Art by Gary Blomgren
Volume 33 Issue 4
Fall ~ 2023
Free • Since 1990
Community Center Gets Second Act
Photo by Roger Turner
By Molly Stoner In the heart of West Dummerston sits a gem of a historic building, the old schoolhouse. Rather than being a center for education, these days it is a center for community gathering and library services. The Dummerston Community Center (DCC) houses the town library and a private business, and it has two large rooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, and sizable grounds available for individuals and groups seeking a place to hold special events. The DCC welcomes all community members and friends to rent its spaces and/or participate in its board and committee work. In recent months the new DCC board has been working hard behind the scenes to rejuvenate its building, board membership, and community activities plan. In June we bid goodbye to three valued members, with much gratitude for decades of service to the board. said. “But very quickly, we knew that the Jean Momaney, Ann Davis and Patty Timney By Joyce Marcel loss was massive. This is unheard of in living have passed on the reins of leadership to new continued on page 8 The only word to describe Dummerston’s continued on page 5 vital apple crop this year is “Ouch!” Due to an unprecedented hard freeze on May 18, the Scott Farm lost about 90 percent of its apple crop. And the Dwight Miller Orchard, which provides the apples for the famous Dummerston Appie Pie Festival, was not far behind with losses of 70-80 percent. “In the orchard here in the Scott Farm, we have a weather station, and we recorded temperatures down to 25 degrees on the morning of May 18,” said General Manager Simon Renault. “It was a perfect storm, because we were just at the late stage of petal fall, when the little fruitlets, the little apples, are just a few millimeters long. They’re starting to develop, and they froze hard for a few hours. And that just killed the majority of them.” The extent of the damage wasn’t immediCares Thanks Bill Schmidt ately clear. “It took a long time to figure out Cares board members and volunteers, present a surprise “Thank You” photo to Bill Schmidt to honor how large a loss we had experienced,” Renault his seven years of dedicated leadership as president.
Dummerston Orchards Suffer Hard Spring Freeze
Photo by Cindy levine
2 • Fall, 2023 • 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:
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: January 9, 2024 Views will be mailed on: February 2, 2024 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.)
Photo by Annamarie Pluhar
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.
Bob celebrates the publication of his masterwork.
A Tribute to Bob Sherwood By Roger Turner The final step we take in preparing the Views to send to the printer is to hold a proofing session at Fred Lee’s house on West Street. Fred has printed out all the pages he’s composed, and three or four of us sit around and carefully read through each page. While I, as the editor, have already done my level best to edit each article, meaning check and sometimes do some rewriting for clarity, and correct any grammar, usage, or mechanical errors (GUM!), something always gets through. What got through is what we’re looking for on proofing night. Bob Sherwood has been one of our proofers for a number of years, and as my wife Linda, another proofer and former high school English teacher says, Bob was the authority when a tricky GUM question came up. It was clear from his contributions to our
proofing-issue discussions, (which can get somewhat nerdy) and in the stories that we shared while sitting around the table, that he was a brilliant, well-educated fellow. We always enjoyed his company, and valued his editorial expertise. So we were saddened to learn of Bob’s death this past August. We have all lost a friend, but the friendship of a fellow who didn’t talk about himself a lot, and who it turns out had a very interesting life. I don’t recall him mentioning his interest in chess, but we’ve learned that he started playing chess as a preschooler, and learned to read by reading chess books. He studied chess history and became committed to translating and writing books about famous players and tournaments. His pet writing project, Cambridge Springs 1904, became a book in 2022. continued on page 10
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 • Fall, 2023 • 3
town government Dummerston Selectboard
New Treasurer Sought by New Board Members By Alex Wilson As was noted in David Baxendale’s report in the last Views of Dummerston, this has been a year of transition on the selectboard. I was elected to the selectboard this past March, replacing Becky Lotka. In late March Terry Chapman resigned from the board to help care for her ailing mother and the selectboard appointed Lewis White to replace her. Then in June David Baxendale resigned from the selectboard for health reasons and the board appointed Todd Davidson to replace him. Both Lewis and Todd will serve until the town meeting, 2024. So, nearly brand new on the selectboard, I quickly found myself one of three new members trying to learn the ropes (though Lewis had served on the selectboard in the past, so already knew how things work—and we’ve elected him as vice-chair). So, what are we up to? To all our benefit and thanks particularly to our town clerk, Laurie, and treasurer, Charlotte, Dummerston is an extremely well-run town. Every time I hear about problems in other towns with improper accounting practices or errors in budgeting—or worse—I’m reminded how good we have it in Dummerston! And that brings me to the major point of this message: we need to find a new treasurer to serve the town. Charlotte Neer Annis, our current awesome treasurer, very generously gave us one-year notice that she intended not to run for the position again in 2024, though she is offering to continue her services to Dummerston as a lister. We are hoping that someone with a keen eye for detail and knowledge in bookkeeping will put their name forward for the treasurer position. If you think this might be you, please reach out to Charlotte (802-257-1496) to learn more about what the position entails. It is currently defined as a 23 hours per week job and pays an hourly wage of $19/hour. As an elected position, it is
open only to Dummerston residents. If you’re thinking about serving the Town of Dummerston but don’t have the time or skills needed to be treasurer, we have lots of other commissions, committees, and organizations looking for volunteers. Consider putting your name forward for the Planning Commission, Development Review Board, Energy Committee, Conservation Commission, the Lydia Taft Library Board, the Community Center Board, Dummerston Cares, the Recreation Board, the Farmland Protection Committee . . . and there are a few others.
