Tomorrow is the first day of July!  I can't imagine that June has gone by already.  I always look forward to June.  It's a beautiful month, full of blossoms and lush foliage that even the mini-drought couldn't mar here in the Northeast Kingdom. 

There is a blemish on the landscape, however.  Tent caterpillars have devastated fairly large areas here in the north country.  I haven't seen any evidence around Joe's Pond, but it could happen.  There are hardwood forests in Hardwick and Craftsbury where trees are bare.  These bugs are not the ordinary caterpillars we see occasionally in roadside bushes; they are a separate voracious variety that infests maple orchards and some other broad leaf trees.  There are predators that will end the infestation, but it can take three years or so, and in the interim, precious maple trees may be harmed.  This sort of plague hasn't happened often in Vermont, possibly because of normal stretches of very cold weather, which perhaps we haven't had recently - at least, not in the spring to kill the larvae.  Could be just one more indicator of global warming, I suppose.

We were entertained by our young granddaughter, Tangeni, today.  This was our day to grocery shop and recycle, so it was very busy. We had lunch at McDonald's, which she doesn't often get to do.  She was delighted to get a Powerpuff Girl Buttercup toy - a fairly ugly cartoon character, but that's what little girls admire these days, I guess.  We are totally unaware of all of this, and not understanding the toys come with McDonald's Happy Meals, we had already ordered when Tangeni spotted the display with all the characters.  Grandpa immediately asked one of the girls at the counter if we could get one, and she explained they only came with Happy Meals.  Tangeni tried to explain to us all the characters and what they do.  I was having trouble wrapping my mind around "Powerpuff" and of course said "powderpuff" - much to the dismay of our almost-five-year-old.  I explained that next time we'd order a happy meal. Tangeni accepted that, but I saw the disappointment in her face.  Apparently the manager had been listening to our conversation and she quickly produced a big-headed green-eyed "Buttercup" toy and gave it to Tangeni.  I'm sure for her it wasn't a big deal, but for Tangeni, it just made her day complete.  It was a very nice thing for the manager to do.  She knows how important these things are to youngsters, for sure.  

We always learn something new from Tangeni; and each time we see her, even if it's been only a week or so, we see changes in her.  She's growing up way too quickly.

And then there's her older sister, Jo-Ann.  She has become a lovely young lady almost overnight.  She was at Jay today, doing paperwork before beginning work there at the water park.  She works at Whale's Tail park in Wookstock, N.H. something like three days a week and will be at Jay three days - and will work at Jay through the winter on weekends.  She will graduate from high school in 2017, and then will go on to college.  Seems like it was only yesterday she was struggling to integrate into fourth grade at Waterford school after arriving here from Namibia.  Our biggest problem with Jo-Ann is that she is always working or in school so we hardly ever get to see her.  I love that she works hard both at school and at her jobs, but I worry that she doesn't get enough rest.  Worrying is the role grandparents play, I guess.

Up a Creek Without a Paddle?

These days, no matter where we go or what we do, there are likely eyes watching us or a camera or cell phone recording it.  This happened yesterday here at Joe's Pond.  It just proves you can't hide!

I won't mention the name of the unfortunate pilot of the slick speed boat with a temperamental motor, but will say he is no newbie to Joe's Pond or to water crafts.  I also won't identify the good Samaritans doing the rescue or reveal my source for the photo, but I will say moments like this have happened to most of us, it's just that they don't always get recorded for posterity!   

Correction:  Susan Bouchard's phone number is 802-563-2716.  I had it wrong in the notice about contacting her regarding sailboat race.  My apologies. 

Kitty Toll reported today that she had just seen her brother, Tom, at the Mount Ascutney Rehab Center and he is definitely progressing well from his recent stroke.  That is certainly good news.

I had a message from Andy Rudin (Old Homestead Road) today asking if there is someone familiar with our local bird population who might be able to identify a song bird he has been hearing.  He wrote: 

There is a bird over here that constantly sings a beautiful song.

It goes on and on, seemingly not repeating notes or patterns.

Is there a bird expert around the Pond I can contact?

 

If someone else has heard this bird and knows what it is, please get in touch with Andy.  I've suggested he contact the Fairbanks Museum - they may have someone there that is a bird expert or may know of someone local.  I heard a robin this morning singing up a storm on the electric line coming to our house.  I thought at first she was distressed because perhaps Woody, or cat, was lurking nearby, but he was nowhere around and when Fred heard her, he said she was just singing for rain.  She finally flew onto the lawn close by and continued her incessant song - a little different than the springtime song robins sing, but certainly very loud and quite beautiful.  She was very visible, and stayed around for a while.

