Stray dog found on Route 2

A  kind couple from Massachusetts came to the Dimick cottage on West Shore Road Friday afternoon with a sweet female dog they found wandering along Route 2.  She is mixed breed,  possibly a little ridge-back in her, medium size, about 35-40 lbs., golden coat, very skinny like she's been lost for a while, and ravenous.  She has a blue collar but no tags.  We are anxious to find her owners as the Dimick dog is not happy about sharing her home with a stranger.  We have left a message for the animal control officer, Jo Guertin, 748-4230, but she has not called back.  If you know this dog or are her owner, please contact Bob Dimick at 563-2481.  Bob is at 1809 West Shore Road, at the corner of Barre Avenue.  He and Theresa have the dog because they were the first people the Massachusetts people came upon after rescuing her.  She is safe, being fed and cared for, but needs to be reunited with her family.

Note:  Animal Control Officer Jo Guertin came and took the dog Friday after we called her.  We don't know if she has been able to locate the owner of the dog, so if you believe you know who the owner might be, you can call Ms. Guertin at 748-4230.  We hope dog and owner will be joyously reunited. 

Route 15 Bridge Opens Early!

Good news!  The bridge on Route 15 in Walden is open for traffic two days early!  Here is the official report:
 

BRIDGE OPENED – 2 DAYS EARLY

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

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located on VT 15 in Walden over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line. 

Walden Bridge Re-Opens 2-Days Early

July 31, 2015 – Bridge 83 located on VT 15 in Walden opened to all traffic this afternoon, 2-days ahead of schedule.  The bridge closed on July 6^th, 2015 to all traffic and was scheduled to remain closed until Sunday, August 2, 2015.  

During the closure period, crews dismantled and removed the old bridge and constructed the new bridge using Accelerated Bridge Construction methods.  Work to replace the bridge included placing new concrete footings and abutments, a new bridge deck using prestressed concrete NEXT D Beams and guardrail.  The roadway approaches were also reconstructed and paved.  This is a photograph of the new bridge just after it was opened to traffic this afternoon.

Construction is scheduled to continue on the bridge through the end of August.  However, the contractor has until October to complete the project. 

Remaining work on the project includes line striping, site restoration and miscellaneous punch list items.  While crews work to complete the project, travel will be reduced to one lane over the bridge daily with flaggers assisting in maintaining traffic flow. 

Motorists can expect traffic delays from daily lane closures on the bridge as crews work to complete the project.

Traffic delays are expected during the closure period while the detour is in effect. Motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time and plan accordingly. 

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, at 802-479-6994 with questions.  Visit www.roadworkupdates.com to view the most recent updates for the project.

__________

Around 11:30 this morning, as I was driving to Danville, I noticed the detour signs were tipped over in the grass.  Now I understand that was on purpose.  This is great news for those of us living on West Shore Road - although traffic still seems to be streaming through here in both directions, that's probably because people who have regularly used this road instead of the prescribed detour route through Marshfield and Cabot, wouldn't believe the signs were intentionally down - like me, they probably thought they had been tipped over by wind or vandals.  These projects NEVER finish on time, let alone early!  Except this one apparently has.  One-way traffic will be maintained for another month or so, but that is no problem.  The really good news is that West Shore Road should return to something close to "normal" traffic.

If you have happened to be on West Shore Road going south from Walden, you'll notice that we have a speed cart in front of Mike and Barbara Pupino's.  It's on their property, opposite from the speed limit sign (30 mph), but quite visible.  I haven't talked to Ray Rouleau yet, but I'm hoping they will leave it in place for at least a few weeks.  There is a chance, according to the work update below, the bridge will be open ahead of schedule, but there will still be one-way traffic after Aug. 2 until it can be fully open, and that could mean we'll still have considerably more traffic on West Shore Road than normal for a while.  I'm glad we got it, even though it's later than we had hoped.

* * * *

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

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located on VT 15 in Walden over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line. 

BRIDGE 83 ON VT 15 IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC THRU AUGUST 2, 2015.  THE DETOUR BELOW IS IN EFFECT UNTIL THE BRIDGE IS REOPENED. 

Detour - A traffic detour is 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.

Construction Schedule Update - Construction of the new bridge is ahead of schedule as of Thursday, July 30, 2015.  However, there are some weather sensitive tasks that need to be completed before the bridge can be opened.  If the work is completed and the bridge is opened earlier than scheduled, an announcement will be sent out as soon as possible after the opening.

  

Week of August 3, 2105

 The week of July 27^th, 2015, crews applied the bridge membrane, installed guardrail and paved.

Week of August 3^rd, 2015 – Crews will install asphalt bridge joints, line stripe and place gravel material on TH 55. Traffic will be reduced to one-lane on each end of the bridge during work hours throughout the week.  Flaggers will be present to assist in maintaining traffic control.  

Traffic delays are expected during the closure period while the detour is in effect. Motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time and plan accordingly.
 

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, at 802-479-6994 with questions.  Visit www.roadworkupdates.com to view the most recent updates for the project.

* * * * *

We were at Hastings this morning and learned that Jane Larrabee has had an operation to insert a couple of mechanisms to assist her heart.  Garey said she's doing very well and should be home in a day or so.  She's determined she's going to prove the doctors in Boston wrong, and we sure hope she can do it.  I saw her at a meeting on Monday and she was doing pretty well, but we're all hoping these gadgets (a defibrillator and a pace maker, I think Garey told Fred) will allow her to be more comfortable.

St. Johnsbury has most of the paving done so we don't have to dodge manholes as much.  There are some spots still to be done, but looks like they'll have it all finished before snow falls.  I know, we aren't ready to face snow quite yet, but we're almost into August and things begin to change after that.  Don't forget that Danville Fair is on the 7th and 8th, and the JPA Cocktail Party is on the 9th.  Our final JPA meeting is on August 22 and then summer's over, at least for JPA events, although the pavilion may have an event or two into September.