New Options for Paying Taxes By Charlotte Neer Annis The second tax payment is due 2/20/2024. The office is now able to run credit and debit cards for tax payments. There is a 3% service fee that is charged to the user since that fee is an expense that cannot be passed on to the town. A card can be used in the office or over the phone during business hours. Direct debit is also available for tax payments, for no additional fee. Please contact the office if you would like the sign-up sheet emailed or mailed to you. Tax payments are pulled from your account on the day that taxes are due. There is no need to worry about bad weather or just forgetting. We have eighty property owners enrolled with no complaints! As I said in the spring, this will be my last year as treasurer. Since this is an elected position, candidates must be town residents. Working at the town office is wonderful. The hours can be pretty flexible and since the Dummerston school bus stops right out front, it is a perfect place to work if you have school-age children. I would love to talk with anyone interested in running in 2024. Email me at treasurer@dummerston.org or give me a call (802-257-1496).
Sponsors Gordon & Linda Evans Heather & Gene Rostov Akara Draper & Linnie Jones Elizabeth Catlin & Jared Flynn Cliff Adler & Lynn Levine
Take a look at the most recent Dummerston Town Report to learn more about these entities and consider participation, either for yourself or suggest involvement to a Dummerston neighbor. This is such a great town largely because all of these volunteers make it great. It’s a good time to get involved! If interested in any of these positions, send a note to the selectboard (selectboard@dummerston.org). Some of the above-mentioned organizations are not selectboard-appointed, such as the Community Center Board, but if you’re interested, we can put you in touch with the right person!
Dummerston Board & Committee Vacancies Planning Commission Development Review Board Energy Committee, Conservation Commission Lydia Taft Library Board Community Center Board Dummerston Cares Recreation Board Farmland Protection Committee
Treasurer: 23 hours per week, currently $19/hour.
Primary Care Emergency Care PT/OT Just up the road in Townshend 365-7357 www.gracecottage.org
4 • Fall, 2023 • Views of Dummerston
town government Dummerston Conservation Commission
Land Trust Lead Forester Explains the Woods By John Anderson
owners can manage for those benefits were the common themes of this presentation. An enthusiastic and engaged audience turned out for this talk and kept Van Loon busy answering wide-ranging forestry questions. In recent months we also fielded a wide array of wildlife questions and addressed many of the concerns of our neighbors. This summer’s cool, wet weather led to unusually robust plant growth, disruptions to bird nesting, flooding of mammal burrows, and a shifting of human expectations in general. It was an odd year and its oddities led to an increased awareness of and photos by john anderson
Over the last dozen years, I’ve found three totally chlorophyll-less plants: a milkweed, a horse nettle, and an Indian hemp. All were As I write there is still grass that needs to be startlingly white. They had no chlorophyll. No mowed. However, by the time this reaches your green. Zero. Yet there they were. But, how? mailbox many will find their time consumed How does a plant survive without manufacby leaf raking. Despite the on-going demands turing food? of the seasons the Conservation Commission The answer was relatively simple once I has managed to stay made one seemingly minor mental adjustment. busy and engaged. I quit thinking of these plants, and others like In July, Pieter Van them, as individuals when, as I’ve now learned, Loon, lead forester each is probably just a part of a greater clonal for the Vermont colony, and the rest of that colony has normal Land Trust and levels of chlorophyll and is making sufficient formerly a consulting food for all its offshoots. Even chlorophyll-less forester, gave a talk freeloaders such as milkweed, Indian hemp at the Dummerston and horse nettle are all species that send out Community Center. underground rhizomes that may then surface Van Loon’s long resulting in new clones. Therefore, a white career in forestry has plant, in all likelihood, is just one branch of its made him uniquely green parent plant. aware of the issues I’ll never know facing owners of what genetic fault conserved acreage caused one indiand likewise capable vidual, one branch, of addressing the of any colony to questions of any Horsenettle give up photosynthewoodlot owner. Invasizing, but I can now sive insects and plants, carbon sequestration, many concerns about understand how such and managing woodland for old growth char- our natural surroundplants survive. A lot acteristics were among the topics touched on. ings. We did our best of plants are clonal. Over-browsing by deer, the effects of climate to respond. Whether A patch of downy change and changing forest composition in disseminating needed rattlesnake plantain the wake of emerald ash borer and hemlock information or advice, is actually a genetiwoolly adelgid were discussed. The overall o r s i m p l y b e i n g cally-identical clonal benefits of a healthy forest and ways land- the recipient of and sharing in the obsercolony. If a pathogen vations of others, our attacks one member, Fast Eddie’s Restaurant Fast Eddie’s Restaurant connectedness to our all sicken, and if as a Ice Cream Shop common surroundings Ice Cream Shop result one dies, all will and to our neighbors probably die. OPEN YEAR ROUND OPEN YEAR ROUND Milkweed was happily enhanced. As often as we taught, A clump of sumacs is also a clonal colony. Catering ~ Lunch ~ Dinner ~ Dine-in Catering- Lunch ~Dinner~ Dine-in Catering- Lunch ~Dinner~ Dine-in we learned. If the founder of a colony is female, all will be CurbsidePick Pick-up Take-Out Curbside up~~Take-Out Curbside Pick up~ Now, having reported, I’mTake-Out going to wander female. If it is male, all will be male. And all 833Putney Road ~ (802)-579-1474 833 Putney Road ~ (802)579-1474
833Putney Road ~ (802)-579-1474 off into both some botanical oddities and the share a common root network and may suffer troubles I had making sense of those oddities. continued on page 6
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Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2023 • 5
organizations Evening Star Grange
Help and Money Welcomed for Donated Meals by Sallie J. May, Secretary Two things are on my mind today as I sit listening to the rain come, again! When is it going to stop, and what do I say about the Grange this summer? We’ve been busy! We’ve done three public suppers which have just about paid for our winter fuel supply; thank you to our loyal workers and even more loyal customers, who come and eat our offerings at each meal. We really appreciate you all. We are planning to do our last dinner (turkey) of the season on Saturday, October 28th, and hope that it will top off our fuel tank!! High school students who need community service hours may call Sallie at 257-0387 as the Grange can probably use your talents waiting tables, peeling potatoes, etc. We continue to do two Senior Solutions Senior Meals each month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, and take-out meals are available as well as in-house seating. Call the Grange at 802-2571138 to make a reservation, if possible, but walk-ins are not turned away. A donation of $3 for those 60 and older is suggested to help pay for the food. Over the summer months, we have rented the hall for birthday parties, funeral receptions, wedding receptions, and the like. Arrangements for future such events can be made by calling Carol Lynch at 802-254-2517. Leave her a message if she’s not home and she will return your call. Starting in September, we will be making a complete meal for Groundworks Shelter on the 4th Thursday of September and October, then contributing towards the holiday meals
in November and December. We will resume our 4th Thursday meals in January. If anyone wishes to contribute money to help pay for the groceries, or make a donation of food items, please call Sallie at 802-257-0387 (H) or 802-257-0544 (Church office) to find out what is needed for the month.