We spent most of the day in Burlington where I had an appointment with Dr. Kim for the macular degeneration I have going on.  I didn't get the shot in my eye this time, and that was a BIG relief.  Now if things remain unchanged, at least for a while, I'll be very grateful. 
We caught it early and started treatment right away.  My vision hasn't changed much in the year Dr. Kim has been treating me except for some slight improvement, and since the goal was to arrest the progress of the degeneration, I feel very fortunate.

It's been interesting to me that the Areds2 vitamin capsules Dr. Kim advised me to take (available over the counter), have had a definite effect on the "dry-eye" tearing condition I had.  If I happen to miss taking a capsule, by eyes begin to stream again, so I'm convinced there is a connection.  I mentioned it to the doctor, but he said he had never heard of the Areds2 having that effect.  Just a nice "plus" in all of this, I guess.

 

 

I was meandering about on this site today, doing some "house cleaning" deleting old drafts that never got published, etc.  One of those proved to be a message I wanted to share and thought I had - but apparently I was interrupted and forgot to go back to it.  So here it is now:

A while back, our neighbor, Tom, sharpened some knives for us.  He has a day job, but does this on the side.  I gave him some paring knives I'd had in my cutlery drawer forever and they were all dull as a hoe.  There were a couple in the lot that were definitely favorites, but that I'd given up on them because every time I pulled one out to use, it was too dull to be of any use.  I had nearly tossed them any number of times, but hated to part with them - I've had them forever.  Anyway, Tom took them and in a few days brought them back unbelievably sharp.  I was so pleased, and every time I use one now, it's such a pleasure. I bought a new-fangled ceramic knife a while back, and that's great, but we learned the hard way not to try cutting anything that is frozen with it.  Besides, it's not a paring knife.  Just in case you have some knives you'd like to have sharpened up, here is Tom's site:  knife sharpening. Did I mention - he picks up and delivers?!

Update on Tom Beattie

I had a message today from Kitty Toll with an update about her brother, Tom Beattie.  She said he is getting stronger physically, and that is really good news.  He is also better cognitively, but that is expected to take longer.  Kitty said it would be great for his morale to hear from friends here, so send a note and a card if you can:


Tom Beattie
Rehabilitation Center at Mount Ascutney Hospital
289 County Road
Windsor, VT 05089

Reminders . . .

We are coming up to one of the busiest weekends of the year, the Fourth of July weekend, and here are some reminders of events you should mark on your calendar. 

On July 2, please don't forget the Joe's Pond Association Annual Meeting.  It starts at 10 a.m. at the pavilion.  Everyone is welcome.
We will have Ice-Out tickets and tickets for up-coming events available. 

On July 3, friends will be gathering at Nancy Hamilton's home at 669 Channel Drive from noon to 4 p.m. to remember Penny Hamilton, who passed away on November 20, 2015.  All are welcome to join Penny's mom and dad, Doug and Nancy and Penny's family for a celebration of Penny's life.

Also on Sunday afternoon, July 3, don't miss the "Spirits of Vermont" wine tasting & marketing event at the JPA pavilion, 3-6 p.m.  There will be North Branch Vineyards, Caledonian Spirits/Barr Hill, Vermont Spirits, Vermont Distillers, Red Barn Brewery (from Danville), St J Brewery in addition to food from Asian Comfort Foods and Chez Mami (Ariel Zevon), Vermont Chevon, Crooked Mile Goat cheese, Jasper Hill Farms, Cabot Cheese, Burke Mountain Confectionery, Sumptuous Syrups, and Vermont Coffee Company all there displaying their spirits and food for you to sample.  Plus they will have raffle baskets from Diamond Hill Store, Maple Grove, Barr Hill among others.  Also, check out this link from Locavore Today. 

Then, Sunday, July 3, weather permitting, we'll have fireworks set off from the rail trail at the north end of the pond, just off Channel Drive at dusk.  Please pass the word that the beach at West Danville is NOT a good place to be able to see them.  Best to be on the water and in the big pond, but otherwise, look for  some spots on West Shore Road or Route 15, or go high up Davidson Drive or on surrounding hillsides.  Better yet, barter for some space with an acquaintance who has a boat or a good vantage point from their waterfront.  If the weather does not cooperate, they will be set off on Tuesday, July 5.

July 4th is a big day in Cabot Village - the parade, BBQ, tag sales, open house at the Historical Society Museum, and fun for everyone.  This year there will be a special float to display the bell from the Lower Cabot School that was stolen mysteriously in about 1880 and eventually recovered in a local mill pond.  By then the school had had several owners, been used for storage, a business, and eventually was renovated into a private residence by the Bromleys.  The Bromleys acquired the bell in 2006 and began the process of reinforcing the belfry structure with the intention of restoring the bell; however, last year they sold the school to Dana and Susan Robinson, who have finished the restoration and will return the bell to it's proper place at a big celebration on July 9th. 

