Walden Bridge Closure

Walden Bridge Replacement –VT 15
Walden BRF 030-3 (5)

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line. 

BRIDGE CLOSURE NOTICE

BRIDGE CLOSURE PERIOD TO BEGIN -   Bridge 83 over Joe’s Brook on VT 15 will close to all traffic on July 6^th, 2015 at 7:00 am.  According to the contractor’s schedule, the bridge will remain closed through August 2^nd, 2015. 

Detour - During the bridge closure period, a traffic detour will be in effect and marked with directional signs.  Motorists wanting to travel to Hardwick on VT 15 from US 2 West will continue on US 2 West to VT 215 in Marshfield and follow VT 215 to VT 15 in Walden.  Motorists traveling from VT 15 in Walden to US 2 East will take VT 215 to Marshfield to US 2 East.

With the additional traffic using VT 215 and US 2 during the closure, traffic at the Intersection of US 2 and VT 215 in Marshfield will be monitored daily for traffic delays.  Flaggers will be on stand-by during the closure period starting on Monday July 6^th to assist with traffic flow at the intersection.  Uniformed Traffic Officers will also be available to provide assistance.  Traffic delays are expected during the closure period while the detour is in effect.

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, at 802-479-6994 with questions.

Issued:  6/30/15

Don't forget Luminaries

We remind you that we are selling lumenaries again this year.  Still $1/candle and bag, to be placed about 10' apart along the shoreline for the fireworks on Friday night, July 3 (or Sunday night, if it rains on Friday!)  The usual people are selling them...Pam Hebert, 684-3655; Diane Sherwood, 684-3397; Patty Rubulcaba, 563-2785; Diane Rossi, 563-6088; and Sue Bouchard, 563-2716.  It brightens up the shoreline and looks very festive to have the glowing lights all the way around the pond.  Keep the ring unbroken and put some on your waterfront.  It's a great way to support the Joe's Pond Association, doesn't cost a lot, and is great fun for the whole family.

Open House on July 4th

Click on image to read details!

Here's a reminder about the big fireworks display coming up this weekend - planned for July 3rd, but if it rains, we'll have them on July 5th.  

We know a lot of you enjoy hiking, biking or jogging on the rail-trail but the north end of the trail near Channel Drive is where the fireworks will be set up. Because there will be lots of activity in that area, we ask that you do not go beyond the crossing at North Shore Road, or if you are on the Walden end of the trail, please do not continue past Channel Drive.  This is for your safety as well as that of the workers who will be setting up and setting off the display.  We are fortunate that we were given permission to use the trail for the fireworks display again this year; there are stringent laws affecting where fireworks can be discharged and this is the only location on the pond that meets those requirements.  We very much appreciate the LVRT folks letting us use a small section to set up the display.

We want to let everyone know that the best viewing will be from hillsides overlooking the north end of the big pond - Davidson Drive or perhaps Howard Rd off of Route 15; also the fishing access off Route 2 at the south end of the pond should be good.  At the top of Sandy Beach Road off of West Shore Road there may be some viewing space, but most of West Shore Road is too grown up with trees now to find a good vantage point.  You will NOT see them from the public beach in West Danville or from the water in either of the smaller ponds; your best bet is to be on the water on the big pond.  Please do not go beyond the islands at the north end of the pond with your boat as that area is where there may be debris from the explosions and it could be dangerous. We also ask that you use caution as there will be a lot of traffic on the water - be courteous, and watch out for other boats.  There will be a lot of traffic on roads, as well, so please do not block roads around the pond - park well to the side so there is room for emergency vehicles if they should be needed.  Be safe and everyone will have a great time.

Don Sherwood, who oversees our Joe's Pond Fireworks each year tells me that  Sugar Ridge is having their display on Friday night, too, so you have a choice which you watch. The Joe's Pond Fireworks are possible because of all those Ice-Out Contest tickets sold last year.  We thank you for your support of the Ice-Out Contest and hope you enjoy celebrating the Fourth of July with us!

