Fred took some pictures when he went to the post office and bank for me today. Some of you know that Green Mountain Power has been replacing the penstock that leads from the dam in West Danville to the power plant a short distance south. I think it was a year ago this spring that spring runoff caused damage to the banks along the brook below the dam leaving some of the big wooden penstock literally hanging in mid air. The power company was in the process of replacing the wooden penstock from Molly's Falls Dam on the Cabot/Marshfield town line, but I don't think replacing the one in West Danville was scheduled to be done this soon.

However, because of the danger of serious damage if the penstock broke where it was unsupported, things were shut down at West Danville and for about a year, no water has been flowing to the power plant. This has probably contributed somewhat to the high water levels at the pond because without being able to open the penstock to help during spring runoff or heavy rains, it was far more difficult for the power company to regulate the water level.

It seems that everything is back in operation now - and may have been for a while, but we haven't talked to anyone at the power company so we can't say for sure when the penstock was opened and became operational. It's somewhat reassuring to know GMP will have better control now they can open the penstock if and when needed; however they are still mandated to keep the water level in the pond within a very slim margin, and this may still be very difficult, depending on what Mother Nature throws at us in the future.

I thought those of you who know about the project would like to see the pictures Fred took. The project is impressive. Here are the pictures, plus some to update you on the Route 2 Project in Danville - now winding down in preparation for winter. Penstock and Route 2 Projects

You can see the sort of weather we're having here today. Heavy clouds just waiting to drop either rain or snow out onto us. It's been cooler today - only 38 degrees now (3:30 p.m.) - so it's a good bet we'll have some snowflakes in the air, if not on the ground, tonight. Soup and sweater weather.

Here is a reminder:

CABOT

FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER THIS FRIDAY NOV. 18 5:30 TO 7:30 AT THE MASONIC HALL

Faith in Action and Friends are sponsoring this free dinner to celebrate the Cabot community & all those who volunteer and those who Participate in our many programs & services.We hope you will all come for this neighborly meal and to see the new work the town is doing with the new rear handicapped ramp & exit, the new, under-construction HC bathroom. Volunteers are needed to help with the meal & clean up. So please call 563-3322 or drop by the office early in the week to learn more! SEE YOU THERE