At the Joe's Pond Association meeting last Saturday, Andy Rudin asked about the progress of the rail trail from St. Johnsbury to Swanton on the old St. J.& L.C. R.R. line. Andy gave me a link to the LVRT (Lamoille Valley Rail Trail) web site which is posted on our home page. In addition, he recently contacted the president of VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers), Ann Shangraw, to ask the question, "Can you tell me when the trail to St. Johnsbury will be good enough to walk and bike on?" Ms. Shangraw forwarded his question to Bryant Watson, executive director of VAST. When we know more, I'll post the information here.

We took this picture last fall of the new bridge over the channel leading into Joe's Pond. While some people are using the rail trail, it is my understanding it is very rough in some areas - fine for snowmobiles in the winter, but tough on bikers and hikers. Also, with several bear sightings in this area and on the trail, plan to make noise if you are using the trail. Whistle, sing, or talk as you go so any bears will know you're there. Not good to surprise them, especially this time of the year when they have cubs. On the other hand, if you are out to take pictures of wild life, I guess you "takes yer chances."

CONGRATULATIONS!

TO NED AND MARSHA MORAN, WHO HAVE SOLD THEIR JOE'S POND COUNTRY STORE,

AND TO

JEFF DOWNS, WHO NOW OWNS THE JOE'S POND COUNTRY STORE. (Picture taken in February, 2007.)

First, to Ned - we wish you "Happy Retirement," and hope you get to do lots of golf, fishing, reading, or whatever you've been looking forward to doing in this new phase of your life. We know you have been anticipating this day for some time, and now it's here, I'm sure you will have a wonderful summer to do as you darn well please. As for Marcia - I understand she will still work some at the JP Country Store, and that's probably a good thing - it takes some getting used to, having a husband at home all the time, so we wish Marcia the best of both worlds - working part-time and being "retired" part-time.

Next - to Jeff, who is very excited to be here in Vermont and starting off on a new adventure as owner of a country store - we say "Congratulations" and wish you all the success possible. I'm sure you'll continue to enjoy meeting neighbors and travelers throughout the coming summer. You've already experienced some winter in Vermont, so I'm sure that won't bother you a bit. With the great staff staying on with you, the transition should be smooth. Good luck with your new venture!

I hope lots of you will stop by to meet Jeff during the next few days. Jeff says he's not going to change much right away, so stop in for breakfast, lunch, a cup of coffee and a doughnut, gasoline, or whatever -- or just to say "hello." And if you see Marcia there, be sure you ask how Ned is handling retirement . . .

LOCAL ITEMS

When warmer weather gets here, you may not want to do much cooking. Here's a suggestion: The Cabot Church (on the Common) will be serving "Tuesday Night Steak & Cornish Hen Dinners" beginning June 14th. The menu is, your choice of either Cornish Hen or Steak (grilled or simmered) with baked potato, vegetable, salad, beverage and dessert. Thew will be serving from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and take-outs are available. These dinners benefit the church, and a donation of $7.00 for adults or $4.00 for children under 12 is requested. You can make reservations by calling 563-2278, or get tickets at the door. Dinners will be held on June 14th and 28th; July 12th and 26th; August 2nd and 16th. The church is on Main Street in Cabot, Rt. 215.

Here's an idea - pick up dinner for the family and have a tailgate party on Cabot Plain across from the cemetery and watch the sunset. Or at least plan to go home over the Plain in time to enjoy the view as the sun sinks in the west over Camel's Hump, the Woodbury quarries, and the Worcester mountain range.

*****

Eileen Morrison called to say there is an apparently lost dog on Channel Drive. She said it is a male yellow Lab, very friendly, seems to have manners, but no collar or tags. The dog "hangs out" at her place or the neighbors' and sometimes goes for a swim and then stays around for a bit. Sometimes they don't see him for a day or two, and he seems to disappear at night. Anyone know this dog? Perhaps he has a home and just likes to go down to Eileen's for a dip; or perhaps his folks work and he's looking for human contact for a few hours while they are gone. We've contacted the local stores to let them know in case someone is looking for their dog, the Danville Animal Clinic and the pound keepers for Cabot and Danville/St.Johnsbury. Since he doesn't bother anyone and seems healthy and friendly, the folks at the Animal Clinic suggested we not have him picked up right away. We sure hope he has a family and that's where he disappears to every night. We are waiting for him to show up at Eileen's again so we can take his picture to post here, but so far today, no word from her. Maybe he didn't feel like having a dip today!