 

I just heard from Jack and Sue LaGue that they spotted the young loon yesterday at about 2 p.m. and it was healthy and doing well.  That's really good news, and thank you, Jack.

Helen Morrison has asked me to thank all those who are leaving returnable cans and bottles at her garage at 936 W. Shore Road for the benefit of the Kingdom Animal Shelter.  Helen said it is very much appreciated by her, the staff at the shelter, and by the kitties that are fed, cuddled and cared for there until permanent homes are found for them. So drink up and keep those cans and bottles coming!

I had a message this morning wondering if the young loon is ok.  There was an adult pair observed on the big pond being frantic about an eagle overhead.  There was no sign of the chick, and we wondered if it had perhaps been snatched by the eagle.  I got in touch with Evelyn and Ray Richer, our resident loon experts, and Evelyn responded with the following:

Without knowing exactly what was observed, it is hard to say, but since the chick is now six and a half weeks old and nearly the size of the adults, and very capable of fending for itself (diving and feeding itself) it may not even be hanging out with the parents as much, it may be hard to tell which loons were spotted.  While eagles have been very prevalent on the pond this year, so have the osprey.  The loons would react to both in a similar vocal manner.   They do not tolerate the presence of the eagles, and will vocalize when they are anywhere near the pond.  We have gotten so we can tell if an eagle is near, just by hearing the loons... and it's usually way before the eagle has 'arrived' above the pond... so when it is visible the loons do go crazy, whether the eagle has taken a chick or not.  But do remember the defense the loons have from a threat from above is diving... they can get deep in the water and far away quickly... (out of reach for any eagle)... and with other loons (parents) keeping an eye on the sky at all times, the chick is a hard 'catch' for an eagle to get at its current size and age.  (But it COULD happen)

We will definitely keep our eyes open and would ask others to do the same to spot the family.    Remember you are not looking for a tiny chick at this point, but a nearly full grown loon, with brownish coloring...and it may not even be on the same pond as the adults, some juvenile loons will separate themselves from the parents early ... Binoculars are needed to distinguish the chick from the adults if they are not close together.

NOTE: it will be learning to fly in a few more weeks.  --Evelyn

Based on what Evelyn told us, I suspect the young loon is safe and doing its own thing somewhere away from the parents.  That's what kids do, right?  We would appreciate knowing for sure, though, so if you see the young brownish colored loon, let me know either by a comment here or at janebrown@fairpoint.net.  After watching on the Audubon web cam site the video of the eagle snatching away two baby ospreys on Hog Island in Maine earlier this summer, I am not altogether happy about having one (or more) eagles camping out here at Joe's Pond.  Sometimes it's really hard to accept nature in the "raw" - we tend to personalize what goes on when really it's just normal behavior.

Evelyn told me Ray has a new loon show that is quite unique.  She will let me know when and where he will be presenting it so Joe's Pond folks will have a chance to see it.

I think summer is officially here, finally.  Today has been hot and humid, like July is supposed to be.  And there's more and hotter to come!  For those of us lucky enough to be at Joe's Pond, that's about as good as it gets.  This weather feels really hot to a lot of us, mostly because it's been in the 40's and 50's most nights until now and the days haven't been warm enough to really get the frost out of our bones.  With some parts of the country experiencing triple digit temperatures and wild fires, and other parts of the nation having snowstorms, or tornadoes like in Canada, we realize how fortunate we are to live here. 

Traffic on West Shore Road:  We are coming to the end of the "detour period," and wouldn't you know, Ray Rouleau got word yesterday the state is going to set up a speed cart for us - any day now.  Ray has been patrolling, thinking they would come Monday, then today; but nothing yet.  That's probably ok because even though the bridge is scheduled to be open to one-way traffic next week, I expect a lot of folks will opt for West Shore Road instead of waiting in line to get over the bridge, and speed will still be a factor to recon with.  If traffic delays are anything like when the work was being done in Danville a couple years ago, you can hardly blame people for avoiding the bottleneck and continuing to use West Shore Road.  So we will hope the speed cart does show up one day this week and will be left in place for the rest of the summer.  

Here's something to put on your calendar - the Cocktail Party at the Joe's Pond Association pavilion.  It's always a fun party, and everyone is welcome.

A couple bits of Joe's Pond news:  We learned recently that Dot Temple has moved to an assisted living facility in Wilder, Vermont.  The family gets to camp whenever they can, but we'll certainly miss Dot.  If you'd like to send her a card, send it in care of Jeff Temple, 20 Edgewood Dr., Rutland, VT 05701.  Dot recently turned 90 years old!

Some of you have missed seeing Don and Audrey Walker at camp this year.  I spoke with Don last week and learned Audrey has been having some difficulties walking, but Don said they still go out as much as possible; it's just that it's easier for both of them to be at their home in Montpelier than at camp.  He said he misses his daily swim in the pond, but he's feeling chipper as usual.  If you happen to be in the area of the Wayside Restaurant on the Barre-Montpelier Road, you just might find Don and Audrey having breakfast or lunch there, and they'd both enjoy seeing friends.

Every now and then we meet someone new and get an unexpected surprise.  That happened to us yesterday.  By chance we met Calvin Alexander - a really nice young man who turned out to be the son of Cedric and Susan Alexander in Cabot.  We've known the Alexanders for a long time - Cedric has belonged to the Cabot Historical Society and works for Vermont Fish & Wildlife; Susan operates Vermont Switchel Company.  Their son, Calvin, is an arborist - his business is to remove stumps, trim trees or remove them to improve the appearance or safety of your property.  We went to his Facebook page, Alexandertreevt, and it's impressive.  He was on his way to see a customer at Joe's Pond, but we asked for a business card and you'll find it posted on our Services page.  Instead of complaining about how the trees have grown up to obscure your view, you can give Calvin a call and have them trimmed or removed.  I wish we'd met him a few years ago when we had to take down a couple of big maples on our back lawn, leaving stumps.  I have now encouraged enough flowers to cover them so they are no longer unsightly, but we'll keep him in mind in case we have other tree problems.