 

Last evening I received these photos from Jody Rouleau.  She wrote that she and Brad spotted these two deer at about 7:30 last night, coming ashore at their place on Sandy Beach Road.  I was surprised when I did a little research to find out deer have been spotted as far as five miles off shore in the ocean, and not only are known to easily swim long distances, they are very fast swimmers - over 10 mph.  With such fragile looking legs and hooves, I would think they would be very inefficient in the water, but apparently not.  I guess these two just needed to get from the east shore to the west shore and swimming was easier for them than navigating the traffic along Route 15 and then the bog area at the head of the pond.  I know moose will often swim long distances, too, and an adult moose must be much heavier than an adult deer, and you'd think there wouldn't be much buoyancy about either of them.  I found out an adult moose weighs in the vicinity of 800-1000 lbs. and can swim about 8 mph for at least a couple hours.  Deer weigh much less - 200 lbs. for a good sized adult.  

These are great pictures, and thanks to Jody for capturing and sharing.

In addition to all the rain we've had last night and today - I measured .65 in. at 9 a.m. - we've also had lots of wind, and that took down a tree along with a power line on one of the camp roads off Clubhouse Circle just after noon today.  GMP was called.  As far as we know power was not disrupted - but live wires across the road were a real danger.  Please be aware that this can happen along any road and if you see trees down, be sure you look carefully for any utility lines that might be involved before you try to remove the tree or limb, and always be on the lookout for wires dangling or across roads or pathways.    

I just received another view of a Joe's Pond sunset, this one from Karen Cobb at "Breezy Point," at the narrows.  Nice shot, Karen, thanks for sharing.

Setting a "Deep Purple" mood . . .

Thanks to Sonja Decker for the above photo taken Thursday evening.  This is from "Layton's Landing," looking northeast towards the east shore and Old Homestead Road. 

 A few of you may remember this tune . . .

Changing Moods at Joe's Pond

I hadn't intended to post to the blog again today, but yesterday I had two really gorgeous sunset photos sent to me and I want to share them with you.

 

This photo was taken by Ernie Thurston from his camp on Point Comfort Road, looking across the middle pond.

This shot was taken by Nancy Buttura from her home on Old Homestead Road on the third, or big pond.

Thank you both for sending these photos.  Click on the images to see them full size.  They are both beautiful shots showing the changing moods exhibited by the pond as the weather changes. 

I have a couple of notices for you this morning.  First, our neighbors, Sam and Judy Lewis, at 300 Sandy Beach Road, are having an open house on Sunday, July 5th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  There are other events going on that weekend, so now's a good time to put together a plan and include Sam and Judy's Open House.  Here's a link to their realtor's ad:  Year Around Lakeside Home

Other events on July 5th:

Service at Peacham Congregational Church, with special music by The Maple Leaf Seven - service starts at 9:30 a.m., but Homer and Margaret Fitts say get there by around 9 o'clock and listen to the music.

Pope Library benefit, "Spirits of Vermont," at the Joe's Pond Association pavilion from 3-6 p.m.  - and here's a chance to win free tickets to that event:  Free Tickets

You can stop by Sam and Judy's Open House after church or go after lunch before you head for the wine tasting in the afternoon.

And don't forget - Fireworks are scheduled for Friday, July 3rd at dusk, but if that should be a rainy evening, they will be set off on Sunday, July 5th.  Seems to be shaping up to be a really full weekend of activities.  

You may need to find a quiet, shady spot like Woody often does to rest a little.  He likes the warm granite and the birds and bees that are busy in the lilacs and flowers in this secluded spot.  The bench is in memory of my parents, who never knew Woody, but I know they would have enjoyed him as much as we and granddaughter Tangeni do. 

Route 15 Bridge Replacement Work Update

Work Update
Walden Bridge Replacement –VT 15
Walden BRF030-3 (5)

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line.  Project will include an allowable 28-day bridge closure period within the timeframe of June 22, 2015 and August 21^st, 2015.  Completion is scheduled for October 2015.

Bridge Closure Period – The contractor has scheduled the 28-day bridge closure period to begin on July 6^th and end on August 2, 2015. 

Detour - During the bridge closure period, a traffic detour will be in effect and marked with directional signs.  Motorists wanting to travel to Hardwick on VT 15 from US 2 West will continue on US 2 West to VT 215 Marshfield and follow VT 215 to VT 15 in Walden.  Motorists traveling from VT 15 in Walden to US 2 East will take VT 215 to Marshfield to US 2 East. 

Week of June 29^th, 2015

Independence Day Work Hours – With the upcoming holiday weekend, crews will not be working on the project from the afternoon of Thursday, July 2, 2015 thru Sunday, July 5^th.  Work will resume on the project Monday, July 6^th, 2015.