"Humtail"

Jeff Downs sent me this photo some time ago, but it got caught in my "spam" and I just ran onto it by accident today. Jeff had hummingbirds (see it on the tail of the dog whirligig?) quite early this spring, much to his delight. Jeff and his dog, Gracie, are enjoying their new home on W. Shore Rd., and Jeff is looking forward to meeting lots of Joe's Ponders when he takes over the Joe's Pond Country Store later this week. (Click on picture to enlarge.)

Sunday morning walk, 5/27/07.

We got out fairly early this morning to beat the heat or the rain - we weren't sure what was in store for us today. Turns out it was rain, but it didn't happen until this afternoon, and then didn't amount to much. Really colder weather tomorrow night, though. I'll have to cover up the annuals I planted Friday, there could be a frost.

On our walk we took pictures of the progress at the Rouleau site where Randy is putting up a new cottage. We understand he will not be taking down the original cottage that was built by Sim Whittier and was moved off the small island (now Pearl Island) back in the 1940's. That little house has lots of history, and I hope it won't be torn down, although I guess it's nothing like what it was when Sim built it, carrying all the materials in his rowboat. Sim was small in stature, and he built his house scaled to his own needs. He lived on the island many summers after he retired from serving his country fighting Indians in the west. He did odd jobs such as painting, boat repairs, paper hanging for the summer people and farmers, and even baby sat for a local family when a mother was ill. He also had a stash of liquor anchored under water between the two islands during prohibition so the law couldn't find it . When he couldn't get whiskey, he'd drink just about anything that had a little alcohol in it, including vanilla extract, according to local merchants. It looks as if the Rouleau place will be high enough to still have a nice view past the original cottage that Sim built.

*****

Jeff Downs, who has bought the Joe's Pond Country Store from Ned and Marsha Moran, tells us he will be taking over later this week and is looking for help to work at the store. Anyone looking for some work this summer should get in touch with Jeff at 563-2428, or at JP Country Store, 684-3630. I'm sure experience in food service and/or retail sales would be helpful, but I expect a few days on the job and the right person will do just fine. Gotta like people, though, and be able to multi-task! It's a busy place with folks gathering for breakfast in the morning and the tourists passing through. If you want a job or know someone who may want to work this summer, give Jeff a call.

Spring Meeting of Joe's Pond Association (Click on photos to enlarge them)

This is for all of you who didn't make the first meeting of the 2007 season. It was a beautiful morning, bright sunshine and brisk breeze - just a tad cool, but not uncomfortable in the pavilion. In the top picture, Dave Parker is listening intently to Andy Rudin. In the next picture, Homer Fitts and Don Walker wait for the meeting to begin. Homer and Don are both long-time members of JPA and each plays an important role in not only the annual Ice-Out contests, but also serve as historians and advisors.

The first meeting of the year is always interesting because many of our members are just back from their winter retreats - some arrived only yesterday - and it's a time of comparing notes, seeing friends, catching up on news and generally socializing. In the last photo, Bill and Diane Rossi are talking with an unidentified man as Ray Rouleau stands by, resting his recently broken limb on a chair. I can't say for sure what happened, as I didn't get a chance to speak with Ray this morning, but I heard he fell out of a tree. In any event, he's being a good sport and very brave - I'm sure it was uncomfortable for him sitting through the meeting - lesser men would have stayed at home, cursing their crutches. We had a very good attendance and as usual, there was no shortage of volunteers as requests for helpers were made for upcoming events.

