If li-ion batteries are improperly handled, exposed to flame or high heat (above 130°F), have a manufacturing defect, design flaw, or are assembled with low-quality components (which we cannot detect), have abnormal or improper usage (such as dropping, crushing, or puncturing the battery pack), or if there are charger issues, they can catch fire.

Likewise, damage to lithium-ion batteries can occur when the batteries themselves or the environment around the batteries is below freezing (32°F) during charging.3 If you notice the lithium-ion battery overheating, move the device away from flammable materials and cut off the power supply. If you are in an electric vehicle, you should immediately evacuate. In the event of a fire, never attempt to extinguish lithium battery fires yourself.

In case of fire, a standard ABC or BC dry chemical fire extinguisher must be used since these are considered appropriate for a class B fire. A common misconception is that lithiumion batteries contain actual lithium metal. They do not and that is why you should not use a class D fire extinguisher.

This link to pressconnects is the article to read as a consumer; it has all the relevant details: www. pressconnects.com/story/news/2020/01/21/ lithium-batteries-everywhere-dangerous-whatknow-rochester-binghamton/4480496002.

Lithium batteries are everywhere, and they are more dangerous than you think. The bottom line is stay safe!

Don’t throw battery-containing devices in the trash. Do bring lithium (and all) batterycontaining devices to a collection site or event, or your local electronics store.

automobile, motorcycle and marine batteries.

Typically, upon purchase of car, motorcycle, or marine batteries, you are charged a core charge by the merchant which will be refunded when you return your spent battery! Otherwise, bring it to us and we’ll recycle it for you.

E-bike batteries should also be recycled!

In 2022, Call2Recycle and PeopleForBikes are leading the charge to launch the first U.S. industry-wide, voluntary e-bike battery recycling program. Batteries will be accepted for recycling at participating e-bike dealers. See their websites for more info: www.call2recycle. org/e-bikes, and www.peopleforbikes.org/ topics/electric-bikes.

According to Call2Recycle.org, “More than 12 million electric bicycles (e-bikes) are estimated to be sold in the United States between 2020 and 2030. That’s 12 million batteries used to power those e-bikes that will need to be safely Notes and responsibly collected and recycled at their 1 https://www.perkinelmer.com/libraries/GDE_ end-of-life.

Lithium_Ion_Battery_Analysis_Guide_38691A To ensure those batteries are safely and 2 https://www.ionenergy.co/resources/blogs/ responsibly handled and kept out of landfills, battery-safety more than forty bike industry leaders from 3 https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publicatwenty PeopleForBikes member companies tions/shib011819.pdf united under a sustainability task force and electric bicycle committee to design an industryleading e-bike battery recycling program in collaboration with Call2Recycle.”

All battery types are accepted at WSWMD for recycling. Please bring them to the scale house upon arrival.

That thing I learned that is new? Keep the rechargeable batteries separate from the alkaline. The rechargeable battery ends should not touch any other battery end—they can spark and cause fire.

14 • Spring, 2022 • Views of Dummerston PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mailed From Zip Code 05346 Permit No. 61

change Service REquested

Dummerston Calendar of Events May 14 Community Work Day

11 Chicken Pot Pie Supper (sit in or take out)

19 Spring Arts Celebration

14 8th grade graduation

21 Youth Services Cornstock

25 Grace Cottage Tour de Grace

Dummerston School, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Dummerston School, 1 p.m., Retreat Farm, noon–6 p.m.

June 4 Teddy Bear Tea

Dummerston School, 6:30 p.m.

11 Tag Sale

Evening Star Grange, 4:30–6 p.m.

Dummerston School, 6:30 p.m.

Stratton Base Lodge parking lot, 8–10 a.m. start,

August 6 Grace Cottage Fair

Townshend Common, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Community Center, 9–noon

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

NAMES & TIMES & NUMBERS Community Center Jean Momaney 802-254-9212 Conservation Commission Web site: www.dummerstonconservation.com Dummerston Cares Message line & Fuel Assistance 802-257-5800, email: info@dummerstoncares.org, web site: wwwdummerstoncares.org Dummerston School 802-254-2733 Web site www.dummerston.wsesu.org Evening Star Grange Carol Lynch 802-254-2517 or mrgjb@sover.net Fire Chief Rick Looman, 802-258-1731 Fire Warden Ted Glabach, 802-384-6994 Deputy Fire Warden Allen Pike, 802-258-0100 Lydia Taft Pratt Library 802-258-9878 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 Cynthia Fisher, 802-257-1236 Selectboard selectboard@dummerston.org

Dummerston Meetings

Senior Solutions

Carol Lynch, 802-254-2517 Springfield Office 800-642-5119 Town Garage Lee Chamberlin, 802-254-2411 Town Office Laurie Frechette, 802-257-1496 email: townclerk@dummerston.org Veterans Assistance Contact Dummerston Cares message line or email Vermont Theatre Company 802-258-1344 Views of Dummerston views@viewsofdummerston.org WSESU 802-254-3730 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; Reservations for in-house or take-out meals Call 254-1138 by 6 PM Tuesday, leave message

The Front Porch Forum

online at www.frontporchforum.com

2nd Thursday

Energy Committee 1st Monday

6:00 pm

Development Review Board7:00 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 1st Thursday

Historical Society

7:30 pm

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

Senior Congregate Meal

Information/reservations:Grange 802-254-1138