Engineers At Work

It's getting chillier each night now, and critters are doing their thing to survive the coming winter. Part of that process is sometimes annoying to humans, especially when they are left with either a miss of brush or their favorite young tree is neatly toppled. Beavers are building dams in order to keep reasonable water levels where they live, and restocking their ponds with tender branches to munch on during the winter. Unfortunately, they found the small grove of small trees between the Ricker and LaGue homes on Joe's Pond had just what they were looking for. Here's what Sue LaGue wrote to me earlier: 

 I wanted to tell you and pass on that the Rickers and LaGues have had a busy beaver chewing trees along our shoreline. It leaves the branches and leaves a mess. I could live with that but then it felled a poplar near our sheds. I've called Fish and Wildlife and talked with a Warden what we could do. Basically, it's all on us to try putting wire fencing around trees it might like, poplar, birch, beech. Otherwise, we could hire a trapper or try to get it ourselves. I wondered if others are having a problem. Beavers come out after dusk but with the low water it has found ways to climb my bank. If you see branches or sticks with eaten bark, it's what this beaver or beavers have left behind. I've already taken one load to the stump dump. I'm not sure what we will do but I hope it doesn't keep moving up the property to fell more trees.

Photos from Sue show the beavers' work. 

 Beavers have chosen that area before - there must be something special about the saplings along that little brook. It's difficult to know why they cut certain trees and not others, but I'm sure there is a reason. They are clever critters. Understandably, during droughts beavers become stressed. They are in danger of losing their habitat, so they are inclined to build more dams and cut more tender young trees to store for food to prepare for winter. There was a time when there were very few beavers left in Vermont - they were trapped in the very early settlement days because their pelts were valuable for men's hats - the fine stovepipe style worn by many gentlemen in Europe. Once the beavers were gone, former watersheds went dry and the natural ecology suffered. We now have them back, and it's a balancing act to protect our property such as prize trees or our land along a brook they decide to dam, while letting them do what comes naturally to them for their survival - and the survival of wetlands, in many instances. 

The best solution is probably to get out some wire and wrap the trees that are precious on your property - and maybe they will carry off some of the brush if it is left in place. If they don't, it will provide habitat for other wildlife this winter and you can assess the situation again in the spring. Sue - good luck!

Just a quick note on our weather - last night the temperature dropped to 34 degrees at my house, and I believer it is expected to go below that tonight. I have all my plants inside except some geraniums and straggly petunias that were in hanging pots. I've covered them, and if the forecast is correct, we may get warmer weather after this weekend. But it's time to think about buttoning up for winter! 

 

Shuffling Along

I'm moving at a very reduced pace these days since taking a header last Saturday and twisting my knee. I'm still waiting to see an orthopedist, no available appointments until next week. I hope I'll be much better by then and maybe won't need to keep the appointment. However, right now, I'm pretty sure I'm never going to heal! It hurts if I move it wrong - and getting comfortable at night is really difficult. I like to curl up on my side to sleep. I may have to resort to sleeping in my recliner - I have great naps there, so why not just camp there for the night! I'll figure it out, but in the meantime, I love to complain to anyone who will listen. I'm not a happy camper being sidelined like this.

I do love this nice weather, but I'm thinking it's time to bring my house plants inside - the nights are going to get into the 30s and 40s very soon, so I am hoping to get that done perhaps tomorrow. All three boys will be working at camp in the morning, and with luck I can persuade one of them to take a few minutes to haul those heavy plants inside for me.I think I've successfully bribed Bill to do it - promising him an egg salad sandwich for lunch.

I read in the Caledonian Record that a former Joe-s Pond resident, Betty Chase, passed away recently. Some of you will remember that Betty once owned the Joe's Pond Country Store in West Danville. That was probably in the 1980s or early 1990s - hard to remember exactly when. It was before either Ned and Marcia Moran or Jeff Downs owned it. I can't remember if Betty owned it before or after Dick and Terry Larrabee, but I believe she came after them. That building was a country store for many, many years, going back to when Mary Rodgers owned it and her husband, Earl, had a garage in the north end. They lived upstairs - their businesses provided important services in  West Danville back in the day. I found these two photos of that building in my files, the top one was taken probably in the mid-1900s and is from a collection at the Danville Historical Society; the second one was taken about 2013, I think. That building (where Nacho Mama cafe is) certainly looks a lot different today!