To update you on some of the highlights of the meeting, we will have a new shelter for the boat inspection workers at the fishing access; Larry Rossi is finishing up all the improvements recommended last fall for the pavilion and kitchen; most signs are in place; buoys are being put in place; donations will be made to the Cabot and Danville Rescue Squads and to the W. Danville Community Club for the public beach; the loons have at least one egg in their nest which will hatch about June 21; there has been a reorder of the cookbook and it is for sale from any of the committee members (Pam Hebert, Evelyn Richer, Sue Bouchard); anyone interested in running for an office should contact the nominating committee, Pam Hebert or Jennifer Cowles, before June 30; and the fireworks are scheduled for July 3rd, rain date July 6th. Oh, yes, Ice-Out tickets will be available at the Annual Meeting on June 30. President Tom Dente kept the meeting moving right along and we adjourned shortly after 11 o'clock.

Next meeting is the Annual Meeting on June 30, 10 a.m., at the pavilion. We hope you'll be there.

BOATER SAFETY COURSE
Click to enlarge:

IS ANYONE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF WEST SHORE ROAD MISSING THIS CAT? IT'S AN UNNEUTERED MALE, VERY FRIENDLY, AND LOOKS WELL FED AND HEALTHY. HE'S BEEN AROUND OUR HOUSE, BEATING UP ON OUR "WOODY" (Woody's a lover, not a fighter) FOR A COUPLE WEEKS. WE'VE MADE A FEW CALLS BUT HAVEN'T FOUND HIS FOLKS YET. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU RECOGNIZE THIS BIG FELLOW. (jpwebmaster@fairpoint.net, or janebrown@fairpoint.net)

This is the Cabot Fire Department's only fund raiser. Enjoy a great pancake feed and support these dedicated volunteers who so willingly serve our community whenever disaster strikes.

FIREMAN'S PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Sunday, May 27th
7-11:00 a.m.
Cabot School Cafeteria
(in the gymnasium)
$5.00 per person
Menu: Pncakes, Eggs, Sausage, Muffins, Juice, Coffee, Milk.

Come meet and support your local fire fighters!

We saw some of the effects of winter as we walked on W. Shore Road today. The beavers had been busy in the brook that runs between the Hamiltons and the Dimick/Brown cottage. Further up the road, Helen Morrisson's mailbox is still tilted skyward, a victim of the snowplow; and her neighbors, Don and Mary Encarnacion, had to remove a tree after one of the storms.


















Some folks were out and about, tractors were humming at the Randalls, someone put their pontoon boat into the water this afternoon, and some other guy was enjoying fishing. We saw Jay Chatot out with his bike - he said he was happy the mud has dried up. He was doing the loop up W. Shore Rd. to Brickett's Crossing where he gets onto the railroad bed to come down the east shore to West Danville. Jay said it makes a good trip for him on his bike.

Today Jenny Larrabee was married in the West Danville church to James Rafuse. We wish the newlyweds many years of joy together. Having watched Jenny grow up at Hastings Store, we know what a special young woman she is. I know Jane and Garey are very proud of her. I'm sure she was a beautiful bride.

We thought it would be nice to let you see that spring is really here at Joe's Pond. Even though we've had cold, rainy weather for the past few days, the grass, leaves and flowers are still all doing their thing to assure us things are happening right on schedule.

Fred was out taking these photos today near our house. He's watching the grass, I think a bit impatient to get out there on the mower, but it's way too wet. We've been walking around our lawn area, picking up branches blown off in some of the storms we had back in March, and checking on how trees and shrubs fared during the winter. That will have to do until things dry out a bit.

I had some work to do this morning at the Cabot Historical Society building in preparation for receiving a painted theater curtain that was used in that building years ago and had been lost to us until recently when we located it in another building. Next week Chris Hadsel will be working on our curtain and one at the Willey Building as part of a state-wide restoration program. We are very pleased to have located the curtain that was used when our building was known as Templars' Hall. At that time the ground floor served as the school.

