GOOD MORNING!

Here is some late-breaking news.  There is a movement growing in the Town of Cabot for upgrades similar to the way Danville Green has been improved.  This would include sidewalks, new streetlights and a bandstand in the village.  A group of Joe’s Pond residents is rumored to be petitioning the select board to extend the upgrades to the far eastern side of town, namely West Shore Road.  They will request that the road be paved, streetlights installed from Barre Avenue to Sandy Beach Road, and a walking/biking path extending from West Danville to West Shore Road to connect with the rail trail on Brickett’s Crossing Road.  This would allow the west shore residents to have a safe walking and biking path equal to the trail on the eastern shore, and complete the circle around the pond.  There would be rest stops built along the way, complete with snack and beverage bars. 

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We are expecting the coming week to be good for the maple producers. FINALLY!  The forecast promises temperatures in the 40's during the daytime and nightly readings below freezing - just what is needed to get sap to run. 

Fred took these pictures this morning.  He was able to walk on the snow, which is still about two feet deep, without breaking through.  It's crusty and firm this morning, but the sun is bright and the temperature is at 20 (in the shade) but rapidly rising. 

This kind of weather will also begin the melting process in a serious way, finally melting the ice instead of making it.  We have had predictions of perhaps our first June or even July winning date for the ice to be out, but it's beginning to look like that could be extreme.  The pallet and flag are not out yet, but Larry Rossi is saying next weekend he'll have everything hitched up and ready.  This will be the first break in the weather to allow him to get that done - it's been either too cold or too rainy.  (You might want to reconsider, Larry, I just saw the forecast and next weekend may find us back in winter weather!)  Diane is ready with the clock and the thermometer, and web cams are operating.  Tickets can be sold all day today, and on-line tickets will be available until 11:59:59 p.m.  For on-line tickets, go to 
www.joespondvermont.com and click on one of the methods of getting tickets - but be sure if you choose the printable tickets, be sure you get them in the mail today so the date stamp is clearly April 1st.   By choosing to purchase 10 pay-on-line tickets, you will instantly be in the contest.  We wish everyone good luck in the contest!

Enjoy this first day of real spring!  Spring has consequences, however.  With the fine weather and melting comes the inevitable Mud Season.  Our road is firm and dry this morning, but by late afternoon, it could be mush.  However, after this brief respite, we could have sudden winter again, and that's no April Fooling!