My knee says I'm about at my limit sitting at my desktop computer. I need to get it up and a little rested before I begin putting supper together. So, enjoy tomorrow's unusually warm weather- another day like today, according to the forecast. This long, warm, dry stretch has been nice, but we so need some rain! A good steady rain for two or three days or more would help. That said, I know we must be careful what we wish for. I'm presently writing for the Cabot Chronicle about the Molly's Falls Dam in the community of Petersville (an archaic name for a group of farms, homes, and a mill site on the lower Molly's Brook, near the Marshfield town line),  and the new dam that had not yet completely filled to capacity when the 1927 rains came in November, resulting in one of Vermont's worst floods.The new power plant was the only one able to produce power in the area and kept electricity flowing to the hospitals in Barre and Montpelier. By the way, if you aren't a Cabot resident and would like to subscribe to the Cabot Chronicle for $20/yr., contact Jeannie Johnson, editor. You'll enjoy lots of Cabot news and find it is a great place to locate businesses and services in our area. Stay healthy, happy, and upright!

 

 

An Oops! in My Life

My sons couldn't help themselves, they had to photograph Mom when she was at her worst. Saturday I was getting ready to start a sewing project at the sewing machine in my basement and after putting something away, I turned too quickly, caught my foot on something or stumbled - not sure what I did - and went down. I landed on concrete, but it wasn't a particularly hard fall, so fortunately I didn't break anything. However, I twisted my knee and boy, did it hurt!!! I fumbled my phone and left messages for my kids, and then realized that my knee was pretty painful and probably I needed more than an assist to get up. I called 9-1-1. The ambulance crew arrived in about 15 minutes and by the time they got me ready to load on the ambulance, all my kids arrived in time to help and see me off. Marie and Theresa followed me to the hospital, but not before Bob got this photo. Of course, they had me laughing so it looks like I'm way happier than I really was. My leg didn't (and sill doesn't) hurt as long as it was supported and straight out - so no big emergency. After X-rays at Central Vermont (NVRH is being refurbished and they are only accepting "real" emergencies) the doctor said it was probably a torn ligament or something else, gave me instructions and made a referral to an orthopedist in St. J. The girls brought me home with a support cast and I'll see an orthopedist in St. J. whenever I can get an appointment. In the meantime, I'm getting around with a walker, doing fine, and it's mostly just an inconvenience with only a little pain if I move wrong or if I stand or go without having it elevated for long. Therefore,I'm spending lots of time in my recliner, and having fun answering emails and texting with friends and family and not feeling guilty! So that's it for now.

I've been urged to share the above picture that middle son, Bob, took! My first ride in an ambulance. I have high praise for the three young women who came on the ambulance. That is Veronica standing beside me and Jean with her back to the camera. The "other Veronica" at the far right was the driver. All of them were kind, efficient, and knew their stuff.They are good at their jobs! 

  

"Tis The Season!

Cabot Church Harvest Supper  

Saturday, Sept. 13,  5 pm - 6:60 pm.  

Dine in or take out, by Donation. 

 Ham, Red Flannel Hash, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Rolls, Desert. 

Cabot United Church 

 To support the church fuel fund. 

Deliveries happily made to shut-ins - call 802-793-6486.

 

*********************

 

We had some interesting photos donated to the Cabot Historical Society recently. They are of the construction of the Molly's Falls Dam, or Reservoir, as it is sometimes called. It's also sometimes mistakenly called "Marshfield" dam - not in Marshfield - entirely in Cabot, but very close to the Marshfield line. Unfortunately, the photos we were given have no information with them. I will be trying to put together as much as possible, but these are from the time the homes in that valley were purchased by the power company, to when the first steam shovel dug into the earth, and on to the final connection of the big wooden penstock to the power plant on the Winooski River far below on what is now Route 215. We will be looking for someone who may have some knowledge of what these photos are. The dam was built in 1926 and 27 - and was just beginning to fill with water in November when the 1927 flood hit our area. The power plant was the only plant that wasn't damaged. It supplied power for hospitals in Barre and Montpelier throughout that crisis. The operator was unable to leave the plant because of the swift water all around it, and had no telephone, so wasn't aware that he was being a real hero by staying at his post and keeping the power plant operating.

 

It's chilly tonight - time to think about bromgomg in my tender plants. The closer we get to the first of October, the closer frost is. I thought we were going to have frost Monday night, but it didn't get that low. Next Friday there is a cold front coming at us again, and while we may actually get some rain from it, it may also bring us to the freezing point. I will probably bring things in tomorrow. It was a beautiful day today, and I think there will be many more nice days like that, but nights are getting cooler and my plants don't like those low 40s and high 30s nights. It seems like it's been a very short summer. 

 

Stay warm and enjoy the late summer sunshine! 