Under the guidance of Bonnie Dannenberg, the rooms at our Historical Society building have been reorganized and cleaned, and during warm weather are open several days a week for people to enjoy. Bonnie encourages people to come and do research, enjoy the exhibits, and chat. It's a very friendly and interesting place to spend time. We'll be having programs during the year - one that has already been determined is "Mark Twain Speaks" with Bern Budd on August 19th. I'll have more on that later.

Happy Spring to everyone!

This came from Tom Dente this morning:

Jane,

Just an update, my rain gauge has 4.25 inches in it this morning. Quite a storm! The pond should be back to normal level in a day or so. It is about 6-8 inches high currently. Better weather coming ... in July.

Thanks

Tom

Joe's Pond Association president, Tom Dente, reports we have had 3.5 inches of rain as of today, Wednesday, May 16. He said he checked the dam in West Danville and Green Mountain Power Corp. has everything open to lower the water level. As most of you know, the new "rubber dam" is designed to allow water to flow freely from the pond into the brook to avoid damage to property around the lake. Since modifications a couple years ago, we have not had the high water and damage that used to occur regularly when we had a lot of rain.

*****
JPA Members, mark your calendars so you won't forget our Spring Meeting is coming up on Saturday, May 26 at the Pavilion, 10 a.m.

WE'LL SEE YOU THERE!

This announcement came to me today. If you are a runner, call one of the numbers listed and get out there with your friends. Saturday will be cool and partly cloudy according to the forecast, an ideal day to limber up doing a three or six mile run along beautiful country roads, adorned by spring.
Proceeds from this run benefit the Cabot Faith in Action Program. (Click on picture to enlarge.)

SPRING HAS COME TO JOE'S POND, VERMONT!

Yesterday was a beautiful day to be out and about taking pictures of the pond. Today is rainy and cold, but we are in need of the rain, so aren't complaining.

This first photo is of the cove just before the narrows in the big pond. Not many cottages have been opened yet, but in a couple more weeks, there will be lots of activity.
You'll recognize the narrows by the Gruggel/Cobb cottage (on the right), and across the big pond looking at the cottages along West Shore Road. The water is such a lovely blue it almost makes one want to go for a swim. The ice has only been gone from the lake for about two weeks, so we know it has to be pretty cold yet, and no really hot days to warm things us.

We also got a picture of the northern end of the pond, across from the Gallery at Loon Cove on Sandy Beach Road. While the phote doesn't show the wildlife there, we could hear the activity and had we stayed a bit longer, I'm sure we'd have seen more as the birds build their nests.

We hope by Memorial Day the weather will be a bit warmer and, with lots of people around opening up their cottages, things here will begin to come alive with people around the lake. We see an occasional boat, but not very many yet. It's early, but a really beautiful time to be at Joe's Pond.

A couple of announcements of activities in the area:

Tomorrow, May 15th, at 5 pm the National Weather Service out of Burlington VT will present a free Skywarn Talk, open to the general public, at the Greensboro Library, Greensboro, VT. This talk is intended to train people how to identify and report all aspects of severe summer weather, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. After attending this training, you will have the opportunity to become official Skywarn Weather Spotters for the National Weather Service in Burlington, VT. If interested, contact John Goff at john.goff@noaa.gov.

*****

COME JOIN THE CABOT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Cabot School Gym
Women at ALL fitness and skill levels are welcome.
Organizing to have FUN!
Call: Jenn Gochey at 563-2377
or
Ann Cookson at 563-2406

We wish everyone a lovely Mother's Day.

Jack LaGue, Meadow Lane at Joe's Pond left this comment after reading about the Ice-Out Contest winner a few entries back:

A friend asked me what happens to the blocks and whether there were 18 or more blocks at the bottom of the pond in front of Homer's. I said I didn't know for sure but I was pretty sure that there was some way they were retrieved. But out of curiosity, what does happen to the blocks?