We had another cold night last night, but today is beautiful.  It still isn't going to be "July hot," but we'll take what we can get.  There are lurking clouds, so we know the weather is likely to change.

I learned the other day from the Hardwick Gazette that the state Department of Parks, Forest and Recreation is negotiating to buy Molly's Falls Pond property in East Cabot from the Vermont Land Trust.  At first I thought that might include Molly's Pond, but in re-reading the article, I understand it is the pond created by the dam - often referred to as "Marshfield Dam," even though it is entirely in Cabot - owned by Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP). (See above photo.)  The new park property will likely border Groton State Forest and therefore extend the park system all the way to Route 2.  It will be interesting to see if this sale happens.  It will mean there will probably be entrance fees to access the pond and whatever other facilities the Department of Parks, Forest and Recreation provide.  The $1.2 million deal, to be made with funding through the federal forest legacy program, is expected to close by September 1st.  Then there will be hearings this winter to find out how the public wants the area developed.  GMP will retain ownership of the dam and a cottage on Lovely Road.  The picture above is of the Molly's Falls taken from the bridge on Lovely Road over Molly's Brook.   There is another brook further down Lovely Road that connects Peacham Pond to Molly's Falls Pond.  

Molly's Falls Pond was created in 1927 when the power company's dam was completed.  The community known as Petersville was removed to allow for the flooding created by the dam.  There were several farms and a school before the dam was built.  The properties were purchased by the power company and buildings removed prior to construction of the dam.  The dam had just begun to fill when the 1927 flood came, and the power plant located in Marshfield was the only source of power for several days.  All other power plants were down, but Archie Bullard didn't know that; he only knew nobody came to relieve him, so he kept the Marshfield plant running continuously for 154 hours.  Mr. Bullard had no idea how serious the damage to the rest of the system was at the time - he simply stayed at his post and did what had to be done,  and only later learned Power Plant #6 in Marshfield had supplied power to Barre and Montpelier hospitals.

The dam was so new that at one point during that awful flood, authorities had horses in place ready to pull open the gates to let the water out.  Had they done so, or if the dam had not held, Marshfield Village would no doubt have been wiped out. 

A

 

We are nearing the end of the detour on Route 15 from West Danville to Walden Heights via Route 2 to Route 215 which turned out to be no big deal, apparently.  According to a report in the Hardwick Gazette this week, there were personnel posted at each end of Route 215 to assist with expected traffic snarls at the beginning of the bridge closure period and after three days they left, citing no problems and traffic moving smoothly.  There has been less traffic in all directions than anyone expected.  Cabot Village has not seen a big difference, and while there is definitely an increase on West Shore Road (not the intended detour route!), after the first week or so with law enforcement very visible, drivers for the most part are behaving very well and being careful.  

JPA's Ray Rouleau has been working with the Town of Cabot  since the first week, hoping to have the speed cart placed here at least for a short time, but the town deferred to the state to supply one and the state hasn't responded.  With only a little over a week to left before the bridge reopens for one-way traffic, Ray Rouleau says he's given up phoning to plead our case.  We are grateful for law enforcement's presence - that seems to be working, and thank Ray and JPA for trying.  


Never mind the traffic - how about this fall weather?  This has been the coolest summer for years, I'm thinking.  I haven't seen statistics on it, but I bet it will stack up being one of the chilliest and one of the wettest.  We only have August left, and by then the summer is really winding down into fall so we expect cooler weather.  I felt like turning up the heat in the house this morning to warm things up and dry it out.  Instead, maybe I'll bake something to let the oven warm up the house a tad.  I saw on a cooking show recently some  neat little pans to make baked doughnuts.  We love doughnuts but don't like the fat and added calories from frying, so I found the pans on line and sent for a couple.  We tried them out last week and it worked out really well.  I made a dozen doughnuts, brushed them with a little butter and dipped them in cinnamon and sugar while they were still warm - then we took them to a family reunion and served them with a scoop of ice cream drizzled with homemade chocolate sauce on top - really good!  There were a couple left over (the reunion consisted of just four cousins and our spouses) and we thought they even improved with age.  The doughnuts, not the cousins - none of us is improving much with age at this point since we range in age from late 70s to early 90s!  

Long story short, baked doughnuts seems like a good option today; the oven will take the dampness out of the house and the doughnuts will take the blahs out of us.  Never mind calories or waistlines - we NEED a pick-me-up!  On the other hand, I could save some work and some calories and take a walk instead - that will warm me up and being outside always makes me feel chipper . . . hmmm.

BRIDGE 83 ON VT 15 IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.  THE DETOUR BELOW IS IN EFFECT UNTIL THE BRIDGE IS REOPENED. 
Detour - A traffic detour is 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.

 

Saturday (7/25) and Sunday (7/26) - Crews are planning to work on the roadway excavation and installation of the crushed gravel subbase.  Work will also include stonefill slope work and setting the approach slabs.

   

Week of July 27^th, 2105

Construction Progress – Week of July 20^th, 2015 - Crews set abutment #2 and the NEXT beams.  Photo – At right is a photo of the crews setting the NEXT beams.

Week of July 27^th – Crews will be applying the bridge membrane, installing guardrail, paving and line striping.  The project is on schedule. 

Traffic delays are expected during the closure period while the detour is in effect. Motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time and plan accordingly.
 

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, at 802-479-6994 with questions.  Visit www.roadworkupdates.com to view the most recent updates for the project.