 

 

 

Catching Up!

Time slips by so quickly! There are a few things I have neglected to tell you about this past week, so today I'm going to try to catch up - and I hope I remember everything I want to include.

First of all, my apologies to Susan Bouchard for not getting this really fun, short video, produced by her son, Scott, on the blog sooner. It is of the artists who engaged in the Paint & Sip Party that Susan and her family put on to support our Milfoil Eradication efforts. The afternoon was a huge success and not only did they raise a nice sum of money, everyone had a great time, so many thanks to the Bouchard family. I'm sure you will enjoy Scott's video - and a special thanks to him for doing that.

As some of you know, the application of ProcellaCor herbicide to the areas in our pont that were found to be infested with Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), happened on August 13th. It went exceptionally well. The weather cooperated, as did residents around the pond who stayed off and out of the water as directed. The EMW team was able to apply the herbicide where it was needed with no hiccups. Several days later, the divers and snorkelers on our JPA team spent hours searching those treated areas and according to a report by team coordinator Barry Cahoon, JPA Water Quality Director, nearly 100% on the areas treated directly showed no sign of EWM. Other native aquatic plants were showing no signs of damage, and fish were happily swimming where they couldn't before the treatment. This is a huge step forward in controlling this very invasive, fast growing weed, but Barry cautions that there will no doubt be other outbreaks in the future, so we need to remain vigilant. He also advises that we should not operate watercraft of any type in shallow areas either where EWM has been or where it is likely to be present, as it is still the growing season for EWM and small bits of the weed could be dislodged and quickly infest other areas. The team will continue to monitor some spots at least until the weather and water cool to uncomfortable temperatures. You will find videos on the JPA website of the complete EWM saga, from when it was first discovered late last summer through the steps taken to control (or perhaps eliminate) it. Our JPA has been proactive in this emergency and we are grateful for the support of our whold community. People not associated with JPA have pitched in to assist in whatever way they can. We thank those volunteers and everyone in JPA for their dedication and support of this cause.

One more important bit of information - we finally got some rain this weekend. Saturday brought us a nice, gentle, steady rain! We haven't had a soaking rain since back in July. The whole month of August I recorded less than one inch. The actual count was .85 in. We've had a total of 1.09 in. since the beginning of September, and that is encouraging. However, ponds and streams are nearly dry and there was absolutely no runoff from the rain we got Saturday - it immediately soaked into the ground, and that is so needed and good.

Son Bob and I did our monthly "First Thursday" lunch on Friday this month as he couldn't do it on Thursday. We went to Barton to Nick's Snack Shack. We'd never even known it was there, but it rates as a "find" for us. Great little place with good service, great food, and a perfect spot for lunch. They have a large back yard with picnic tables and benches, but also very nice space inside. Bob had whole-belly clams that were very good - I know, because I snitched one or two! - with fries and slaw. I had a really good fish sandwich - nice slab of fish perfectly cooked, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on a bun with chips. It was really good.There is a bar, and a cooler full of soft drinks - so we made Arnold Palmers. 

We came home through Irasburg and East Craftsbury, which is a beautiful drive, and took Route 16 to Hardwick. We could have turned at Craftsbury and come out in Greensboro, but opted for the Hardwick route. Everywhere we went there was a very obvious lack of water in ponds and streams. We need more rain, for sure. Oh, yes, we took a selfie in front of Nick's - we have the technique down now - Bob holds the phone and I press the button to take the picture - a bit goofy, but we have fun. I don't know how people navigate to take selfies with one hand - my fingers don't work that well! We try to remember to get a picture in front of the signs of the places we go for lunch - that started a while back, but sometimes we forget as we're leaving, so Friday we took the photo before we went inside. It was a really nice day and lots of fun interacting with the servers at Nick's. Very nice young women who did a great job. 

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead - full of fun and pleasant surprises.  

 

 

End of Season Meeting and Nostalgia

 We ended the summer season here at Joe's Pond officially with our final business meeting of the Joe's Pond Association. There was a lot to cover, and some important matters under discussion. Here is a video of that meeting: Fall Meeting, Eurasian Watermilfoil Update, August 30, 2025

Back in the days before EWM, one of the highlights of the summer was the annual Joe's Pond Boat Parade. Summer residents came up with some pretty novel ideas to decorate their boats. Ralph Hastings brought out the "Fire Boat". This was a very early model pontoon boat with a pump aboard that was purchased by West Danville and Joe's Pond Association to use in an emergency to pump water from the pond to fight fires. In the hands of Ralph, the fire hose sprayed water high in the air and occasionally onto the shore, soaking onlookers and generally creating good-natured chaos. 

