Art by Gary Blomgren
Volume 34 Issue 3
Summer ~ 2024
Free • Since 1990
Steps to West River at Covered Bridge Completed
Photo by Roger Turner
By Jesse Wagner and John Anderson
The new steps from the covered bridge VTrans parking lot to the swimming hole under the bridge, and improvements to the parking lot drainage system, have finally been completed. All work has been funded with a grant obtained by the Conservation Commission.
Another milestone has been passed in the Commission’s now 3-yearold process to replace and upgrade the stone steps that lead down to the small beach at the Dummerston covered bridge. The week before the 4th of July holiday, the stairway was completed! Through the tireless efforts of Christine Goepp and Cory Ross of the Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District, a local builder was selected to perform this work beginning in June. The new steps are constructed of timbers and infiltration crushed stone and provide safe access to the West River for Dummerston visitors and residents. The full site plan also includes much-needed improvements to the drainage system around the VTrans parking lot, preventing erosion by encouraging rainwater to soak into the ground rather than run down to the West River. The work will be entirely paid for by a grant obtained through Watersheds United Vermont. We are so excited! Meanwhile, there have been some changes in the Commission’s membership. “We have fun here, and I couldn’t find time in my busy life to come here once a month if we didn’t laugh together and enjoy one another’s company and share our love of nature.” With these words, I and my fellow members of the Conservation Commission welcomed three new members at our April monthly meeting. And although we were naturally eager to impress our new colleagues, we were also being perfectly sincere. The Conservation Commission is a great continued on page 4
Dummerston School Graduates Twelve By Julianne Eagan
Dummerston School celebrated the graduation of its 8th-grade class on June 11th. The Dummerston School Band, directed by Nathaniel Evans, played Pomp and Circumstance as the class processed into the school gymnasium. Julianne Eagan welcomed guests to the event and addressed the graduates about the special significance of their time together in a small school. Eighth-grade student Malena Hodgman served as class speaker, and the graduates’ former and current teachers, including Heidi Bristol, Lilly DePino, Molly Stoner, Lindsey Glabach-Royce, Susannah Cassidy, Keith Marshall, and Ellen Rago shared memories of their time together and reflected on the special qualities of this class. Teachers and community members, including Ruth Barton and Bess Richardson, presented academic, community, and athletic awards. After the students continued on page 10
Photo by Ben Ferguson
Principlal