With respect to the still dripping rain, I guess I can’t do much about it, so instead, we wish everyone a healthy and happy Fall and Winter season. Stop by and check us out. We meet the second Monday each month and would welcome visitors to our meetings.
continued from page 1 board members, though they will certainly be called upon for their longtime knowledge and continued support of board work. In the last six months the DCC has also welcomed aboard four new board members: Rick Davis, who is leading the building/grounds committee; Molly Stoner, who is serving as board secretary; Paul Chapman, who is the new board treasurer and supports building/grounds efforts, and Carol Wood, who is heading up the activities committee. In addition, the board has formed formal committees to support its work and welcomed Cindy Bacigalupa and Ashley Perkins as members of committees. Would you like to join a committee (building/ grounds, finances, calendar/communications, or activities)? Contact the board at dummerstoncommunitycenter@gmail.com or attend our meetings the first Monday of each month at 6:30 in the Community Center. Finally, the Dummerston Community Center would also like to extend a big THANK YOU to our town selectboard which has the formidable task of managing the town’s revenues, recently including significant pandemic monies through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). We know there are many needs in our town, and it is
no small task to make these important financial decisions. The DCC board appreciates the faith placed in us by the selectboard to use some of these ARPA funds to improve our building’s water and electrical systems, weather-proofing, downstairs meeting room, and drainage. We are excited by the changes in the works and look forward to holding an open house for the community when the work is complete!
Robert E. Dunklee & Sons
Cindy Wilcox
Community Center Gets Second Act
72 Flat Street Brattleboro, VT 05301
254-5663 Sponsors
John & Karen Abel Roberta Garland Orly Munzing & Bob Dunbar Mark and Lee Tice Fred Lee
B ad G oose F arm & N ursery Heirloom Trees and Orchard Fall Tree Sale ~ www.badgoosefarm.com ~ First Weekend in November 50+ Apple Varieties or Order online anytime! Houghton Road, Dummerston Workshops • Pruning • Orchard Planning + Restoration • Custom Crafts
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Sponsors Paul & Jody Normandeau Michelle Cherrier & Philip Goepp Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison
D u m m e r s t o n Congregational Church se r v i c es at 1 0 : 0 0 a . m .
Rev. Shawn Bracebridge, pastor Office 257-0544 • Home 802-689-0753 www.facebook.com/DummerstonChurch
6 • Fall, 2023 • Views of Dummerston
organizations Dummerston Cares
Bracebridge Retires From and McFadden Reelected to Cares Board By Bill Schmidt At its September 21 annual meeting, some changes in the make-up of the Cares Board occurred. For one, Shawn Bracebridge retired from the board. We thank Shawn for his time on the board and very definitely for his coordination of the Cares Message Line and our medical equipment loan program. Thankfully, given his experience and commitment to these services, he’s going to continue his coordination of both
as a Cares supporter. We applaud Shawn’s commitment and are grateful for it. Shawn’s a step-up-when-help-is-needed person. He also was a regular in doing meals deliveries in the Everyone Eats program and helped out at times as a driver in the rides program. In the election of board members, Pam McFadden was reelected to another term. Pam has been an anchor on the board in her willingness and readiness to step forward
Free Smoke Alarms to be Installed Throughout Town by Meg Lyons
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This fall town residents have a unique opportunity to keep themselves and their families safe from house fires. Dummerston Cares and the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department are teaming up to launch their new Raise the Alarm fire safety program featuring smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and throwdown ladders that will be installed by trained firefighters at no cost. Any member of the community with an owner-occupied, single-family home is eligible to receive these devices. Having smoke alarms near the kitchen and sleeping areas will ensure that you and your family are alerted as soon as a fire is detected. And the smoke alarms that will
continued from page 4 a common fate if attacked. Poplars are also known to form huge clonal colonies. Spreading via rhizomes is a wellknown plant strategy. In fact, there are a lot of plants that spread via rhizomes and form colonies of genetically identical inter-connected clones. And, apparently, genetic miscues can cause occasional chlorophyll-less clones to occur. And, a clone with its communal ties can do what a
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be installed contain 10-year batteries that eliminate the need for battery replacement. The Red Cross of Northern New England has generously offered to contribute a supply of these smoke alarms to help launch the program. To sign up to have current devices upgraded or to have your first devices installed, call the Cares Message Line at (802)257-5800 and leave your name and phone number. A Cares volunteer will contact you to start the scheduling process. We encourage all Dummerston residents to take advantage of this program and also to help spread the word among friends and neighbors. As we head into another heating season, let’s work together to keep our community safe.
