GOOD ADVICE!

The following came to me today from a friend in N. Hero, Vermont. I think it's worth passing on: (e-mail me to send you a copy if you don't want to copy from the blog - it's quite lengthy.)

Atascosa National Bank, Kendall Schorsch

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks.(DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)

3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend someone turned it in. It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact if your wallet, etc., has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

DON'T FORGET OUR ANNUAL PIG ROAST,
AND SILENT AUCTION
AUGUST 12, 2006!

Joe's Pond Association Recreation Pavilion.

Seating is limited, so get your tickets right away. Tickets are available at Hasting's Store, or contact Michelle or Dave Parker at the numbers below.

Michelle Parker writes: I'm looking for silent auction items for the pig roast. I have assembled some items but we need several more. You can contact me @ 684-3358 or at work 1-800-451-4513. It's shaping up to be a great event once again.

What to donate? Craft items, one-of-a-kind, your time, a keepsake, anything useful, beautiful, or unusual. You'll think of something to help make this another special event at Joe's Pond.

Good News from Homer Fitts:

Hi to All !

Everything seems to be finally going in a better direction.

Thanks to you all for whatever.

Elsie's funeral in November and her Committal service this past Sunday are done with. We surely appreciate the attendance at both by so many great friends and relatives.

Now for good news. After Sue's operation in Salt Lake City last Thurs., for a complete hysterectomy and the removal of her leiomyosarcoma cancer, today she finally has had her first liquids and at noon she did have an extra soft first food lunch.

She just told me this afternoon that the Dr. will check tonight and again in the morning. Possibly remove stitches and let her go home Tomorrow ? ? She is super strong and sounds wonderful on the phone. Possibly will get to Joe's Pond in maybe 2 months to see their new home next door to my camp.

Thanks again to everyone for whatever.

With Love,

Homer and Family

NEWS FROM THE FITTS FAMILY:
As most of the Joe's Pond community know, Elsie Fitts's committal service will be held Sunday, July 23rd, at Wilson Cemetery in Websterville, Vt. at 1 p.m.

Unfortunately, Homer and Elsie's daughter, Sue, will not be able to be here from Salt Lake City. Sue had a tumor which turned out to be leiomyosarcoma, and was operated on Thursday morning. Homer reports he's talked with her today and she's doing very well and the surgeons believe they were able to remove all of the cancer.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Homer, Sue and the family. We hope Sue will soon be well enough to come east toJoe's Pond to recouperate and enjoy her new house next door to her dad.

THIS WAS IN TUESDAY'S EDITION OF THE CALEDONIAN RECORD:Fred and Barbara Bona have been members of Joe's Pond Association for many years, and generously have hosted our fireworks display for the past several years. Barbara passed away in April of this year. The memorial bench is a beautiful tribute to Barbara, a lovely person who is greatly missed. (Please click on the picture to enlarge it.)

Mid-Summer Events Schedule

Following is a list of events coming up soon in our area:

July 19th - Lamoille Valley Rail Trail organizers are meeting at Sugar Ridge Camp Ground in Danville from 7-9 p.m. to discuss the progress and concerns of the old railroad bed that runs along the eastern shore of Joe's Pond. Those interested in how this recreational trail is to be developed should attend.

July 20th - Avocational archaeologist, Ken Klingler will be at the Cabot Historical Society building Thursday evening to show and discuss artifacts he's found while on "digs" within Vermont. Ken has found arrowheads, tools, shards of stone and artifacts that indicate our area was populated long before permanant settlements were established. The program starts at 7 p.m. We invite interested historians to come and chat with Ken and also take a little time to enjoy the "new look" and exhibits at our Historical Society. Light refreshements will be served.

July 22nd - Don't miss JPA's Italian Dinner! A great annual event where some of our best Italian cooks collaborate under the direction of Andre LaPrade (yes, Andre is French, and he knows how to put on a great supper!) to make some of the best sauce you ever tasted.

July 23rd - Harp Concert, St. Johnsbury:

July 23 - the Friends of the Cabot Library Book Sale will be going on at the Cabot Farmers' Market every other Sunday beginning July 23rd. Nearly New and Used Books, Children and Adult, Soft and Hardcover, from $.25 to $1.00. Next book sale will be on August 6th.

Aug. 5th - Danville Fair. Mark your calendar and plan to spend the day.

Aug. 6th - Summer Cocktail Party:

We'll post more events as they come in! Enjoy the summer at Joe's Pond.

A Visit to Ken Klingler's Studio

Yesterday I went to the workplace of a very talented artist, Ken Klingler. Ken and his family live high atop Whittier Hill in Cabot. To reach their home and his workshop/gallery, you need to take Thistle Hill Rd. off Rt. 2, near Molly's Falls Pond/Reservoir, and go about a mile. It's a steep road, not one for the timid. There are corners so sharp it's hard to imagine meeting another car without getting your rear fender bumped. I didn't meet any cars.

When I got to Ken's place, he brought out some of his displays so I could photograh them. Ken is going to speak at the Cabot Historical Society on Thursday, July 20th, and I was there to get information and pictures for a press release. Ken is not only a talented artist, he is also a knowledgeable "avocational archaeologist" - that's what he's going to talk about next Thursday.