Crews will be setting up a platform under the bridge to contain the concrete debris during demolition.  Traffic will be reduced to alternating one-way traffic with flaggers present to assist in maintaining traffic flow. 

Traffic – Minor traffic delays are expected this week.

It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone.

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994 or for a more up-to-date schedule visit www.roadworkupdates.com.

What a pretty day today.  We seem to get a little rain each night and that keeps everything fresh and green and gardens moistened.  I've been busy answering e-mails today and researching questions from various, so now I'll post a few things here before heading outside to do a little mowing - I like to use my old walk-behind mower in the tight areas where Fred can't go with the riding mower.  I enjoy mowing, and of course have my "system" for clipping around flowers and on the stone walkways. 

Fred caught this shot of Woody playing hide-and-seek.  I think he thought nobody could see him.  He does sort of blend in.

We were in Newport yesterday and spent a little time on the new waterfront.  It is lovely the way they have merged parking for the state office complex and shops into a park-like atmosphere.  There are railroad tracks that run close to the water, but also a very nice path that leads through town.  I don't know how far in either direction, but there were people out walking their dogs, jogging and biking.  It runs sort of east and west along the lake - west of where we were is the marina and beyond that some condos.  East is the causeway and Gardner Memorial Park.  We took some pictures.  Here's a short slide show.

Here's a reminder from Helen Morrison:
 

Hi Jane,

I wonder if you would mention on the Joe's Pond blog that Kingdom Animal Shelter would love to have any returnable cans and bottles that folks are willing to donate.  They can call me at 563-2488 and I will come get them, or they can drop them off in front of my garage at 936 West Shore Road.  We and the animals would greatly appreciate it.

Helen

This came from Pope Library today:

Friday at 10am in the Community Building. The Southern VT Natural Science History Museum brings its Super Animals! program to Danville.  Live animals, active storytelling, touchable artifacts and interactive demonstrations to explore the super-human world of animals found right in our own backyards!  Free and for all ages.

Sounds like a really interesting program.  Take your kids, the grands or just stop by yourself.  I bet it will be a fun event.

Speaking of fun, I had a very nice time today.  Sue LaGue invited me to meet with members of her Danville Woman's Club group to talk about Joe's Pond.  I put together some of the old photos in a short DVD and joined the ladies this afternoon at Sue's.  First of all, Sue and Jack have done a beautiful job renovating their cottage into a very lovely home, and it was perfect for the small gathering.  In addition, Sue had thoughtfully included long-time Joe's Ponder, Lynn Hamilton who grew up with the kids around the pond "back in the day" and now lives in Hawaii.  It was great to see Lynn and chat a bit while the ladies were finishing their business meeting.

Everyone was very gracious in seeming interested in the pictures and asked great questions.  My 10-minute DVD took well over an hour to present with pauses, backups and discussions as each image appeared on the TV screen, but I thoroughly enjoyed sharing some of what I've learned over the years and more recently while working with the West Danville History Committee.  Whenever I do a program like this I gain new information and also find weak spots that need to be explored more fully. 

It was my understanding Sue was going to take the group on a boat trip around the pond to see up close and for real the places we'd talked about.  I couldn't go with them as I had to be in Cabot later this afternoon, and then Fred and I went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary.  All things considered, it's been a busy but very pleasant day.  

Tomorrow it will be back to normal - I have some Cabot based research to do and a couple other projects I'd like to finish before the Fourth of July when I'll be at the Cabot Historical Society building in the afternoon.  I'll be at the Joe's Pond Association meeting in the morning, of course.  Also, don't forget that fireworks are scheduled for July 3rd, weather permitting, and if they are rained out, the display will be on the 5th.  Also, Cabot is having their usual big parade on the Fourth, plus a big rummage sale (they are looking for donations, if you have something you'd like to contribute - get in touch with Jill Ackermann) and lots of great food and yard sales along Main Street - plus the Historical Society Museum will be open all day.

I've just had a note from Marc and Deborah Gregoire, 3438 Rte.2W, letting us know they lost a brand new boat fender this weekend somewhere as they were making the trip around the pond.  Since they have no idea where they lost it, they are just asking that if you find one washed up on your waterfront, or bobbing around in the water, please rescue it and let them know you have it.  You can call them at 802-476-5889.