Land Trust Lead Forester Explains the Woods
Dummerston Community Center 150 West Street, West Dummerston
when Cares takes on a new project. This was the case with Everyone Eats when Cares decided that Dummerston residents should benefit as much as possible from this program. She led a team of other Cares volunteers in delivering meals to dozens of townspeople until the program’s end. She’s now working with some other board members and volunteers to revive the friendly visitors program in some new ways.
stand-alone individual cannot; survive without photosynthesizing. I’ve made the necessary mental adjustments, but I’m still left with questions. Could a chlorophyll-less plant live long enough to flower and set seed? Would the flowers have color? Are such plants more susceptible to disease? How common are such genetic mutations? Will I ever be lucky enough to see another? A snow-white plant in a field of emeraldgreen sure looks like an individual. It stands out. It takes some mental adjustment to see one as being merely a part of the green masses. It takes some mental adjustment to see it as less than extraordinary. But, should I ever see another I’ll indulge in a few minutes of wonder. Such plants are startling and disconcerting and oddly beautiful. No thought required. For more information on the Conservation Commission go to http://www.dummerston conservation.com.
Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2023 • 7
organizations Dummerston Cares
Cares Celebrates Volunteers at the School by Catie G. Berg
What a treat it is to celebrate Dummerston Cares’ “Volunteer of the Season” in this community newspaper! Cares’ motto is Neighbors Helping Neighbors. And this season, Cares stretched the notion of volunteer to salute Dummerston School. Volunteers there are legion as neighbors help neighbors to create an inclusive and supportive school community. Leading the staff and students in creating this caring community is Principal Julianne Eagan. She cemented a partnership with Cares last September when we joined to welcome all town residents at the end-ofsummer picnic on the school’s grounds. Principal Eagan recommended both an individual and a group to highlight as volunteers. First is a parent volunteer, Jessica Nelson. She and spouse Jared Clark are parents of a first grader and a third grader at the school. Second is the ASSET Team, a group of middle-school students whose activities are facilitated by the School Counselor, Nicole Thomas. Amazing projects are transforming the school’s grounds! Jessica, as a member of the Dummerston School Leadership Council, joined a task force to develop the playground and its environs. Since Jessica is a deft organizer, she set to work in 2020, with a dozen other volunteers, to enhance the school’s outdoor space for the inclusive enjoyment of the school and community. Successfully garnering support from the larger community was a requirement for receiving grants. So parents were recruited to help with the tasks of preparing the grounds and adding playground features, resulting in over 500 hours of volunteer labor! Learning from restrictions during COVID, the task force optimized outdoor spaces for gatherings. Outdoor assemblies are held in an amphitheater and a post-and-beam pavilion has been constructed to provide shelter when
Wr i t e for the
Views
We appreciate people taking the time to write something about our beloved town, so please consider becoming a correspondent. Email articles@ viewsofdummerston.org
needed. Soon, a recreational “inclusive glider” will offer people with reduced mobility an opportunity to sway together with their friends and families. A final project is to complete a level, half-mile walking trail on the school’s grounds, something that will be accomplished through more fundraising. And hold on to your socks, friends! The playground’s enhancements are available to all residents in town. Principal Eagan reaches beyond the school’s community to welcome us all. Cares also celebrates the ASSET Team a group of middle-school students who volunteer to develop skills for leadership as they build upon successes within the school’s community. The Team’s facilitator, Nicole Thomas, believes that these students are a huge asset to the school as they model admirable behavior and inspire fellow students to grow in the school’s culture of inclusivity, caring, and integrity. How does this work? The Team reviews information that tells how students and families have experienced a sense of belonging at school. The Team then chooses a theme that builds greater understanding of the school’s values. Last year’s team focused on the movement, Black Lives Matter. The Team facilitated a week that explored “Black Lives Matter at School.” These young leaders selected
books to read to the lower grades and then guided class discussions. They led an allschool meeting at which they read poetry and offered a game that supported inclusivity. They provided a bulletin board for all students to share what BLM meant to them personally. Beyond BLM, the Team organized a couple of “Spirit Weeks” with daily themes of inclusivity and fun. The Team also organized a popular dodge ball tournament for grades 5–8. Becoming more sensitive to the Afghan settlers in the area, the Team worked with artist Negina Azimi to develop a mural at the school that focuses on justice, equity, and compassion. We at Dummerston Cares are so inspired by the generosity of service and development of leadership skills that occur daily at Dummerston School! COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL 802-257-7600
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Births Penelope Jane Lockie Lilly Helen Therrien
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8 • Fall, 2023 • Views of Dummerston
organizations Dummerston Historical Society
Artisans and Artists of Dummerston Features 26 Exhibitors By Chuck Fish As of this writing (September), the Dummerston Historical Society has much to look back on with satisfaction and to anticipate with pleasure. Our Faces of Dummerston exhibit drew many viewers and our current display, Artisans and Artists of Dummerston, is doing the same. Twenty-six exhibitors have filled the Schoolhouse with a great variety of works in several media from lovely pastels and watercolors to fine pieces of furniture. Also, a large crowd of family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of retired Dummerstonian Don Hazelton. Looking forward to our quarterly meeting in October, we will take advantage of our large collection of material about Dummerston native Dr. Grace Burnett (1886-1963) to produce a
program featuring not only Dr. Burnett, Brattleboro’s first female physician, but also the distinguished Dr. Robert Tortolani who will speak about the medical career of his pioneering predecessor. Dr. Burnett’s early house calls were made on horseback and by horse and buggy. She delivered thousands of babies, some now well aged but still alive. She was a competitive rider, winning blue ribbons, a member of a dozen community and professional organizations, a director of the Valley Fair, and a great supporter of the SPCA. The Historical Society has many photos from her albums and forty-four volumes of her medical library. Moving on, we will continue to organize our extensive collections, arrange revolving displays to keep the Schoolhouse always appealing, and plan major programs and
exhibits. We are a community venue as well as a custodian of local history. We welcome a new board member, John Pinkney, and volunteer extraordinaire, Bess Richardson. Our stunning 2024 Scenes of Dummerston calendar is now available for $10 at the town office, from board members, at the Schoolhouse during open hours, or by calling Jody Normandeau at 802-380-9027. We are grateful for the continued support of C&S Printing in this important fund-raising effort. Find more information and videos of recent programs at www.dummerstonhistoricalsociety.org. (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.
