We try to keep you informed of happenings here at the pond, especially when there is news involving one of our members. This sad news is being posted late - I simply hadn't heard, but Evelyn and Ray Richer confirmed today that Ray's father, Hector Richer, 91, died on December 28, 2009, in Manchester N.H. Mr. Richer served in WWII and was head carpenter for the Manchester Housing Authority before his retirement. Ray's mother died in 1999.

Some of you may have known at the time, but for those who didn't and wish to express your condolences, Ray and Evelyn are at 239 Sandy Beach Road, Cabot VT. 05647. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and Evelyn and their family.

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Cabot Recreation Department Update Winter 2010

Winter has proven to be anything but sleepy for the Recreation Department as we work on many different projects:

Working to keep up the great efforts of Rolf Muench and many other Cabot residents, we are in the process of updating and maintaining the Cabot Winter Trails. The trails, particularly from Dubray Road to the Willey Building, are in pretty good shape at press time, with only a couple of obstacles to figure out. The more we ski or snow shoe, the better the trails will be for everyone. If you are interested in hitting the trails, there are maps available at the Hardware Store.

Hard to believe, but Little League planning has already started, inventorying equipment and setting dates for sign up times established. Sign-ups are for players as well as anyone interested in volunteering (Coaching, Umpiring, and Concessions). If anyone is interested in sponsoring Cabot Little League, please contact Libby Hale, 563-3226, for more information.

Little League Sign-ups:

Friday, March 5: 3:00-7:00 PM at the School Gym

Saturday, March 6: 9:00 AM-Noon at the School Gym

It is very important that kids sign up as early as possible in order for us to have the proper number of teams in each level. Once the League schedule is written, it is not possible to add additional teams. Farm League and T-Ball players have much more fun on smaller teams.

The big news for the Rec. Dept. is the transition of elementary school soccer and basketball from the Cabot School to the Rec. Dept. This is a very common scenario in Vermont, but new to the Cabot community. We are reaching out to surrounding communities that have effectively built and maintained great sports programs for young kids. We are also working closely with the school to ensure a smooth changeover. As with many community efforts, we will only be as good as the number and quality of volunteers willing to participate in many facets of each season. If you are interested in: joining the Recreation Department helping out with coaching, assistant coaching, officiating, field maintenance, sponsorship, please plan to attend the next meeting on Tuesday, March 9 at 6:00 PM in the Willey Building. There are many questions to be answered as the systems are built. Please join us to discuss these questions and to help us develop great experiences for the children of Cabot.

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The village common now has a section set up as an ice rink. It is open to the public to use at any time. There is a bench near the Main Street side for people to sit on to change skates and shoes, or just to relax a little. Hurry on Down! Spring is Coming!

Here is an old photo of the Cabot Common sometime in the early 1900's, we think, showing skaters. It's very nice to have skating on the Common again. We understand that the Cabot Fire Department and Cabot Creamery worked together on the rink this year. We wonder how it was flooded and who took care of it when the photo was taken.