Also on July 9th is the Joe's Pond Association's Steak Dinner at the pavilion.  Contact Hastings Store (684-3398) or Camilla Dente (684-3615) for tickets. 

On July 10th at the Joe's Pond pavilion (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) there will be a big yard sale.  I should also remind you that if you want a table at the sale you should get in touch with Dee McKown, 684-3900 to reserve it - cost is $10 per table. 

That's not all that's going on during July - there's the sailboat race on the 17th - there are boats available for you sailors who want to join the fun but don't have sails!  Contact Susan Bouchard to get matched up (563-2716). The Italian Dinner is on the 30th, but I'll try to remember to remind you about those events later.  Your calendar may get pretty crowded, but then, we need to enjoy all these fun events during the nice weather when everyone is here to enjoy.  In a few short months things will be much, much quieter around here.

Tennis Courts Unavailable this Weekend

Just had a call from Association President Tom Dente saying the tennis courts are being worked on today so the courts will be out of service all of this weekend.  Signs will be posted at the courts, but Tom wanted people to know so you can make other plans if you were going to use the courts during the next few days.  Unfortunately, they need good weather in order to do the job - and the good weather is when people want to be out and about playing tennis. Expect the courts to be back in service sometime next week.

Joe's Pond Fireworks!!

Don't forget the Joe's Pond Fireworks Display scheduled for July 3rd, with a rain date of July 5th.  

Don Sherwood, head honcho for fireworks, reminds  everyone that the fireworks are set off from the rail trail at the north end of the pond near Channel Drive.  To see them well you should be either on the water in the big pond (but south of the islands, please!) or on a hillside overlooking the big pond.  Views are not good from the public beach in West Danville, or on either of the two smaller ponds.  Lots of cars drive up Davidson Drive, off of Route 15, or park along W. Shore Road anywhere you can see the sky above the islands.  Just please be sure not to block traffic as these are public roads and there will be some through traffic - and possibly emergency vehicles - needing to pass by.  

If you go out on the water, please have running lights, life preservers, and keep your speed down.  Traffic on the water is generally high before and after the show, and we do not want any accidents to mar the evening.  Be courteous and enjoy.   Also, please be aware of the loon family.  They generally are able to dive to avoid boats, but with so much traffic in the darkness, there is some risk for them.  

The fireworks display is made possible by all of you who purchased Ice-Out tickets!  Aren't you glad you did?  We are!!!

 

Tom Beattie

This is a sad/happy post.  We were sad to learn earlier this week that Tom Beattie had suffered a severe stroke last Saturday.  He was rushed to NVRH and then flown to Burlington where he was in ICU, unable to speak or move his right side.  The happy news is that he has steadily improved, regaining movement and is now able to speak and recognize people.  Today he will be moved to Mt. Ascutney Hospital in Windsor for rehabilitation.  Pretty amazing considering the severity of his condition over the weekend.


We are glad Tom has made such a strong comeback and wish him a very speedy and full recovery.  He's in good hands and has lots of friends and family rooting for him. 

Tom will be at Mt. Ascutney Rehab for at least six weeks, and I'm sure he would appreciate hearing from friends, so send messages and cards to him at:  Mt. Ascutney Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, 289 County Rd., Windsor VT 05089. 

Jaquith Public Library Summer Schedule

Here's a notice from Jaquith Library in Marshfield:

Summer Overdue News 

Give it a click - you'll find there's something for all ages, adults and children on their summer schedule.  

Flowers for a Wedding in Namibia!

Someone asked me recently why I haven't written much here lately. I'm really glad my absence was noticed - and I have a very good excuse.  I've been making silk flower arrangements for daughter-in-law Monika's sister, Tangeni (our granddaughter's namesake), in Namibia.  The wedding isn't until the latter part of August, but I wanted to get everything finished a.s.a.p. because it's going to take some time to get it there.

I'll give you a little background.  Namibia is very hot and dry, and natural flowers are not only very expensive, they don't last more than a day or two in the heat.  Tangeni asked Monika if she would take care of doing the flowers.  Monika, who has very little time between working and caring for her family, told her sister she would try.  She confessed she was at a loss, never having done anything like wedding flowers before, and asked me if I would help.  I admit I really get into projects like this, and even though I knew it would be a challenge, I immediately agreed to help.  Monika and I got together to discuss colors and numbers, and with a few quick texting communications Tangeni, a medical school student in China, we came up with a plan.  

I'd explored options and found a great wholesale flower source on line.  I made the order and within a few days, flowers and spools of ribbon were spread out in our kitchen.  I was impressed with how quickly the order had come - except for the flower girls' baskets and pillow for the rings, which were coming from, of all places, China.  That's a whole other story, and we're still waiting for that order.  
This picture is most of the flowers - I filled in with a few from my own stock.