Isn't it nice the weather forecast has changed and we can now expect sunshine for the remainder of the week after showers tomorrow!?  These weather systems move and change quickly, and even the professionals often have a hard time predicting it correctly.  

I haven't heard any complaints about high water, but I expect the pond is fairly high and tomorrow's rain will add to it; but hopefully the rubber dam is keeping up with the rise.  I'm impatient for the black flies to be out of here.  I have a few more bites - they get me almost immediately as soon as I stick my head outside.  The bites I got throwing those old seeds into the garden Thursday or Friday are still itching and swollen.  I'm using "After Bite," but they still flare up periodically.  I'm hoping once things dry out a bit, the black flies will stop hatching and we'll be rid of them.

Good Morning!

I received a link this morning from Pam Hebert I want to share with everyone - I think you'll enjoy it, I certainly did:  Wonderful World.

Watching it reminded me that I wanted to tell you that when Fred was at our mailbox on Saturday, he saw a bear crossing the road between Randall's driveway and Morgan's.  He said it didn't appear to be a really large bear, but certainly wasn't a cub.  It was headed for the pond, having come off the hillside from either our land or Encarnacion's.  This is a good reminder that bears are looking for food this time of year, so don't leave garbage, bird feeders, or food of any kind, including uncleaned grills (!) out where they might get a whiff of it or you'll have an unwelcome visitor.  They probably wouldn't attack a human unless it's a mother with cubs and you appear to be a threat, but they are very strong and can do a lot of damage getting at whatever food they can smell.  Here's a funny video about a couple of young bears in New Jersey this weekend:
Bears in N.J.

We've had a fair amount of rain since I last tallied it. We've had just over an inch this weekend bringing the total to a little over 7 inches for the month so far.  We're expecting more showers off and on this week, so the water tables in our area should be fairly well replenished and although that's not good for some farm crops like corn, other crops like hay, will flourish - except it may be hard to get it dry after it's cut - if the ground isn't too soggy for machinery to be on it.  Could be a tough year for farmers.  I heard the maple season was better than expected this year, though, so that will help farmers who do sugaring.

I finally threw some seeds into the garden the other day - Fred laughed at me and wondered what the expiration date was on them.  I had to admit those seeds have probably been around for ten years or more.  I found them in a box with some unopened packets of  annual flower seeds, also pretty old; there were some string beans, mescalin, spinach and parsley packets that still had a few seeds in them, and even though I hadn't planned on a garden this year, I figured the seeds weren't going to improve if left another year or two, and I really didn't want to throw them away - so I planted them.  I had a little space already tilled where I'd removed dandelions and some weeds around the asparagus, rhubarb, chives and sage.  If something grows, that will be wonderful, but if not, I'm ok with that, too. 

Here's the latest on the closure of Route 15:
 
Walden Bridge Replacement –VT 15
Walden BRF030-3 (5)

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line.  The project includes an allowable 28-day bridge closure period which is scheduled to start Monday, July 6^th, 2015.    Project completion is scheduled for October 2015.

New Closure Dates Announced -

Bridge Closure Period – New closure dates have been announced by the contractor today.  The 28-day closure is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6^th, 2015. 

During the bridge closure period, a traffic detour will be in effect and marked with directional signs.  Motorists wanting to travel to Hardwick on VT 15 from US 2 West will continue on US 2 West to VT 215 Marshfield and follow VT 215 to VT 15 in Walden.  Motorists traveling from VT 15 in Walden to US 2 East will take VT 215 to Marshfield to US 2 East. 

After the closure period ends, work will continue on the bridge with daily lane closures.  Traffic control personnel will be present to assist in maintaining traffic flow.  The project completion is October 16, 2015. 

Work updates and press releases will be issued and distributed to various media sources.  Information will also be available on www.roadworkupdates.com.

Contact, Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator with any questions or concerns at 802-479-6994. 

According to the above, the detours will be in effect until about August 3rd.  

Wow!  I was outside just as the sun was going down and it felt like fall!  We've had more than our share of rain lately - I measured another half inch this morning.  That brings the total for this month to just over 6 inches so far.  I turned over some soil in the garden this afternoon, and it's very moist.  Tonight is going to be in the 40s or perhaps lower, and the weather folks are trying to make the best of it saying it will be "a good night for sleeping."  Here's a tip:  be sure you wear your flannel pj's.