After I took some pictures, we went into his gallery. I hadn't been there for a while and I was delighted to see several large carvings. There was an Indian, not quite life size, and a blue heron that was life size but Ken said the grain of the wood was too beautiful to cover completely. He cleverly painted only a few details on the glass-smooth wood. I couldn't resist running my hand over the curve of the bird's back. Everywhere I turned there was more to see, and Ken patiently answered my questions about the wooden horse sign he hopes to restore, the authentically decorated animal skulls hanging on the wall as if left there by some Indian hunter, and the picture of a carousel horse he'd finished for a collector.

I spent well over an hour there, and still had not discovered all the treasures, some completed, some works in progress. I will go back soon and spend more time, and probably come home with one of Ken's carvings. I'm sure you'd enjoy at trip up there, too. While you're there, the Newton's place is next door, just a bit further up the hill, and that's worth a stop, too. Perhaps their llamas will be outside. Continue on that road and you will, after about three or four miles of beautiful countryside, come out in Cabot Village. All the pictures were taken at Ken Klingler's place.

I don't have much to write about tonight. This picture is another taken by Matt Randal, and is the pond at Dick Spaulding's covered bridge by the Cabot Plains Cemetery. Click it to enlarge, and enjoy.

Matt Randall, 637 W Shore Rd, sent me these shots he took of the fireworks last Saturday. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

THE END OF A PERFECT DAY

John and Liz Randall on W. Shore Road entertained friends and family over the Fourth of July weekend. One of the highlights was this ride on John's hay wagon behind his Farmall. Fred and I saw them leaving just before sundown, and Fred was able to get a few pictures. I'm not positive, but I'm betting John took his guests up to the cemetery on Cabot Plain to watch the sun set over Camel's Hump. It's a favorite place for lots of people to go any evening when the sky is clear, and visitors never fail to be impressed with the beauty of the Plain. Equally breath taking are sun rises from that spot. Here's the thing: when you get to the Cabot Plain Cemetery there is a panorama on all sides. First, there's the Spaulding farm just south of the cemetery - and there's the little cemetery itself, neat and ordered, peaceful. Beyond the cemetery, the White Mountains gleam brightly to the east, especially with the glow of the setting sun on them. Looking north, on a clear day mountains in Canada are visible, and when you turn to look west, you see the quarries in Woodbury, the rolling peaks of the Worcester Range, Mt. Mansfield, and Camel's Hump. If you're lucky, Dick Spaulding might be hauling in a last load of hay from his nearby fields, or one of the Trautz family may ride by on a horse.

It was here, high on this hill, that the Town of Cabot was first settled and before that, during the Revolutionary War, General Bayley camped with his troops. You are standing on the Bayley-Hazen Military Road that served to open up the wilderness of Vermont in the 1700's. Follow the old road (you'll see the sign just down the hill towards Cabot) out to Rt. 215. There are markers along the way, one where the first settler built and another marking the first death in town. Note how the road seems sunken in many spots - well worn over the years. It's the only existing stretch of the historic military road in Cabot that's passable with a vehicle but that hasn't been paved or otherwise changed.

Life was difficult for those early settlers, made more so by the severe weather they probably didn't expect. Eventually the town fathers moved their buildings and stock from this pinacle to a more sheltered and lower location at the center of the township, leaving only some hardy farmers on the Plain. The winter winds still howl across the fields and sweep the ground clear of snow - or pile the snow high into the roads and against the buildings. It's not a friendly spot in winter, but this time of the year, the beauty of it is stunning. Well worth the trip.

Missed the Fourth of July Parade in Cabot? Too bad - as always, it was a fun event. I watched and took pictures from a second floor window of the Historical Society building. Great vantage point, although I'm sorry to say I missed the color guard and most of the children's parade because there were some folks still browsing the exhibits and I didn't want to appear rude . . . but as soon as they left, I started taking pictures. I took one of just about every entry as it passed.

I was surprised when I left early in the afternoon at the number of people in town. Such a great day weatherwise, I guess everyone turned out for the fun and the food. Here are more of my pictures. Click on them to enlarge.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION!

We hope you will go to Cabot tomorrow for the parade at 11 a.m. featuring Children and Grand Parades, Bread and Puppet, floats, race cars, fire trucks, etc., a Chicken BBQ at noon, an Auction at 1 p.m., afternoon entertainment by "Kitchen Sync Cloggers," featuring Appalachian clogging and live string band music; "SugarBlue", accoustic folk and bluegrass; Bill and Libby Hicks Band, guitar and fiddle; and "The Limes" playing their soulful blend of rock and funk.

There will ba a rummage sale at the Masonic Lodge from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Cabot Historical Society will be open all day. You're invited to come in and see the "new" old exhibits such as a maple exhibit, old farm tools, doctors' kits from the early years, fruniture and clothing from the 1800's, photographs, paintings and our new research area. Our new president of the historical society, Bonnie Dannenberg, has cleaned and scrubbed, and V.P. Martha Foster has rearranged, painted, and organized, and numerous others have made a huge difference in the old building we call home for the Cabot Historical Society. There will be someone available all day to show you around and answer questions. I'll be there - I hope your'll stop by. (Photos by Bill Walters.)

Sad, sad news -

The baby loon didn't make it. After all the tender care and concern from especially Evelyn and Ray Richer, and also the Joe's Pond community, nature had it's way. I will post information as to what may have happened as soon as we get it. I's my understnding Eric Hansen will be picking up the chick and there will be a report later.

Thank you all for your concern and help. Many people responded to help in whatever way they could, and that makes us very proud of our Joe's Pond friends and neighbors.