We went to Cabot with Bill and Diane Rossi today and had lunch at Harry's True-Value Hardware. There aren't too many hardware stores who have all the usual stuff and where you can get a tasty lunch in the bargain, but we had a great time. Fred, Bill and Diane had hot dogs and, connoisseurs Bill and Fred dubbed them "great." I had a ham & cheese sandwich, and that was really good, too. We chatted with Greaves sisters, Ms. Bellavance and Ms. Coolbeth who both work for the creamery. Of course, we all knew people in common. The little snack bar was crowded when we got there, so Diane, Bill and I we got to sit behind one of the counters. Julie Ackermann and her daughter started the food bar recently and we think it's a great addition to town. Julie said they serve breakfast and lunch.

As we were leaving, Walt stopped us to talk about the Ice-Out Contest - he's been selling tickets for us again this year. We were interested in his big dog, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named "Trapper." Walt picked up his harmonica and immediately Trapper was by his side, standing as tall as his master, howling the most melodic notes you could imagine, completely drowning out the harmonica. In fact, Walt only had to pick the instrument up and Trapper would perform. It's worth stopping in to watch.

From there we stopped at the town clerk's office to wish Velma White well. She is retiring from the assistant town clerk position after 21 years in the job. Today was her last day. There were lots of people there - some of the select board, the road crew, and others who have worked with her over the years. We took pictures - that's Town Clerk Tara Rogerson presenting Velma with a plaque commemorating her service to the town. We certainly wish Velma well - I'm sure she'll keep very busy, and I expect we'll see her at some of our Joe's Pond functions as she has lots of friends on the pond.

A couple of announcements:

This Friday, March 27^th, from 5-7 PM the Cabot United Church is hosting a free community Italian dinner with take-outs available. The meal of two meat sauces, meatballs, spaghetti, garlic bread, and beverage is sponsored by the Church and the Faith in Action volunteers who work tirelessly each week on Faith in Action’s new government Commodities Free Food Distribution Program for Cabot and Walden residents.

There is no charge for this neighborly fellowship dinner, but donations are welcome. This is a great opportunity for neighbors to get out after the long winter to visit and share fellowship.

For information on the commodities program or this dinner, please call 563-2278. Cabot United Church is located on the Common in Cabot, on Route 215. See you there!

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Saturday, March 28th

Cabot Maple Festival! SUGAR ON SNOW- Craft Sale - Horse Drawn Sleigh or Wagon Rides - Children’s Activities - Musical Entertainment - Book Sale

Food, including: pancake breakfast served continuously from 9am-3pm

And more

BENEFITTING MANY CABOT GROUPS AND CLUBS

Cabot School Gym

MOST EVENTS 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A community event sponsored by The Cabot Chronicle

Information: Allison Joyal, 917-3789, or The Cabot Chronicle, 563-3338.