Henretta Splain, one of the volunteers for Pope Library in Danville, sent this reminder about the Spirits of Vermont event coming right up:

 Tickets on sale now for Spirits of Vermont (to benefit the Pope Memorial Library) on July 5, 3pm to 6pm at the Joe's Pond Pavilion.    They can be purchased from the Pope Memorial Library 802-684-2256, myself 473-2936 and any of our library trustees listed on the Pope Memorial Library website.  This year we have North Branch Vineyards, Huntington River Vineyard, East Shore Vineyard, Vermont Spirits, Caledonia Spirits, Dunc's Mill, Smuggler's Notch Distillery, Paine Mountain Brewery, Heady Topper, Mad River Distilling, Havoc Meadery along with Burke Mountain Confectionery, Cabot Cheese,  and samples from local restaurants.  Tickets are still priced at $30.  We recommend advance purchase but will also be able to purchase at the door.  

* * * * *

Here's another notice of a gathering you may want to consider:

MAPLE LEAF SEVEN

OF SAINT JOHNSBURY

JAZZ WORSHIP SERVICE

PEACHAM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 @ 9:30 A.M.

EVERYONE WELCOME

THIS IS THE GREAT ANNUAL SPECIAL SERVICE

 * * * * *

This came from Liz and John Randall who have have a lot going on in their family these days:

Hallett "Hallie" Leslie Randall was born on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 she was 5 pounds 14 ounces and 18 inches. She is the Second Child, of  Jason and Kerrin Randall. Hallie’s brother Jack (John Perry Randall) also welcomed her with lots of hugs and kisses.  She was born in Concord Hospital in Concord, N.H.    

     Proud Grandparents are John and Elizabeth McDowell Randall of Miller Place, NY. and Joe's Pond, VT, and Debra and Perry Wilmarth of Salem, NH.  Great-Grandparents are James and Hildegard McDowell, formally of Port Jefferson Station, NY, Harry and Florence Randall of Mt. Sinai, NY,  and Paul and Gretchen Wilmarth of Salem, NH.

 . . . Also . . .

John and Elizabeth Randall of Miller Place, NY and Joe's Pond, VT announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Randall,  to Kevin Christopher Scanlon, son of Patrick and Doreen Scanlon of Lindenhurst, NY. Lauren is a graduate of Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire.  Kevin is a graduate of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY.  They are both employed as Chemists at Suffolk County Water Authority in Hauppauge, NY.  A June 2016 wedding is planned.

We are very happy for the Randall family.  I have mentioned before that the Randall kids, Jason, Matt and Lauren, grew up across the road from us as they spent most of every summer at their camp here at Joe's Pond, and spent lots of time here in the winter, too.  Of course, now they are all grown up they don't get to camp as often as they used to, but they all take a break whenever they can to spend time at Joe's Pond.  It's great that Jack and Hallie will get to experience Joe's Pond as they grow up, too.

We wish Kevin and Lauren the very best, and we're happy Jack will have a little sister to look out for - congratulations to Jason and Kerrin - and of course to John and Liz as their family continues to grow in the best possible ways.

I think that does it for announcements tonight.  I hope everyone is warm and cozy tonight - enjoying the cool fresh air that's so good for sleeping, coming at us from Canada. 

 

Work Update
Walden Bridge Replacement –VT 15
Walden BRF030-3 (5)

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line.  Project will include an allowable 28-day bridge closure period within the timeframe of June 22, 2015 and August 21^st, 2015.  Completion is scheduled for October 2015.

Week of June 22^nd, 2015

Bridge Closure Period – New closure dates have not been confirmed at this time.  As soon as the dates are confirmed, a notice will be sent out.

No work is scheduled for next week.  However, crews may be mobilizing some equipment onto the site along with some materials.

Traffic – No traffic delays are expected this week.

It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone.

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994 or for a more up-to-date schedule visit www.roadworkupdates.com.

Announcing the Arrival of Baby Loon

Evelyn Richer sent me an e-mail today to let us know we have one baby chick at Loon Cove!  Here's what Evelyn wrote:

Just a brief note to let you know that we have (as of late Sat. nite or early Sunday morning) a little loon chick!  It appears that the second egg may have been infertile and discarded, or damaged by a crow that landed on the nest while the loons were out feeding the new chick... So boaters be watchful please... this guy is tiny!  They seem to briefly venture out to the pond and then return to the cove... but still keep an eye out and pass the word to others...