We had a message and photo from Bob Kimball on Channel Drive today.  That road lived up to its name after the heavy rain on Sunday.  This is Channel Drive on Monday!  (Click on the image to make it larger.)  I hope the folks who live out on that road had their kayaks and canoes handy.  Bob told us there was from one to two feet of water over the road.  Hopefully it receded without doing much damage.   Thanks, Bob for sending the picture.  It reminds us that even though Green Mountain Power had the rubber dam in West Danville is as open as it can be, because of the restrictions imposed by the state to protect the wetlands in this area, the level cannot be let down enough to accommodate all the water coming in from the hills surrounding the pond.  I suspect more than one wildlife family was displaced by high water Sunday night.

Folding Chairs Available

The Joe's Pond Association has some extra white metal folding chairs that are all in good condition (and are used regularly) they are selling for $5 each because we need to make room in the storage area.  Anyone interested in one or two or all of them (I think there may be about 100) should contact Tom Dente at 684-3615, or e-mail him at tjdente@gmail.com.  These are substantial chairs and all in good working order.   This photo taken at our May meeting shows the chairs.

I have heard from JPA President, Tom Dente, that the water level in the pond is up due to last night's storms.  Here's what Tom wrote:  

Hi Jane,
The pond water level has increased by about 12 inches due primarily to the heavy rain we had yesterday and the continued wet, saturated ground. GMP has the bladder down and the unit running at 100 %. Folks should see a noticeable difference by later tonight or in the morning. Green Mountain Power will continue to monitor and changes.
Quite a storm last night causing us high level and some areas have destruction with floods.
Tom

That was a pretty decent storm we had last night.   There are more showers expected throughout the week, so it may take a little longer than expected for the water level in Joe's Pond to get back to normal.

 I measured 1.52 inches of precipitation this morning, but in some other places there was a lot more.  Groton reported 2.59 in., Middlesex 2.55, Bradford 2.66; however, it was spotty.  Waterbury had 1.10 in., Middlebury only .15 in., Richmond .53 in., and Williston .12 in.  Rutland reported only .01 in. and even Randolph had only .22 in.  It varies even in the same town.  Someone else reports in Cabot - I believe that station may be in the Danville Hill area - and had only .81 in. The volunteer in Derby reported 1.69 in. and commented, "goodbye driveway."  

There was considerable damage in Barre and some other towns.  You can read about that on the WCAX website.  Rick Dente's store was affected, and other buildings as well.  There is nothing worse than cleaning up after a flood - even generally clean water will leave a nasty film of grit and dirt, and this kind of storm brings all sorts of debris and mud surging through streets and into buildings.
I hope something can be done to prevent this happening in future storms.  As the Governor mentioned today, we learned a lot from the disasters of 2011 but more is needed because these storms are probably going to be more common as the climate change progresses.




 

BBQ Chicken

Mark Your Calendars!
BBQ Chicken, Salads, Rolls, Deserts, Drinks
ALL YOU CAN EAT!
Adults $10.00 Children $5.00
Cabot United Church of Cabot​
Questions? Call 563-2715
Take out Available
July 23rd from 5-7 PM

Italian Dinner

Don't forget the Italian Dinner at the Joe's Pond pavilion on Saturday, July 25th.  Tickets are $16.  Call Pam Hebert at 802-684-3655 before they are sold out!

This picture (click to enlarge) came from Linda and Charles Livendale who recently bought a camp at 3448 Route 2 W., and here's what Linda wrote:
 Yesterday afternoon we were sitting in front of our camp on the middle pond, and all of a sudden 4 dark brown mink came crawling out of a hole near the waterfront and scurried over to our dock. We got a little closer and snapped a picture and then they scampered underneath our camp. We wondered if anyone else has seen these little critters. If they become a problem does anyone have ideas on how best to remove them?

I suggested to Linda that she call Scott Ackermann who is a professional trapper in our area.  He has helped with pesky beavers in the past, and will know how best to handle the mink situation, if it becomes necessary.  I'm not sure I'd want these critters sharing my summer camping experience, but perhaps they won't be a big problem.  I've asked Linda to keep us posted.

I want to remind people who walk on West Shore Road that right now we are needing to share the road with a whole lot more people than normal and we need to keep well to the side of the road to be safe.  We are not dealing with one-way traffic - there are cars and trucks coming from both directions and the road in some spots is barely wide enough for vehicles to pass, let alone having to turn out for pedestrians and meet another vehicle at the same, or nearly the same time.  Pedestrians may have the right of way, but in order to be safe, you really need to use good sense and keep out of the way of traffic.

Unfortunately, there is no longer a sign indicating the speed limit or warning there is a densely populated "summer camp area" ahead, so people who are not familiar with the road may think the speed limit is still 50 m.p.h.  There is a speed limit sign at the Barre Ave. intersection, but none near Sandy Beach Road.  We are still hoping to have a speed cart to slow traffic, but that hasn't happened.  Ray Rouleau is working with the Town of Cabot and the State, but the process is slow.  Still hoping.  In the meantime, there have been some speeders stopped by police, but they cannot be here 24/7.  So please be careful and sensible.

We just learned that a long-time Joe's Pond Association member, Dean Campbell, passed away in Bradenton, Florida last November.  We are sorry we didn't know at the time so we could post that information.  Here is the obituary I found in the Bradenton Herald.
I'm sure his wife, Marilyn, would like to hear from friends here at Joe's Pond.  Her address is:  4915 Bookelia Cir., Bradenton FL 34203.  We extend our sympathy to Marilyn and her family.

We have a local television star!  Betty Chamberlain is well known to many of us from her days tending bar at the Creamery in Danville, and now she is bar tending at the Danville Restaurant and Inn.  We have a link on home page to a really nice Super Senior segment as seen last night on WCAX news.  Congratulations, Betty!