Dummerston Orchards Suffer Hard Spring Freeze continued from page 1 memory. A frost is different from a hard freeze. Frost means that humidity creates a little layer of ice around the blossom. A hard frost means the cold gets into the tissue of the fruit itself and destroys it. “This was really a hard freeze,” Renault said. “To be honest with you, I didn’t
know what it meant until we experienced it this spring. I’ve learned a lot since then. And it was a beautiful bloom this year. So we were hoping for a good crop.” Over at Read Miller’s farm, the year has highlighted how vulnerable farmers are to the weather. “We had that freeze back in February, which took out the peaches,” Miller said. “And we had the blizzard in March, which we were very fortunate to get through. We did have the greenhouses go down for a week or so, which cost some crops, but then we were riding along and had a nice apple bloom and things were going well. And then we had that freeze in May. So we have a very small crop with some varieties, but most were frozen. We’ll do what we can with those and will not complain about it.” In a normal year, much of the Scott Farm’s crop is sold at wholesale. This year, the 10 percent of the crop that remains will be sold at the Scott Farm itself. “We’re keeping everything for ourselves,” Renault said. “We’re selling a little bit to the Brattleboro Food Co-Op, but most of it is available at our store to make cider and for sale as loose apples.” The Scott Farm stand is open seven days a week. “And on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our little Pippin’s Cafe is open,” Renault said. “We have sandwiches, and we serve sweet cider and hard cider. I would love to put the word out and let people know that there’s a little place four days a week to have lunch in Dummerston.” Miller still has fresh fruit, vinegar and cider
to sell. “I have a lot of vinegar on inventory,” he said. “We make it a point to never sell out all of that. We’ve value-added on everything we possibly can. But we have orchards. And if you drive by you see trees, you see a packing house - our overhead is basically tied to fruit. Moving forward will be a challenge, but the family farm, eight generations now, is up to it, Miller said. “We’re trying to make sure that we don’t spend a lot of time letting it get us down,” he said. “It’s very difficult to keep heading in a positive direction if you spend a lot of time thinking about the negative side of things. We’ve had things like this happen before, many times. Our job here is to make sure that as a farming family we can get through it. That’s the important part, because it will happen again. But when you have those numbers of catastrophes in that shorter period of time, it really requires some steady nerves to pull through,” In the meantime, Miller is convinced that he will be able to provide apples for the Dummerston Pie Fest. He has promised the pie makers that he will find the apples through his connections in the orchard industry. “I think the pie festival is doing a little diversification on their own,” Miller said. “The area is known for a lot of different crops, blueberries being one of them. And obviously apples. I think they’re going to add some other pie flavors as well, like blueberry and perhaps pumpkin. They are working hard to make sure that that they come forth for the public and give them what they’re known for. And in that regard, we will help them.”
Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2023 • 9
organizations
Don Hazelton’s Life Celebrated at Historical Society The Dummerston Historical Society’s Schoolhouse was overflowing with people in the evening of July 20th. all there to embrace and celebrate Don Hazelton, who sat in the middle of the group wearing a Dummerston Covered Bridge tee shirt under his open dress shirt. Fran Lynggaard Hansen
worked for and got to know Don and the Hazelton family well. She wrote a story in anticipation of the “Don Hazelton Day” celebration for the July 12 issue of The Commons (Issue 722), which with their permission we are reprinting here.
Dummerston Honors a Life Well Lived by Fran Lynggaard Hansen
Dummerston. Both my parents were,” said for Don to arrive for a Rescue call,” said daughter Jeanette Hazelton Fairhurst. Bess Richardson, who was also a longtime member of Rescue Inc. “I “We wanted to do somewas so darned glad to see him thing special for Don. As showing up,” she said. “He neighbors, we have known was reliable. He knew where Don for decades,” neighbor everything was. He knew what and Historical Society member to do. When he came in the Chuck Fish explains. “After door I relaxed because I had all these years of friendship backup and support. He was and kindness, we wanted to do so good at it.” Richardson also something special for him to described “that very subtle recognize all his accomplishsense of humor that just pops ments—and simply because out when you least expect it,” he’s such a great guy.” she said. “He’s one of my A Historical Society press favorite people—he truly is.” release described Hazelton’s When the local church life as “one of enterprise and started a wood pantry, service.” Hazelton joined on with his He was a member of the wood splitter, giving countBrattleboro High School class less hours to cutting, splitting, of 1948, where he received stacking, and delivering wood the Austine Prize as one of the to those who need it. four top students. Following Charlie Richardson, a fellow stateside duties as an Air Force “wood angel,” is also a fan. electrician during the Korean “He’s been one of the main War, Hazelton worked for a time at the Scott Farm and as a Don’s daughter Phyllis Isbell presented him with a cake for all to enjoy at the helpers in the wood pantry. delivery man with Bob Bolster. Don Hazelton Day celebration held by the Historical Society at the Schoolhouse He’s very reliable and he works hard for us. He’s such He then returned to the family in the evening of July 20. a great guy,” Richardson said farm in Dummerston Center, “Dad was there for it all, whether it was with conviction. joining his father and mother, Merton and Hazelton has also served as custodian for Hazel, to harvest strawberries, potatoes, and picking charity quarts of strawberries to contribute to the Grange supper, even the Dummerston Center Cemetery. apples, and to produce maple syrup. Hazelton’s daughter Phyllis Isbell, now when he was busy with his own business, Common sense and kindness “Many small towns are fortunate to have living in New Mexico, says she still lives by or helping park cars up behind my grandpara few good “Don-isms.” “He always said, ents’ house for the Pie Festival,” she added. public-spirited citizens like Don,” the Histor“He does what needs doing,” Fairhurst ical Society wrote in its press release. “But ‘Quality, not quantity, is how we should work.’ And that’s why when we were picking said. “He addresses things before someone he is also loved by friends and neighbors strawberries, no white tips on the fruit were asks him to help. He’s always taught us to for countless acts of kindness, sometimes allowed!” she remembered, laughing. “It’s see things that need doing and to make things requiring hours of work with his ever-present better. He doesn’t make a big deal out of it; tractor. “If you offered to pay him, he would good advice for life, too,” she observed. say, ‘No, it’s a neighborly thing’ in a tone of Hazelton built his own home near the farm, he doesn’t need a lot of fuss.” voice that suggested you should know better after his marriage to the former Carolyn Service to community Hazelton, who became an EMT and fire- how such things should be done.” Jones, better known as “Bunny,” in 1951. Jeanette Hazelton Fairhurst is grateful for They raised five children. Bunny and Don fighter in the mid-1970s, was a member were always active in community affairs. of both the Dummerston Fire Department her father’s wisdom. “Dad brings common They were chosen the Grange Citizens of and Rescue Inc. and was awarded EMT of sense to any situation, which in this day and the Year and were also co-presidents of the the Year at the Vermont State Firefighters’ age can be so very uncommon,” she said. Association convention. “Common sense and kindness. That’s what Maple Leaf Square Dance Club. “I think of all the nights that I was waiting he’s all about.” “Dad is so woven into the fabric of
10 • Fall, 2023 • Views of Dummerston
DVFiber Crews Now Connecting Customers in Readsboro and Stamford By Eric Lineback In August, DVFiber crews, under contract with Sertex Broadband Solutions (Sertex), completed the fiber infrastructure necessary to provide high-speed broadband access to all e-911 locations in Readsboro. Following a network quality check by both Sertex and Great Works Internet (GWI), DVFiber started connecting customers in the first of four fiber service areas (FSAs, aka neighborhoods) covering Readsboro. Connecting customers in Stamford’s additional FSAs will follow in late September through October. We are on pace to construct and connect a new fiber service area about every two weeks. Take a look at DVFiber’s newly revised “customer facing” website: https://www. dvfiber.net/. We welcome your comments regarding our website’s content, clarity, ease of use, and appearance. Thanks for sharing your feedback. When DVFiber is closer to connecting customers in Dummerston, you will be linked from your e-911 address to a “request for service” page. Customer connections in Dummerston are still a while away, but
following Readsboro and Stamford, our crews will be moving on to Whitingham, Halifax, and Marlboro. We expect to complete phases I, II, and III of our universal plan sometime next year. Seven phases of construction will complete our network to provide universal service to all 24 member towns in the Deerfield Valley Communications Union District (DVCUD, dba DVFiber). If you are curious and eager to sign up for DVFiber service, please provide your e-911 address and contact information online at https://www.dvfiber.net/. Click on the green “Check Availability” box. Entering your information lets us know you want to be contacted by a DVFiber customer service representative about 30 to 60 days before your home can be connected. This call will set up a specific date for connecting your home. Note that most Dummerston locations will not be available for connection until late 2024 or sometime in 2025. Please keep in mind that if you wish to be connected underground (by conduit, not aerial), it is your responsibility to prepare your conduit for our free fiber installation. For more information, visit the DVFiber
website Home page and click on the “Customer Connections” tab at the top of the page. Then scroll down for detailed conduit installation requirements, followed by a list of experienced contractors with whom you may contract to do the work. To avoid delays in getting connected, please arrange for this work to be completed well in advance of your anticipated connection date. Learn more and get involved Intrigued? To get the latest news on progress and projected timelines for construction, sign up for the DVFiber newsletter at DVFiber.net and stay informed. Meeting agendas and minutes are also posted online, and all are welcome to attend meetings. Want to get involved? This broadband project is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, which is a major undertaking! Fortunately, many volunteers have relevant experience, enabling the development of strong forward momentum. Anyone interested in helping to make a better future for everyone in these communities should contact Eric Lineback (your DVFiber Governing Board representative from Dummerston) at eric.dvfiber@gmail.com.
A Tribute to Bob Sherwood continued from page 2 His obituary in the Commons lays out many of the details of Bob’s life. He was born in Palo Alto, CA, and as a young man, in addition to his passion for chess, was an avid student of Carl Jung, among others, which led to him enrolling in the California Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in 1983, graduating with an M.A. in 1985. Later in his life he spent eight years in India working for an AIDS organization, during
which he spent time at the ashram at Tiruvannamalai. Bob moved east from California in 2000 when he reconnected with Vassar College friend Annamarie Pluhar who says that when they chose to move to Vermont in 2005, it was Bob who fell in love with the house on East-West Road which they bought in 2006, bringing Bob and Annamarie to Dummerston. Learning the details about Bob’s publishing life as a contract writer, editor,
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and German-to-English translator totally explained the professional skills he brought to our amateur operation of producing the Views. Not only was he meticulous, he was fast; when Covid caused us to edit online, he could quickly do the whole issue if our other proofers weren’t available. And learning about the other details of Bob’s life caused me to realize that there was a surge of activity under the calm surface of his demeanor, an untold story – very interesting for a person who delved into the lives of others in his books. We greatly appreciate the time he gave to the Views, and will miss having him as part of our team.