Jamie Stewart, JPA secretary, sent me some pictures of clippings he found in a file as he was wrapping things up - as all good secretaries do - after a very active three months of meetings and activities. The clippings were from the 1970s.  As with other activities, the boat parade's life span petered out as entries declined and it became difficult to find anyone to manage the complexities of organizing it. It was fun while it lasted, and there were some very creative entries. That was in an era where just about every kid on the pond had access to a small fishing boat with a motor. They were as common as today's toys such as  jet skies and paddle boards are, and were rarely used for fishing - but they contributed to a very active group of youngsters interacting around the pond every summer, forming long-lasting friendships that have endured over the years.

Now, a look back at the really early days of JPA, before there were high-powered motor boats, pontoon boats, and kayaks - when sailboats, rowboats, and the noteworthy steamer "Mineola" plied the waters of Joe's Pond. Then, when the Joe's Pond Association was in it's infancy, there were bonfires, pot-luck suppers at camps, and annual clam bakes to raise money to operate the Association. The income from these events was small, but the needs of the Association were also small, compared to today's requirements.

Here's what Jamie found:

As I was perusing through the files I found that you gave me way back when and I got curious about the folders and found the check stubs for the JPA.  So, here is some interesting stuff:

Clambake 9/1/1928

1-1/2 barrels clams paid to Mrs. Henry Beck - $15.25  

5 pounds butter - $2.90 total or $0.58 per pound

5 pounds coffee - $3.00 or $0.60 per pound

Above all paid to Gilbert Hastings

Checking with the all knowledgeable internet I see that one 1928 dollar is worth $18.89 dollars today

Clambake 9/1/1928

16 dozen doughnuts - $3.20 or $0.20 per dozen

125 empty strawberry baskets - $1.25

Express on clams (?) - $3.75

2 quarts of cream - $1.20

2 quarts of milk - $0.20

wood - $1.00

4 pounds sugar - $0.50 or $0.12 per pound

100 paper cups - $1.00

Paid to Gilbert Hastings.

8/23/1929

3 pounds coffee - $1.65

Sugar - $0.90

7 pounds Butter - $3.85

Paid to Willy's Store

 

The above purchases were before the 1929 crash in November.

8/15/1930

50 Stamps - $1.00

Prices are a bit different today but so are the wages.  

Jamie

 

Indeed, prices and wages were different. Also, membership in the Joe's Pond Association during those first years was about 33 cottages, most of which were on the eastern shore of the pond until a dozen or so new members were signed up from the Cabot side of the pond in 1923. Those were difficult early years when the Association was negotiating with Eastern Light & Power for reasonable rates to supply electricity in the area, trying to arrange for garbage disposal, and struggling to keep raw sewage out of the pond.. The Association earned a few dollars each year by holding "marshmallow and aluminum" parties (like Tupperware parties with s'mores!), maple sugar parties, and bean suppers, adding three or four dollars to their bank account from each event. The cost to attend these events was generally 25 cents per person. The income was low, the budget minimal.

 

Yes, times have changed - but not one of us would want to go back to having no shelter at the recreation field, having to sit at splintery wooden picnic tables and benches, cooking marshmallows, corn, or hotdogs over an open fire in the middle of the field, an uneven tennis court, and croquet games. 

 

A New Video and Seasonal Reminders

Here we are at the unofficial end of summer (Labor Day Weekend) and it's time to put Fall Activities on our calendars. Make your plans early and get your reservations or tickets! These events sell out quickly. (See posters near the end of this post.)

I just got notice of a third video produced by Jamie Dimick of Kingdom Access Television (full disclosure, Jamie is my youngest son). This video is part of a series recording our struggle with Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) here at Joe's Pond. It is titled "JPA Hand Harvesting Eurasian Watermilfoil: Volunteer Divers, Surface Monitoring and Support." 

 Description: Conversations with just a few of the dedicated volunteers discussing their common goal. This monumental task of hand harvesting EWM at Joe's Pond during the 2025 summer season requires many special people. Some have experience, others are enjoying their new experience. The volunteers, each with diverse backgrounds - kayak, scuba, snorkel, snuba divers, and surface supporters - work in a combined effort to control EWM.

Here is the link for the video with this group: Harvesting Video

To view all videos documenting JPA's struggle to control EWM, go to the EWM Page on the JPA website.