I recently received these photos from middle son, Bob, taken earlier this month.  He and his niece, Jo-Ann (our 16 year old granddaughter) went "zip lining" in the White Mountains to celebrate his birthday.  I don't know this, but I suspect nobody else in the family was interested in zipping high in mid air from mountain to mountain and trekking through dense forest. I had no idea they were doing this trip, and would probably have worried if I had known, but Bob said they had a great time.  It looks pretty darned scary to me.  Jo-Ann is not timid about trying new things and Bob loves adventure and a challenge.  Just getting there on that swinging bridge would do me in.  All the safety devices in the world would not be enough to convince me I wouldn't land in the puckerbrush with some important part of me broken and bloody.  Bob said they had a great time - I haven't heard Jo-Ann's version yet, but I'm pretty sure she enjoyed it, too. 

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

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located on VT 15 in Walden over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line. 

BRIDGE 83 ON VT 15 IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.  THE DETOUR BELOW IS IN EFFECT UNTIL THE BRIDGE IS REOPENED. 

Detour - A traffic detour is 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.

Saturday (7/18) and Sunday (7/19) - Crews are planning to work on the project all weekend.

Week of July 20^th, 2105

Construction Progress – Last week, crews poured the sub footing and placed the precast footings at Abutment #1.  The precast abutment was also set at abutment #1.  Crews excavated to ledge on abutment #2 and plan to pour the sub footing Friday (7/17) and set the precast footing on Saturday (7/18).

Week of July 20^th – Crews will set abutment #2 and start backfilling both abutments.  NEXT beams are scheduled to be installed mid-week.  Backfilling will continue for the approach slabs placement. 

Traffic delays are expected during the closure period while the detour is in effect. Motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time and plan accordingly. 

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, at 802-479-6994 with questions.  Visit www.roadworkupdates.com to view the most recent updates for the project.

Francine Perkins

Project Outreach Coordinator

FRP Enterprises, LLC

802-479-6994

Such a wonderful time of the year!  It's sort of like Christmas, in a different way.  This is when we get to see relatives - mostly cousins now - that we don't see any other time.  People are traveling through, have summer places in the area, or just plain get out more because the driving is good, so we call this "Cousin Season."  

We started Cousin Season off in good style this week.  Monday we had breakfast with one of Fred's cousins, Ora, and her friend, Kate, at Juniper's in Lyndonville.  Well, I guess it's on Darling Hill and sort of in East Burke, too, but it's a beautiful spot especially this time of year when their gardens are in bloom and the scenery from their porch and patio dining areas is spectacular.  (See top photo.)  Kate and Ora always have their i-pad and we catch up on family photos and places they've visited.  They were at Sentinal Rock State Park in Westmore recently.  That's us leaving Juniper's - Fred was taking the picture.

Yesterday we were in Barre to meet with three of my cousins on the McAllan side of the family.  We are all that's left of a dozen or more, and it's great fun to get together with them.  Even though they are all in Barre, we don't often see them.  At right, me, Ida Sanborn, Corine Smith and Mayo Sanborn as we're all getting ready to leave. The whole group, from left to right:  Fred, me, Corine and Charlie Smith, Ida and Mayo Sanborn, Martha and Earle Sanborn.  Corine, Mayo, Earl and I all had McAllan mothers.  

We had a really nice time, and the weather has been perfect until today.  Even today isn't all that bad, but kind of dreary.  We are catching up on a few things at home, but expect the cousin meetings will continue off and on for the rest of the summer.  Between us, we have quite a lot of relatives who are literally "fair weather" friends because they almost never come by in the winter.

Flea Market Happening July 19th

Tables are $10 - email Dee McKown, mckown@email.com, to reserve a table, she will collect at the event.  Clean out your closets and cupboards - remember, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and almost everything has value to someone.  This will be a good time to match up your crafts, overloads, gently used or antique "stuff" with a new owner who will cherish it.

We've had reports the steak feed last night was super good.  I'm sorry we missed it - steak is a really big favorite of mine that I have nearly omitted from my diet over the years and I would have enjoyed it in spite of knowing my cholesterol count would probably climb, but we had another very important event that took precedent yesterday, granddaughter Tangeni's fourth birthday party. Of course, we took pictures - and here is a short slide show.

We have had a nice stretch of weather for a record-breaking three days in a row.  We went for a ride with Jamie and Marie on the pontoon boat this afternoon and there were lots of people taking advantage of the nice weather.  We hope it holds for a while to give farmers a chance to get in some hay.  It's been a little hard for them this year, dodging the rainy days.  We'd also like to have nice weather for the coming weekend - the yard sale is coming up at the Joe's Pond Association pavilion next Sunday, the 19th.  We haven't had one for a long time, so it's exciting that we're doing it.  There are still tables available, so gather up all those items you no longer need and give Dee McKown a call, 684-3900 to reserve table space.  If you have only a few things,  grab a neighbor and share a table.  It should be fun, so plan to check it out.  If you are a fan of yard sales and flea markets, be sure to mark your calendar.  You never can tell what treasures you may find.

This came from Helen Morrison today - 

As you may know, Kingdom Animal Shelter is having its third annual cat calendar contest.  The cats with the most votes by July 31 will either be on the cover (the winner) or each have a month (12 runner ups).  The rest will be on a collage at the back of the calendar.

I would so love it if you would vote for my Roman, every day...unless you just have to vote for another now and then...at the following site.  VOTE.  His photo is attached so you can recognize it in the line-up.

Thank you.

Helen

Roman is a sweetie and deserves a spot on the calendar.  You need to cast a lot of votes because there aren't many days left.  No, Woody isn't in the contest this year, but we do appreciate all the folks at KAS do for homeless kitties, and this is fun way to raise money to support their work.  The calendars in the past have been really cute - any cat lover will appreciate the great pictures.  Good luck, Helen and Roman!