Sponsors Allan & Sally Seymour Milt & Barbara Gilmore Rip Lhamon & Fita Ferguson Jo-Ann Tier Tim Knapp & John Bouffard
Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2023 • 11
school news
Views Seeks School Correspondent By the Views staff The Views of Dummerston is seeking a person with curiosity and a keen ear to work without pay for a few hours every three months to provide Views readers with news from the Dummerston Elementary School. This is an unprecedented opportunity for a community member to bring out their inner writer while serving to inform their fellow citizens of all the goings on at the town’s celebrated school. Interested people should contact Roger Turner, editor, via email at articles@viewsofdummerston.org. or call 802-257-5608.
802-254-6662
Brattleboro, Vermont
802-258-7791
Computer questions?
Tired of feeling out of control? Patient, Sympathetic Coaching Macs • Windows • iPads • Tablets
Annamarie 802-451-1941 www.PatientSympatheticCoaching.com
Justice Mural Graces Dummerston School Hallway In April 2023, students from the ASSET team began working with Negina Azimi, a mural artist and refugee from Afghanistan, and John Ungerleider from the Greater Falls Community Justice Center. Over the next several weeks, they collaborated on a design and then painted a mural in the halls of Dummerston School centered around the theme of Justice. Then students participated in a restorative justice style circle, where they spoke about what justice means to them, and what images come to mind when they think about justice. The mural is the result of this collaboration.
Sponsors Bruce & Catie Berg Gail & Lew Sorenson David & Nina Hutchison
Sponsors Elsa Waxman Elizabeth & George Wright
Kevin & Sara Ryan
John and Lori Brunelle
John & Sheila Pinkney
Debbie & Wayne Carpenter
12 • Fall, 2023 • Views of Dummerston A Remembrance
Douglas Hamilton: Fellow Lister and Friend I first became acquainted with Doug when I applied to fill the vacant lister position in September 1998 and began working in the Dummerston Lister Office. At town meeting in March 1999 I was elected to fill the open position, never anticipating I would have such a long and fulfilling tenure. Doug was one of my mentors educating me in all the intricate specifics of listing. His expertise with the building trade and experience with the general public were immense. Although I was not new to public service, Doug had his own technique in public relations. His gift to ‘gab’ and put people at ease was over the top! He instructed me on the ins and outs of construction. After all, he designed and built his own home on Park Laughton Road here in our special town of Dummerston. Although he was originally from Massachusetts, he considered himself a Vermonter. His humor was always right there and ready to burst open. A couple of incidents come to mind. Shortly after beginning my lister position there was a town gathering at the Dummerston Community Center where Ron Svec was leading a discussion on bluebirds and their habitat. Harold and I were seated in front of Doug and Susan. This unexpected phrase popped out of Doug’s mouth: “Hey, everyone, this is the gal with whom I am now traveling the back roads of Dummerston.” Needless to say, laughter occurred and I was a bit taken aback – thinking, okay, here we go! When we were dutifully engaged in the 2006 Dummerston reappraisal, our appointment schedule took us to an
Photo submittted by boe hamilton
By Jean M. Newell
Doug is pictured in a quiet moment, apparently having escaped the pressures of the lister’s office, where he served the town of Dummerston for so many years.
elderly gentleman’s property (yes - older than either one of us!). We arrived at our destination, hopped out of Doug’s truck, and were greeted with the owner’s comment to Doug, “Oh, I see you brought your wife!” We quickly remedied that statement; our personalities would never permit cohabiting! Working side by side with Doug was never dull, and I learned to always be ready! Be it pouring rain, sleeting snow, spring mud, or hot muggy days, I never knew what to expect so I learned to be ready! We never had an issue we could not remedy; we were always able to discuss and work out the present situation at hand. Doug retired from his lister position in March 2019. He had held the office since 1995. We continued on with our friendship. Our telephone conversations were full of many topics. Doug’s worldly knowledge was vast. His epic stories were so interesting as well as amusing. Doug was the big brother I never had. We grew up in the same era and would reminisce fondly about the GOOD OLD DAYS! That was a special time for both of us, and we exchanged many stories from our early lives, despite coming from such different backgrounds. Doug was the baby of his family and I was the oldest child in my family. We each had our own advantages. He lived a full life of opportunity but was always humble. His friends were countless. I was happy to be included. Thank you, Doug, for your lister partnership and never-ending friendship throughout so many years. I will be waiting for that next conversation to rekindle in the future!