Thanks Joes Ponders for your considerations when it comes to keeping a distance from the family... you all are always so good to be 'Guardians of the Loons'!

Happy Summer!!

Another really nice spring day. We've had a nice breeze all day that helps dry things out - so tomorrow's rain will be better absorbed, I expect.  We were surprised last week to see farmers cutting hay along the route to Burlington.  It seems early, but perhaps not.

Summer is just about here.  We enjoyed a few minutes sitting with Bill and Diane Rossi on their boathouse deck Saturday.  We were  surprised at how much activity there was on the water.  Bill and Diane do the same as we used to do when we lived on the water - wave at every boat going by whether you know them or not.  I was remembering that when we first had our cottage on the pond in the early 1960s, there weren't that many boats and we got to recognize just about every one that went by.  That meant we paid attention to "strange" boats and wondered who'd traded or whether it was someone there just for the day.  We didn't have as many day visitors either as we do today, either, as I recall.  We always had binoculars close by, and I noticed Diane and Bill do, too.  It's nice to be able to recognize who you're waving at.

 We've had several inquiries about where to get tickets for the suppers at the Joe's Pond Association pavilion, and Pam told me today tickets for the Italian Dinner on July 25th are going well - I assume that means other dinner tickets are, too.  The steak dinner is coming up on July 11th.  Pam stopped by to pick up extra Ice-Out tickets.  I noticed when I went to Hastings on Saturday a lot of folks have picked up their envelopes with Ice-Out tickets, and that's good.  Like Pam said, people like to have them in order to sell or give them to visitors during the summer.  There have been several years when members bought large numbers of tickets to give as favors at wedding receptions.  We did that at Bill and Monika's wedding, and the guests loved getting them. It would be fun to have them at family reunions, too. 

We are pleased that our older granddaughter, Jo-Ann, will be working at Whale's Tale water park in Lincoln, N.H. this year. She will be a life guard, and had to do training and pass tests to become certified and is now ready to go.  It's incredible that she is old enough to have her first real job.   I don't think she even knew how to swim when she came here from Namibia, but being at Joe's Pond that summer took care of that for her and for her mom, Monika, too.  I think they also both got water skiing lessons from Dad and Uncles Bob and Jamie.

Bob stopped by today - he'd been out on his mountain bike.  He told us his new band, "The Hit Men," will be playing in Newport on the Fourth - they will also be at Danville Fair on August 8th.  They will be playing for a wedding at the pavilion I think on July 18th - so we may have to do a "drive-by" in a boat, or if the air is just right we will be able to hear them from our deck here.  Sound travels well across water and up the hillsides!   

 

This came today from Jaquith Library in Marshfield:  LINK 

We've had a busy week and now I'm hoping for a quiet, warm, sunny weekend.  The rain is back tonight.  I measured only a trace this morning, but for the past week we've had a total of 2.25 in. and tonight we've probably gained another .25 in. or more.  That should go a long way in replenishing the water table, at least for a while.  

About a week ago we had Luke Persons come and dig a trench in the pucker brush in the wooded area above our back lawn, and that has made a huge difference in the amount of water out there.  Over the years water from springs in the woods above us found its way along tree roots and ledges to spill down on us, and each spring it seemed to get worse.  Now there is a broad ditch that is intercepting the water from further up the hill and running it into the swampy woods between our property and Jamie and Marie's driveway.  That  marsh was always there, but in recent years the path of least resistance had shifted slightly in the direction of our lawn, so it was time to reconfigure the landscape a bit.  I appreciate having a wet land filtering area, just don't want it around our buildings.  Luke will be back presently to work on the foundation of our tool shed that had taken a hit by overly wet ground freezing every winter. 

 
We have been trying to reclaim bushes and trees that winter killed last year.  We transplanted the holly, and that is coming back nicely.  The new growth is slightly lop-sided, but at least it's still alive.  There was a burning bush that got bigger than I liked anyway, so it was no problem that it winter killed and we cut that down.  There was a little new growth near the bottom, but mostly it was dead and looked awful.  Like the flowering quince we haven't been able to get rid of, even though we dug it up (didn't get all of it) and cut it back every couple of years, I expect the burning bush will revive in spite of our drastic surgery.  I also sacrificed some young maple trees that were growing too close to the house.