Stray Dog at Clubhouse Circle, Joe's Pond

I've just had a report about a dog that is apparently confused about where home is and is hanging out at the Jacobs' cottage on Clubhouse Circle.  The dog is a female, black with tan legs, about 50 lbs., and has a tag with Dr. Stein's number, but of course the office is closed now.  The dog seems to be friendly, but with so many people around this weekend, there is concern both for the safety of the animal as well as children at the playground.  There is a leash law in Danville, so Jo Guertin, the animal control officer has also been notified. 

This is a bit of news that is in the "bitter/sweet" category.  Homer and Margaret Fitts have sold their home at Joe's Pond.  I didn't think to ask Homer how many years he has been a Joe's Ponder, but it has been a long time, and over the years Homer has been a very active member of our Joe's Pond Association (JPA).  He and Elsie, his first wife who died in 2005, both played an active role in JPA.  The first mention I've found of either of them serving was in 1968 when Homer was elected to a one-year term on the JPA Board of Directors.  Elsie served on the playground committee and was instrumental in seeing that grounds and tennis courts were improved, and served as president of JPA in 1980.  Homer was one of the early supporters of the Joe's Pond Ice-Out Contest in 1987 and each year has sold literally hundreds of tickets for us.  We have been assured he'll still be one of our most enthusiastic promoters.

Homer and Margaret and have attended business meetings and social events regularly, always contributing with wonderful energy and enthusiasm.  This is why we are sad that because they have sold their property here they will no longer be "official" members of Joe's Pond Association - we will miss them, for sure.  However, we understand the responsibilities of caring for two homes can become a burden as we get older, and knowing a little about their fast-paced social and family life, we can all understand that once the decision was made to sell the Joe's Pond property, they were anxious to "get it done."  For that reason, we are happy for them. We wish them well and hope they continue to feel they are part of the Joe's Pond community and will join their many friends here as often as possible.

Now we welcome the new owners of the yellow cottage by the boating access, Jeffrey and Samantha Perkins and their two children, from East Barre, Vermont.  We look forward to meeting them and wish them all the best that Joe's Pond has to offer.  I'm sure they are going to enjoy their summers here.

I received a note from Andy Rudin today letting us know that the "trash truck" that has been parked at the recycling center in Danville (at the old railroad station) has been deemed to be obstructing the rail/trail, so has been moved to the parking lot at  "Our Lady Queen of Peace" church at 240 Route 2 E.  Andy said he was sure there will be adequate signage at the recycling depot to direct people to the new location of the trash truck.  Knowing this ahead of time may save some of you steps, so I thank Andy for thinking to let us know.
 
Don't forget the steak dinner is tomorrow (Saturday) evening at the pavilion - when I saw Tom Dente yesterday, he still had a few tickets.  Give him a call, 684-3615 if you need tickets - he may still have some, and no tickets will be sold at the door.

We have of course noticed a big increase in traffic, and yes, some vehicles traveling way too fast going by our house on the unofficial detour around the Walden bridge construction.  Jamie Dimick, who has charge of the buoys on the pond during the summer, offered to plant a few of our old "no wake" buoys in the middle of the road along the stretch past summer homes, but after a little thought, we figured some wiseguy would probably try to run over one and get hung up and that would cause a huge pileup, so decided against that idea.  We're going to try a speed cart instead.  Ray Rouleau is looking into that.  This picture is something like what we hope to have in place soon.

I sat on our deck for 15 minutes at mid-morning yesterday and counted 19 vehicles of all shapes, sizes, colors and speeds traveling past our house.  That averages more than one car every minute, and we're more used to maybe three or four cars per hour at that time of day.  That said, Larry Rossi, who is working just down the road from us and often comes from Woodbury by this route, told me that one morning this week he saw a Vermont State Police car, a sheriff's car and a Vermont Department of Transportation (DOT) truck, all apparently monitoring the traffic on West Shore Road.  I was also told that this morning a sheriff was parked on the flat by the summer cottages and stopped at least one speeder.  We were promised there would be an increased police presence during this month-of-the-detour, and apparently that is happening. 

Here is this week's update on the bridge replacement:

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

Project Location:  Bridge 83 is located on VT 15 in Walden over Joe’s Brook approximately 5 miles southeasterly of the Hardwick/Walden town line. 

BRIDGE 83 ON VT 15 IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.  THE DETOUR BELOW IS IN EFFECT UNTIL THE BRIDGE IS REOPENED. 

Detour - A traffic detour is 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.

Saturday, 7/11/15 – Crews are planning to work on the project all day.

Week of July 13, 2105

Bridge Closed-   Bridge 83 on VT 15 in Walden over Joe’s Brook is closed to all traffic.   According to the contractor’s schedule, the bridge will remain closed through August 2^nd, 2015. 

Construction – This week, crews will be excavating and cleaning ledge for the sub-footings and placing the precast footings. 

Traffic delays are expected during the closure period while the detour is in effect. Motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time and plan accordingly. 

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, at 802-479-6994 with questions.  Visit www.roadworkupdates.com to view the most recent updates for the project.

Another Ice-Out Contest!

A reader of this blog sent an interesting link to me a few days ago.  Many of you experienced first hand how difficult it was in the cities during those awful snowstorms that hit New England last winter, and here in Vermont - while we were battling snow like everyone else, and enduring weeks on end of below-zero temperatures, at least we had plenty of room to dump snow and as far as I know, we're pretty much snow free at this point.  Not so in Boston.  Take a look at this article from the New York Times.