Views of Dummerston • Fall, 2023 • 13 Good Books
Books to Cure Literary Ennui By Linda Rood This past summer was an odd reading season for me. Nothing seemed to satisfy. My book group chose to read sections of The 1619 Project, which was enlightening and valuable, but challenging; I found myself turning to some very light reads for respite. Entertaining but not fulfilling. Finally, just as summer was drawing to a close, I came upon Ann Patchett’s wonderful new novel, Tom Lake (HarperCollins, 2023), and the summer was saved. I am a confirmed Patchett fan. Tom Lake is her ninth novel, and the sixth that I have enjoyed. This one is a lovely meditation on love, family, and memory. Set in a Michigan cherry orchard during the harvest of 2020, the Nelson family’s three 20-something daughters have come home for safety during that first season of the Covid pandemic. Lara, their mother, and the three interesting young women must pitch in to pick the cherries since they don’t have their usual full crew. While they pick, Lara tells the story of her brief youthful career as an actress, primarily focused on one summer spent playing Emily Gibbs in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town at the nearby summer stock theater in Tom Lake, Michigan, where she fell in love with charismatic and narcissistic fellow actor Peter Duke, who went on to become a famous Hollywood star. The daughters have grown up watching his films, and they are clamoring to know about their mother’s past relationship. So, we have two parallel stories: summer 2020 on the farm, and summer 1987 at Tom Lake. One is a story of married and family love, and one a story of youthful passion and foolishness (carefully edited by Lara). We learn quite a bit about the challenges of running a cherry orchard that has been in the Nelson family for multiple generations, with concerns about the effects of climate change lurking in the background. For the Nelsons, this place is a kind of Eden, though one that requires long hours of hard labor to keep it going. We also become immersed in the world of summer stock theater, as well as a bit of the Hollywood film industry. (Lara was discovered by a Hollywood producer and starred in one film before she decided to abandon her acting career.) Lara’s youthful summer and its aftermath are not without pain, but the contentment that Lara has found in her farming life is the redemption for that pain. Patchett is a skilled story-teller, and this novel is a smooth read, a real pleasure. Her
characters are rich, interesting, and fully authentic. The interaction between mother and daughters, husband and wife, and sister to sister are engaging. Young Lara and her friends are sharply drawn and kind of breathtaking as we witness their carelessness and exuberance. I found much to enjoy in Tom Lake. Having spent time in Michigan during the cherry harvest, I enjoyed the main setting of the tale. I also had the pleasure of having my children come home for refuge during the pandemic, and so could fully understand how Lara felt that this summer was one of the happiest times of her life, even in the midst of a troubled world. At one point she reflects, “It’s not that I’m unaware of the suffering and the soonto-be-more suffering in the world, it’s that I know the suffering exists beside wet grass and a bright blue sky recently scrubbed by rain. The beauty and suffering are equally true. Our Town taught me that.” There is much more to the story of course. Wilder’s Our Town is the foundation on which the novel is built. Lara grew up in New Hampshire where she first played Emily in the Wilder play. Patchett says that Our Town has been an “enduring comfort, guide, and inspiration throughout my life.” She also says that the goal of her novel is to turn the reader back to Our Town and to Wilder. If you enjoy listening to your books, the audio book for Tom Lake is read by Meryl Streep! I also recently enjoyed reading James McBride’s new book, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store (Riverhead Books, 2023). In a slow-building, beautifully written novel, we learn the complicated story behind a mysterious death in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania Chicken Hill neighborhood. And there is a very satisfying ending. In my light reading explorations this
2024 Scenes of Dummerston Calendar
Now On Sale
Make sure to get yours early at the town office or by calling Jody Normandeau (802-380-9027) or Gail Sorenson (802-254-9311)
Great Inexpensive Gifts!
summer, I discovered the first book in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, called The Thursday Murder Club (Viking Press, 2020). If you haven’t yet come across these books, and you’re looking for some entertainment, this was great fun. A group of four British elder citizens in a posh retirement community spend their time investigating and solving a murder that has baffled the police. It’s full of amusing observations about senior living, as well as twenty-first century living, some of which made me laugh out loud. There are three more books after this first one, so more fun to come. This is not my usual material, but it was just what I needed. In the winter issue of the Views, I hope to continue the tradition of the readers’ choice column, so please be thinking about your favorite books from 2023 and share your choices with me at turood.802@gmail.com.
Sponsors Carolyn Mayo Brown & Gregory Brown Len Oppenheim Cheryl Wilfong & Bill McKim Bill Schmidt Catherine Gruver
Fully Insured Dan Jenks Free Estimate 1412 Stickney Brook Road finishlinevtllc@aol.com Dummerston, VT 05301 www.finishlineconstructionvt.com 802-258-2855
14 • Fall, 2023 • Views of Dummerston PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mailed From Zip Code 05346 Permit No. 61
change Service REquested
oct
19 4th Annual Gravitas Tournament
December
Nov
Dummerston Notable Events 29 4th Annual Gourd Race
Green Iron Bridge (between Route 30 and Quarry Road), 12:30 p.m. Stone Church, Brattleboro, 10 a.m.
Dummerston Meetings
2 Holiday Craft Fair
Community Center, time TBA
3 Balsam Wreath-Making Class Community Center, time TBA
16 Ginger Bread House Decorating Party Community Center, time TBA
Useful Stuff to Know Senior Lunches Evening Star Grange; Second & fourth Wednesday, noon. For Take out call: 802-254-1138. Leave name, phone number, number of meals desired, whether Eat In or Take Out. The Front Porch Forum: online at www.frontporchforum.com Walks and Trails in Dummerston: http://dummerstonconservation.com/trails-and-town-maps Dummerston Sightings: Nature Tidbits with photos! http://dummerstonconservation.com/blog/
NAMES & TIMES & NUMBERS Community Center Randy Hickin 802-257-0784 Conservation Commission Web site: www.dummerstonconservation.com Dummerston Cares Message line & Fuel Assistance 802-257-5800, email: info@dummerstoncares.org, web site: www.dummerstoncares.org Dummerston School 802-254-2733 Web site: dummerston.wsesu.org 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 Vermont Theatre Company 802-258-1344
Evening Star Grange Carol Lynch 802-254-2517 or Ruth Barton at mrgjb@sover.net Meals on Wheels Cynthia Fisher, 802-257-1236 Selectboard selectboard@dummerston.org 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 Views of Dummerston views@viewsofdummerston.org WSESU 802-254-3730 Websites: Official Town: www.dummerston.org Calendar: http://dummerston.org/calendar/index.asp Local Interest: www.dummerston.com
Please note that these meetings may not be taking place at their usual locations. Please refer to the town web site, www.Dummerston.org, for updated information. Town Meetings Selectboard 6 p.m. Every other Wednesday
Planning Commission 2nd Monday
6:30 p.m.
Conservation Commission
6 p.m.
Energy Committee
5 p.m.
Development Review Board
6 p.m.
2nd Thursday 1st Monday
3rd Tuesday at the town office
Community Center
7 p.m.
PTFO
6 p.m.
WSESD
6 p.m.
1st Monday at the Community Center
3rd Thurs. at the Dummerston School Library 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, revolving locations
Historical Society
7:30 p.m.
3rd Thursday of Jan./April/July/Oct. at the Dummerston Historical Society