Well, Jack we do our darndest to remove the blocks and the pallet each year, and we try to do it before the boaters get out there because they could get tangled in the rope that secures the rigging to Homer's deck. It takes two or more strong men with a boat to haul everything into shallow water where they can "land" it all, take it apart, dry everything out and store it for another year. According to Don Walker, there may be "a few" blocks on the bottom, but that would have been from some of the earlier years, I believe. As far as I know, most years things have held together so everything put out on the ice is retrieved. Perhaps the technology (knot tying?) has improved! I'm sure if there are any blocks resting on the bottom they would only have been left there after every effort was made to fish them out.

Thanks for getting in touch by leaving a message in the "coments" on that particular blog. I always enjoy hearing from readers - it's nice to know you're out there! See you soon at Joe's Pond, Jack.

We had to go into Cabot this morning - beautiful day, sunny and warm. We stopped to take some pictures of the cattle at the Burtt farm a little distance from town. There were all sizes, some new calves and some a few weeks old, and doting mama cows, but all seemed to be enjoying the warm weather.

Another sign of spring - the north end of the pond that we see from our front deck is changing daily with the grass greening up and some signs of people at their camps. It's good to see open water.

You should have your JPA newsletters any day now, but if you don't get yours, please let me know. I have a few extras. Evelyn did a really nice job on our cover this time, didn't she? The whole thing looks very nice, thanks to her layout and design.
(Click on the photos to enlarge them.)

THE SPRING ISSUE OF THE JOE'S POND ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE WEB SITE. LOOK ON THE HOME PAGE - YOU'LL SEE UNDER "JOE'S POND ASSOCIATION" THE Current Newsletter IS LISTED, ALSO Previous Newsletters.

The layout and design of this issue was again done by Evelyn Richer, who also prints it for us in such beautiful color. You'll find a link to Evelyn's web site under "Business" in Community Links. Please take a look - she her wildlife photographer husband, Ray, have beautiful photographs and drawings available there.

Yesterday was "Green-Up Day" in Vermont - lots of people were out picking up the trash left throughout the winter as drivers carlessly toss cans, bottles, fast-food containers and worse out the windows of their vehicles. We thank those who were out there in the wind yesterday. It was sunny, but not very warm, but lots of times in the past, Green-Up Day has come with snow flurries making it difficult and uncomfortable, so we're thankful yesterday was at least a pretty good day to work outside.

THE WINNER OF THE 20TH ANNUAL JOE'S POND ICE-OUT CONTEST

Dr. Robert Marshall, of Montpelier, receives a check for $4,216 from Don Walker, from Joe’s Pond Association. Dr. Marshall’s guess of May 1, at 4:36 p.m. was the closest to the actual time the block dropped through the ice, stopping the clock at 4:45 p.m. This was the 20^th and largest contest ever, with 9,422 tickets sold. After expenses for running the contest, the Joe’s Pond Association and the winner share equally. JPA’s share will be used for the annual fireworks display this year, on July 3^rd. (Photo by Dave Parker, Ice-Out Contest Coordinator).

Community Cornish Hen Dinner

(A Cornish Hen is a small, specially raised chicken that has lots of flavor.)

THE CABOT CHURCH IS HOSTING A “COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF
SPRING” DINNER THIS FRIDAY, MAY 4 TH, FROM 5 TO 6:30 PM .

MENU

POTATO, VEGETABLE, SALAD
DESERT, BEVERAGE
YOUR CHOICE OF A WHOLE OR HALF DELICIOUS CORNISH HEN.

There is no charge for the meal, however donations are welcome.
Gather family and friends and join your neighbors for this Pre-Green-Up Day Community Meal

For more information: 563-2278
Date: Friday May 4, 2007
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Cabot United Church, Phone: 563-2278.

*****

Green Up Day

Contact Larry Gochey 563-2496 or Gary Gulka 563-2284 for more information

Date: Saturday May 5, 2007 Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Cabot Fire Station Phone: 563-2284; 563-2496

Joe's Pond is almost entirely ice free. This morning at around 9 a.m. there was ice jammed into the cove near the fishing access and also the cove by Hackett's camp. I couldn't see other nooks and crannies, but when I came back home around noon, I could see there was just a little left in those areas and also in the middle pond by Bacon's and Coffrin's. The wind is holding it in those coves, and even with the bright sunshine, temperatures are on the chilly side, so it's taking some time to melt.