Thanks to Dan for sending - he said it reminded him of our Ice-Out Contest!  Last spring folks around here were joking that with all the cold weather we had right through April there might still be ice in the pond on July 4th, but who would have suspected the snow and ice would actually last this long in Boston?!  It reminds me of how folks stored ice from the pond years ago - packing it in sawdust in a shelter specially built to hold it - an Ice House.  Those big blocks of ice would last all summer long.  Dan said he was glad the snow and all that debris did not get dumped into the harbor, especially since so many people had worked so hard to clean the harbor up.  I know some towns here have dumped snow into the rivers, and that can't be a good thing with all the salt and chemicals used on the roads, and probably there is some debris, as well.  We have a lot of cleaning up to do on roadsides after the snow goes - but on a much smaller scale, for sure than what Boston has to deal with.

It's great that they have some guessing games going on over the ice mass.  I just hope it's gone before snow flies again . . . !

Anyone interested in seeing the minutes of the Joe's Pond Association meeting last Saturday can find them on home page, J P Assn, Minutes.

There are a few tickets left for the steak dinner coming up this Saturday.  Larry Rossi told us at the meeting they are nice big strip sirloins.  Potato, steak and corn - what more could one want?  If you are thinking, "dessert," they will have plenty of that, too.  The dinners are always great fun and it's a nice way to meet old friends and make some new ones.

Homer said the church service at Peacham on the 5th was wonderful.  To hear and see a video, turn on your speakers and click HERE. 

Speaking of videos, Fred has put the video of our Joe's Pond fireworks on home page - many thanks to Andy Rudin for making that and sharing it.

I have sad news.  Esther Montgomery passed away on Monday, July 6th.  Esther was 86 and had been a long-time Joe's Pond member with her husband, Bryce, who survives her.  There will be a celebration of her life at the West Danville United Methodist church on Saturday, August 8th, at 11 o'clock.  A memorial fund has been set up to benefit the West Danville United Methodist Church's Roof Fund, P. O. Box 211, West Danville VT 05873.
Our sincere sympathy goes to Bryce and his family.

We are glad to hear Andy LaPrade is doing much better.  He is out of hospital and in the Berlin Convalescent Center.  It looks like he will be back home soon.

When I was in St. Johnsbury earlier this week, I noticed a sign at Rite Aide Pharmacy on Railroad Street that they are offering shingles shots.  They said the shots will be "on-going," at least for a while, but since these clinics usually don't last too long, if you haven't had a shot to prevent shingles, you may want to consider calling the pharmacy there, 748-5210, to find out about getting one.  We have both had the shot - after I'd had shingles a couple of times (no fun!!), but for a while they either weren't available or were very expensive, and I know several people who haven't had the shots.  This may be a good time to get it done.

Our first day of heavy traffic on West Shore Road is behind us and only 27 more to go.  There have been more vehicles going by, and most were traveling at a good clip when they go by our house, but in that respect, today has been no different than most days. When we went out this morning, there were enough cars in both directions that nobody was going very fast. However, a neighbor on Brickett's Crossing Road sent this message earlier today: 
 
The unrecognized general vehicle traffic is very fast as if they are still on RT15.   Heavy trucks went by very early this morning. 

Concern remains high for the summer camper families and casual pedestrians, horses, bikers and wild life that frequents our roads. 

It will be an interesting month.  Hopefully safe, too. 

I wasn't watching the traffic closely, so I don't know if there was any law enforcement out and about.  All I can say right now is, "So far, so good."

Do you think summer may finally be here?  Sure is a pretty day out there today.  We had to be in St. Johnsbury this morning, but even there it was pretty nice and people seemed to be enjoying another day of sun and warmth.

I have just a couple of things to mention today.  Henretta Splain sent this note to clarify any misconception that the  "Spirits of Vermont" wine tasting fund raising event for the Pope Library in Danville is limited to alcoholic beverages.  Here's Henretta's note: 

Yesterday's event was successful and it was a really lovely mix of people - both attendees and vendors.  Bailiwick's did us proud and Peacham Café was a nice homey addition.  I don't know if people know, since we advertise the 'spirits', but we do have Sumptuous Syrups who always do special cold non-alcoholic drinks for us. And Vermont Coffee Company always provides our coffee. 

This is nice to know - sounds like there's something for everyone!  Thank you, Henretta, we'll try to remember to mention that next year, too. 

Last year I had a message and a photo from Karen Cobb at the narrows between the big pond and the middle pond.  This year the apparition is back. She sees a perfect image of a cottage that isn't there.  At first she couldn't figure it out, but then she realized it is a reflection of a cottage up the shoreline a bit from theirs, and it just appears tucked in beside Keri Lizer's on the opposite shore.  Karen told me today there was a connection years ago between her place and that of her neighbor's up the road, and we've decided the image is caused by  gentle spirits nudging at Karen's subconscious in order to help her recall wonderful past memories.   If you click on the photo you'll see the  image of Mary Ellen Stover's cream-colored cottage where it should not be and really isn't - but for Karen, it IS there, not always, but often - and from various vantage points on their porch.  I love friendly spirits like that!

Bridge Closed!

Traffic Alert
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. 

Bridge Closed -7/6/15

BRIDGE CLOSED-   Bridge 83 over Joe’s Brook on VT 15 was closed to all traffic this morning.   According to the contractor’s schedule, the bridge will remain closed through August 2^nd, 2015. 

Detour - A traffic detour is 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 are on stand-by to assist with traffic flow at the intersection.  Uniformed Traffic Officers are also available to provide assistance. 

Traffic delays are expected during the closure period while the detour is in effect. Motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time and plan accordingly. 

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

Missed the Fireworks? Watch here!

We hope everyone had a great, safe Fourth of July.  Things are winding down now, Sunday, and just in case some of you missed the big fireworks display over Joe's Pond Friday night, Andy Rudin made a video of it and it's posted on YouTube.  Here's a link:  Joe's Pond Fireworks, 2015.