The blue spruce we transplanted last fall isn't going to make it.  I'm really sorry about that because it was a beautiful little tree - just was in the wrong place and we thought it would do better with more room - and we chose a spot where we would be able to see it from the living room window.  We won't remove it until all hope is gone, but right now it shows no sign of new growth whatsoever.

My perennials are all doing well.  Peonies, irises, lilies, sweet peas, astilbe and dianthus all thriving, and of course the lupines along the road are just bursting forth.  Out back I have lots of mint and forget-me-nots in what was the swampy area - however our recent successful ditching project may make it hard for them this year.  

I had my very first azalea blossom ever this year, and I've had the plant for at least a decade.  Usually I have buds that never develop, but this year I have at least two beautiful blooms.  I was thinking I should move that to the south side of the house, but now I guess I'll leave it and just try to protect it better in the winter.  Now if the black flies would just go away so I can get back out to work in the flowers, I could make everything look much better . . .

 

Support Kingdom Animal Shelter

*Pet Parade on Saturday, June 13, beginning at 10 a.m. in St. Johnsbury, up on Main St.  Bark in the Park tennis ball raffle winners at around 11 and the CartVermont garden cart raffle winner.

*Yard Sale to benefit KAS.  June 20, all day, at Butler's Bus Service in Lyndonville.  If you have any items you would like to donate, please call me, 802-563-2488, and I will come get them.  No electronics, clothes, exercise equip.

*2016 KAS Calendar Contest:  enter a photo of your cat (there can be other pets, but there must be a cat).  13 top winners will be on the cover or on a month's page.  All entries will be in the calendar somewhere.  Check out our FB page or webpage for instrux.

Thanks.

Helen Morrison

Press Release

For Immediate Release:         Immediately

Submitted by:                          Francine Perkins
                                                Project Outreach Coordinator

Dated:                                    6/9/15

Walden VT 15 Bridge Replacement Project Construction Dates Postponed

Construction to replace the Walden VT 15 Bridge 83, located over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line has been postponed.

Originally, construction was scheduled to begin this week with the closure period starting June 22^nd.  The contractor has postponed the closure dates due to coordination with a supplier for bridge components that are needed during the closure period.  The contractor has a window of time between June 22^nd and August 21^st to close the bridge for 28-days.  New construction dates have not been confirmed and will be released as soon as they become available. 

Crews will mobilize equipment and perform light preparation work for the next few weeks. 

The project will replace the existing bridge, which has a sub-standard width and is in poor condition, with a new bridge that meets current design standards.  The new bridge will be 58 feet in length and 34.25 feet wide including two 11 foot travel lanes and 4’4” shoulders.  Accelerated Bridge Construction methods will be used, which will expedite construction. 

During the bridge closure period, a traffic detour will be in effect and marked with directional signs.  Motorists wanting to travel to Hardwick on VT 15 from US 2 West will continue on US 2 West to VT 215 Marshfield and follow VT 215 to VT 15 in Walden.  Motorists traveling from VT 15 in Walden to US 2 East will take VT 215 to Marshfield to US 2 East. 

After the closure period ends, work will continue on the bridge with daily lane closures.  Traffic control personnel will be present to assist in maintaining traffic flow.  The project completion is October 16, 2015. 

Work updates and press releases will be issued and distributed to various media sources.  Information will also be available on www.roadworkupdates.com.

Francine Perkins of FRP Enterprises, LLC has been assigned as Project Outreach Coordinator to work with the Vermont Agency of Transportation and J.A. McDonald on this project.  Anyone with questions or concerns about this project, should contact Francine Perkins at 802-479-6994.

Loon Report

Evelyn Richer wrote tonight:
The family is nesting here in the Cabot nest.  They are sitting on 2 eggs again this year.  They were a little bit late to lay them. The first egg arrived on the 19th of May (the second one on the 22nd), and they should hatch any day after this Saturday June 13th.  We do ask that folks steer clear of the nesting site especially this year, as the barrier island has a broken cable and it is not giving them the protection that they are used to. Ray cannot repair it now that they are nesting. Thankfully, the nest is pretty well developed with foliage, so they aren't as exposed as you might think.