 

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 30, is the final meeting for the Joe's Pond Association for this year, 2025. It is a very important meeting as members will be presented with some hard decisions, so it is important for members to be present to be included in discussions and to vote. The business meeting will begin promptly at 10 a.m. at the pavilion, and we will wrap up this monumental summer season with lots more information about milfoil and other important matters. A reminder - there are a few special EWM fundraiser stickers still available - see Jamie Dimick to get yours.  See you at 10 a.m.! 

 

I've noticed there are numerous hummingbirds at my feeder recently. I expect most are visitors on their way south. I have seen a few other birds flocking together - like these loons that Monique Morris photographed a little while ago. Several people have mentioned seeing lots of loons together, and this is normal. Wildlife people tell us that these are likely younger loons and that generally the older adults leave first and the younger ones sort of hang out in gangs for a while - associating with loons visiting from other ponds on their way to the coast where there will spend the winter. We often worry that these less experienced loons will stay too long and find themselves with too-short "runways" as the pond begins to freeze. Generally they are gone in time, but occasionally one will get caught short, literally, and not have enough open water to get airborne. Loon biologist for the State of Vermont, Eric Hansen has saved more than one of these hapless fellows on Vermont ponds over the years.

 

On a personal note, I had a lovely time yesterday chatting with Patty Conly, directory of the Danville Historical Society, and Debby Mariner, who works with Patty and others at the historical society. Patty and Debby were part of our team when the West Danville history book was being written. Strong friendships were formed then, and we have remained in touch over the years. Our group was formed in 2013 when the initial idea for a book was being explored. At first it was Patty, Dorothy Larrabee, Jane Larrabee, and myself. We eventually persuaded Linda Bishop to join us as our editor, and Randi Leightcap later came on board as our graphic artist. Sadly, Jane Larrabee died in March, 2020, and Dorothy a year later, in April, 2021. The writing mostly finished by then, and Debby was enlisted to help us through the final stages of production, scheduling events, advertising, and managing business details.  

 

We have seen each other individually over the years since the book was published in 2021, and we talked about everyone getting together, but it never happened. Well, it still really hasn't happened. Unfortunately, the only time that seemed possible was yesterday - however, Linda was at sea, literally, sailing in Maine, and Randi had a previous commitment - but we decided we three would get together anyway and try again for a full reunion another time. I supplied the place and the wine - Patty and Deb came laden with two wonderful home-made dips and the biggest bouquet of flowers I think I've ever seen! The weather was perfect for porch sitting, and had it not been that the temperature dropped significantly after the sun dipped behind the hill, we probably would have stayed there longer. We had a lot to catch up on! 

 

As usual, the Danville Historical Society has a lot going on - and their Beanhole Supper at Greenbanks Hollow is a favorite. It is a real treat to see them uncover the pots of beans that have been cooking underground for many hours, and they taste really, really good. Each cook uses his own special seasoning and secret methods for preparing the beans for baking underground. Some are spicy, some are really dark, some lighter, and sometimes varieties are combined. It's fun to try a little from each pot. There are great cooks in Danville, so delicious side dishes and desserts make a really scrumptious meal. Add to that seeing lots of folks you haven't seen in a while and meeting new people as they are seated at the long tables, makes it great fun, especially if the weather cooperates. This year it's on September 14 - a Sunday afternoon. Be there early - at least by 12:30 p.m. to watch the uncovering of the beans!

 Then, on September 27th, the North Danville Baptist Church is serving their famous Chicken Pie Supper! I always look forward to this one every year, too. It's just about the best chicken pie supper around. I get take-out and pick my order up at the church. I love the drive there - we are usually beginning to get some color by then and over the years I don't believe I've ever experienced bad weather on that evening. However, if you are in the general area, you can arrange to have meals delivered to you. I'm not sure how that works, but I am sure they have a great system. Just make your plans well ahead of time - don't wait until the last minute or you will likely be out of luck. 

 

That's all I have for today - and I am delighted to report that this morning we have had a lovely, steady, gentle rain that has no doubt done a heap of good for our parched lawns, trees, crops and gardens. It is going to let up this afternoon - in fact I think it may be winding down already - but every drop helps. My pond is almost dry - Liz Sargent mentioned that many of the brooks and ponds in her area (North Danville) are non-existent. Water is certainly in short supply and many communities are warned to limit their use of water. It's tempting to water lawns and gardens, but just not wise when we have been so long without rain. The sky is brightening now - I'm hoping we don't get full sun - it would be nice if the ground could just absorb the moisture without having the sun boil it away before it can sink in and do some good. Unfortunately, we don't always get what we wish for!

 

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend - be happy, healthy, and stay safe.