Enjoy, and thank you, Andy!

We went to Newport on Saturday evening and enjoyed hearing the "Hitmen" at the celebration in the park.  There was a huge crowd there, and even though it began to rain at about 8 o'clock, everyone stayed, crowded under some big canopy tents - and lots of kids just danced in the rain to the music.  Kids know how to enjoy life, no matter what the weather.  I have a few photos for you - here.  We didn't make a video, but you can hear some of the band here that someone else made last night and posted.  Fred and I were sitting in front, far right, at the very last as the camera panned around.  We had no idea we were being videoed, otherwise we would have waved! We had great fun, in spite of getting pretty wet on our backsides (we were standing at the very outside of the tens and the eaves dripped on us), and there wasn't room for our canvas chairs inside, so they got pretty wet and without thinking, we sat in them again after the rain stopped.  This was one more time when it was really nice to have heated seats in the car!  We decided against having fair food and went to a Wendy's that was close by for a salad and hot cup of coffee before heading home.

On our way home, when we were coming close to Barton, we began to see fireworks high in the sky over the interstate.  They were probably being set off from the fairgrounds. We stopped, along with cars in both directions, to watch.  They seemed to be directly overhead - like being in a boat on Joe's Pond, only a lot warmer!

Now the fireworks are over and the celebrating is finished, we will all get back to business as usual tomorrow.  Don't forget there may be an unusual amount of traffic on West Shore Road due to the Route 15 bridge in Walden being closed, so those of you who live on this side of the pond take extra care to keep children and pets out of harm's way.

Divers at Work Friday A.M.

Just a heads-up, there will be two divers in the water just south of the islands Friday morning attempting to recover a sailboat mast that was lost last fall. The operation should take no longer than 90 minutes. Because this area is popular for skiers and higher speed traffic, I would ask that boaters please keep an eye out for the flags in this area and steer clear at least 100 feet. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Regards, Jim Bernotas

 

We have some reminders for you before the big Fourth of July weekend:

Friday looks like a "GO" for the big fireworks display at Joe's Pond.  If the weather suddenly turns sour and we have to postpone, they will be set off on Sunday evening, but for now it looks as if the weather has turned warmer and drier just for us and fireworks will begin at dusk on Friday evening.  We remind folks that the beach and the first two ponds are no good for viewing the fireworks.  Unless you know someone who lives in a good spot on the lake and are invited to watch with them, the best spots are at the south end of the pond at the fishing access or at the north end on a hillside overlooking the pond - roads off of Route 15 like Davidson Drive are best.  Other than that, the best way to see them is from a boat, which is really awesome - just remember not to proceed up the pond past the islands as that is a danger zone where debris and possibly some unspent or hot material could fall on you.  People are also asked not to use the rail trail tomorrow (Friday) in the area of the fireworks setup.  Again, a danger zone and only authorized, licensed personnel from Northstar Fireworks are allowed on site.  Don't forget - Joe's Ponders who live on the pond, be sure you get your luminaries from Diane Rossi or one of the others who have them available so you can light up your waterfront Friday evening. I posted a day or so ago a full list of those selling them - $1.00 ea.

Saturday morning at 10 a.m. is the Joe's Pond Association Annual Meeting at the pavilion.  We hope lots of members will be there and invite anyone who has recently purchased a cottage here to attend - or others who have an interest in our pond.  Only members will be allowed to vote for officers or any other business matters, but non-members are certainly welcome to come to the meeting and ask questions or let us know of concerns you may have.

There will be a big Fourth of July Parade in Cabot Village at 11 o'clock, and interesting stuff going on all day, including a huge rummage sale and open house at the Cabot Historical Society Museum.

If you haven't had quite enough Fourth of July Celebrating, there will be all day - into the evening events in Newport at Gardner Memorial Park.  Fred and I will be heading there to hear son Bob's band, the "Hit Men" at 7 p.m.  It's their first official gig, and we don't want to miss it.  I'm expecting there will be some good food available up there, too - "fair" food like fried dough, onion rings, burgers and french fries that's taboo except on very special occasions like this!

On Sunday there is a special program at the Peacham Congregational church with special music - Homer Fitts says go at about 9 a.m. Also, Sam and Judy Lewis invite you to their Open House on Sandy Beach Road on Sunday. 

And then don't forget the wine tasting event at the Joe's Pond Association pavilion - Spirits of Vermont! 

There should be enough activity this weekend to satisfy even the most hyper individuals. We want to wish everyone a wonderful, safe Fourth of July celebration.

Now to bring you back to the real world and the fact that beginning on Monday Route 15 will be closed to traffic between West Danville and the intersection of Route 15 at Walden Heights while
the Walden Bridge that crosses Joe's Brook is out of commission.  We can probably expect additional traffic on West Shore Road as some people will use that instead of following the signs that will take them through Marshfield and Cabot Village.  The Danville and Cabot (and perhaps Walden) road crews have been preparing the road so it will be in top condition at the start of the 28 day period the bridge will be closed.  That is a plus for those of us who live on this road.  Another plus for some is that with more people expected to pass by on this road, now would be the time to get your "For Sale" or "Yard Sale" signs ready.  That advice may come under the category of "when you're dealt lemons, make lemonade."

One more quick note.  Some of you may not know that Andy LaPrade is in Central Vermont hospital.  He's doing better, we're told, but has had a tough time with pneumonia.  Sherry goes to the hospital every day, so if you wish to send a card, I'm sure they'd both appreciate knowing that their many friends in the area are thinking of them.  Their mailing address is:  P. O. Box 15, West Danville VT 05873.

Also, I think Fred is putting the printable Ice-Out tickets page up today - you never know who may want to get in on the Ice-Out Contest action and not have tickets available!  Way to go, Fred!