We have had frequent visits from the eagles, one immature and one mature eagle.  The loons have also had some intruder loons stopping by to make their jobs of protecting the eggs a real challenge.

Thanks to all for being great about giving them their space while they incubate.  We'll be sure to announce the arrivals when they come.

As for the West Danville pair, we had seen some interest in the old nesting site, but nothing has developed there as of yet. There may be another site somewhere, but it has not been confirmed.  --Evelyn

Thanks Evelyn - good to know we may have two chicks.  I've seen what appears to be an immature eagle soaring overhead a few times this spring.  Life is not easy for wild creatures - let's be sure to remind visitors who may not be familiar with loons and/or other wildlife to keep away from the nest and after the eggs have hatched, watch from a distance and give the family plenty of space and the best possible chance to survive.

We just found out that there is a very nice stray kitty hanging out on Barre Avenue.  Beth Ward has been letting it in every night and said it appears to be a well-taken-care-of cat.  It is yellow, with no collar.  Beth will be leaving on Tuesday and is concerned about the cat being left on it's own.  If you are missing a cat of this description, swing by Barre Avenue and perhaps you will be able to reunite with your pet.  Beth has no phone available, so you cannot contact her.  The Ward cottage is the first one on Barre Ave., and while this may appear to be a stray, it could also belong to one of the nearby neighbors.  We hope it will be ok.  Cats have a way of making it on their own very well, at least until very cold weather.

Steve and Bev Allen just sent me a couple of pictures of a different sort of visitor they had at their camp at Meadow Lane.  They wrote:  "This young buck joined us for breakfast and maybe a boat ride at Joe's Pond this morning - oops, I guess not!"  

I guess he just wanted a cool drink and perhaps a dip to get away from such pests as black flies, but probably decided the cedar woods was safer and retreated back up the hill.  He looks like a healthy specimen. Thanks, Bev and Steve for sharing the photos.

T

Here's a real treat for bluegrass music fans:  Bramblewood will be at the Cabot Library on July 21st.  Mark it on your calendar.  To hear samples of their music, click HERE and you'll find some sample tracks on the right of the page.  

It should be a fun event.  Take the family and enjoy.

We've had some much-needed rain over the past few days, and things are beautiful and lush now the sun is back with us.  Someone told me the black flies were gone - but I found out yesterday afternoon that isn't so.  At least, there are still plenty of them around our house.  They found me right away, and I had to give up any idea of working in the gardens or any other job that required being still.  I got a little mowing done, but even that wasn't without some moments with those little pests hitching a ride in my hair or on any exposed skin.   Today should be better with the wind very brisk - keeps them off balance.

So now I'm going out to climb Jamie and Marie's driveway, so I'll put my theory to the test and hope it's too windy for black fly flight.

KAS Yard Sale

This yard sale is always very well attended and is one of the big fund-raisers for Kingdom Animal Shelter.  If you have any items you would like to donate to the yard sale, call Helen at 563-2488.  We discourage exercise equipment, old electronics, clothes, older video tapes.
                                             Helen Morrison, W. Shore Rd.

We had our younger granddaughter with us on Tuesday.  It was an unusually active day for us, but it was Woody that got a real workout.  Tangeni says he's her best friend, and her face lights up when she's petting him.  He was patient as always, but took lots of "bathroom breaks" outdoors.  Tangeni has a hard time understanding that he would rather be outdoors sometimes, but accepts that he has to go to the "bathroom" outside.  She had a hard time accepting that he jumped up onto Grandpa's lap at one point instead of playing with her - but she solved that, as you can see here.  Woody has been resting up today - and so have we!  It is always great fun to be with her - but you can see by Woody's expression he was just being a gentleman and probably wasn't enjoying lap time as much as he'd hoped.  Three's a crowd!

Needed: Volunteer(s) to do Water Clarity Testing

Gina and Marty Talbot have been checking the water for clarity for several years and now wish to take a break.  This came from Gina Kurrle today: 

We need someone to do the "water checking" for the state.  I got the box the other day with all the stuff in it---since they still have me as the contact person.  There must be a "retired" person who wants to do this once every 10 days (although all they use the data for is comparing to clarity of the water over the years.....)--takes about 30 minutes if you have two people doing it.             GINA

You can get in touch with Gina at 802-563-9905.  She will give you details.