I'm getting more reports of the Associated Press follow-up article catching the eyes and ears of people all over the country. Fred Bertrand in Bonita Springs, FL, saw it on ABC last night (Wed.), and lots of other JPA members have seen the story and contacted some of us here.

I sent another note to AP reporter, John Curran, to thank him for the follow-up. This was his reply:

Jane:

Hey, it's the power and reach of The AP that did it, not me.

Indeed, my short story on the end of the Ice-Out was picked up
nationally and went far and wide.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while, I guess.

Best,
JC

 Like Chico says, "It's been fun."

JPA members, watch for the spring issue of the Association's newsletter - should be in the mail in a day or two. Mud season delayed some of the printing materials Evelyn needed, but today I had two deliveries that had also been delayed, so I believe Evelyn probably got her orders today, too.

For those of you who are not members, the entire newsletter will be on the web site (www.joespond.org) as soon as we publish. You'll also find back issues there.

Well, all the excitement is pretty much over now. However, I did have some pretty exciting news from Gary Duke (Clubhouse Circle). Take a look at this!

Hi, Jane -- I heard about the ice out finally happening on the Pond -- we may have not won the prize, but I'm sure glad to hear the ice is leaving finally! Anyway, I'm not sure how much you monitor the news coverage, but online I just located 73 stories from all over the country (mostly newspapers that picked up the AP story). We got picked up in USA Today, CBS News online, the Boston Globe, and many large city newspapers from coast to coast. My dad said he also saw it on CNN Headline News this morning. I even saw it posted on an Australian website!

Thought I'd share, in case you didn't already know.

Regards,

Gary

Pretty good for a low-tech operation like ours. Jeff Downs (top of Sandy Beach Rd.) told me it was on NPR this morning. Gotta love those reporters that like to find a real human interest piece to write about. Associated Press reporter John Curran's follow-up piece is creating almost as much buzz as his first article did the day before this year's contest closed.

I just this minute received another request from someone who wants to be notified as soon as the 2008 tickets are available. It is probably a direct result of the above coverage Gary and Jeff have noted. It's hard for those of us who have just finished working on this year's contest to think about gearing up for next year, but already Dave is starting the process. (Sigh!)

Here's what the pond looked like last night after the block went down. I haven't been down today, but with the wind and the sun, there can't be much ice left, so it looks as if we may be able to enjoy our first real summery weekend for a long time.

WE HAVE A WINNER!
THE FLAG WENT DOWN AT JOE'S POND AND STOPPED THE CLOCK AT 4:45 P.M. TODAY, MAY 1.

Dr. Bob Marshall, Montpelier, Vermont, is the winner with his guess of 4:36 p.m. He will receive a check for $4,216.

Congratulations to Dr. Marshall! And thanks to all the people who played the game this year. The money from the Ice-Out Contest is used for our annual fireworks display. We hope you'll come to Joe's Pond and enjoy the fireworks on July 3rd (rain date on the 6th).

Ice-Out Update: (This first photo was taken by Ray Richer this morning. Thanks, Ray and Evelyn, for sending it.)

3:00 PM, May 1
Hello Everyone,

Jane and Fred Brown just left. It sure looks like the block etc. could sink anytime ? ?

I planned to go to Stowe to the Danville ball games so I will be away for a few hours. Maybe I will miss ice-out but sure will be wondering while I am away. If it should go, please be sure two people check the clock for exact time before reporting to news media.

Surely we all have received an unbelieveable number of phone calls to ask if Ice Out has happened yet.

Homer

*****

Fred and I took pictures while at Homer's. We left at around 3 p.m. and the ice was as you see it here - looks as if the pallet could slide off that ice pack any minute, and the wind was blowing down the lake to help it along. It may be frozen in, but sure looks as if it'll go soon.

Good Morning,

Still ice covering the pond and everything is still floating

at 5:45 A.M.

Homer