Long story short, I'm now finished - except for the stuff from China - and have a bridal bouquet, groom's boutonniere, 16 boutonnieres for male attendants and 16 wrist corsages for the female attendants, headbands and wrist corsages for the two flower girls, a boutonniere for the ring bearer, matching boutonniere and wrist corsage for the best man and maid of honor - plus corsages and boutonnieres for mothers and fathers of the bride and groom AND a centerpiece for the bride and  groom's table along with 15 smaller matching centerpieces for the reception guests' tables. Above, the bride's bouquet and matching boutonniere for the groom. Oh, yes, and I made a smaller toss bouquet because the bride wants to keep her bouquet.  I'll admit, I had a couple of nights where I spent several hours staring into the darkness rethinking how to make it all work.  Here  are pictures of the whole package - laid out on our dining room table; but I'm not done yet.  I still have to figure out how to pack everything into cartons to get it to Namibia safely and in time.  Monika will take care of shipping - she's used to sending packages to Africa; but I'm going through my collection of cartons and packing material (I knew all that stuff I've saved over the years would come in handy!) to find what I need to pack the  so hopefully nothing gets crushed.  As soon as I hear from Monika regarding whatever size restrictions FedEx may have, I'll get busy packing everything up.   

In the meantime, I've been having a great time putting everything together.  The flowers do look very real, and should still look fresh even after weeks of travel and surviving a two or three day wedding event.  Now if I could only get them to smell like real flowers . . . ! 

The bride, Tangeni, will arrive in Namibia from China a couple weeks before the wedding.  She still has a few months of medical school left, so will go back to China soon after the wedding.  At the beginning of next year she will return to Namibia to do her internship.  Her husband-to-be is an airline pilot in Africa.  Doing the wedding planning from that distance must be a daunting chore, but I'm sure she has lots of family and friends supporting her in Namibia, so everything will get done. 

Monika told me although there will be 150 invited guests, it's customary in their culture for people they don't even know to show up - just because they want to celebrate the wedding.  And of course, food and beverages will be provided for everyone - catered for the 150 invited guests under a big tent, and pot-luck for the uninvited-but-welcome guests who apparently bring something to share outside at their own party - in addition to what the hosts will  provide.  Also, I believe the bride and groom (and probably the attendants) will change from their formal wedding attire (bride's lovely ivory and white gown and groom's gray tux) to native costumes at some point - colorful and casual shirts and traditional dresses.  The wedding celebration may last for several days. 

All the bridesmaids will be carrying umbrellas because of the intense heat - which is why I suggested wrist corsages for them.  Besides, I had lots of velcro which I think will work better to secure them than having to have someone tie them on, and will be  more secure than purchased bracelets. 

So, there you have it.  This is what I've been up to for the past couple of weeks.  Now I should be able to get back to a more normal schedule - but it won't be as much fun as puttering with flowers all day.

A quick postscript:  At noon, after I'd written this, we got part of the order from China!!  The rest can't be far behind, so I'll need to warm up the glue gun again to decorate the flower baskets and ring pillow.

Huge Yard Sale!

Summer is really here!  If you don't believe it, check this out . . .

 'Tis the season, for yard sales and all sorts of other fun activities.  Yard sales are a lot of work if you are putting it together, but great fun to browse, and this one is being held on Old Homestead Road (off of Route 15) by a whole bunch of people doing it together.  It is on Saturday, June 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  If you have questions, call Cheryl Semprebon at 802-279-6480.

Everyone is enjoying the summer weather.  We took the back roads to get to Lisbon, N.H. for granddaughter Tangeni's gymnastics recital last night, and it was beautiful.  We saw corn at least eight inches high already.  Lots of haying going on, too.  

We arrived at exactly the same time as Tangeni and her dad and big sister, and Fred got this picture just at the moment she realized who it was as we drove in the parking lot.  Her mom had worked at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center yesterday, and was a little late joining us. 

Tangeni's group didn't perform until the end of the program, and we thought it was pretty amazing that she and the other little kids sat reasonably quietly through the whole thing until their turn to perform.  Some of them did a few cartwheels or practiced other moves, and they were all aware of what other performers were doing and clapped for them.  Everyone seemed to be having one heck of a good time.  There were some tumbles and clumsy landings, but nobody got upset or hurt, and we were impressed at the agility of some of the youngsters.  The middle picture is of Tangeni approaching the bench; and at the end of the recital everyone got medals.  Pretty impressive!  Tangeni kept waving at us and raising her medal for us to see.  She was very excited.

The gymnastics recital was fun, but pretty long.  The little kids didn't seem to mind at all; I think Tangeni had just as much energy when she finished as she had going in, but we were both tired and were glad to head for home after a brief stop at McDonald's for a sandwich and coffee.  Being preoccupied, we missed the turn for 302 and the interstate, so went up Route 5 - which I actually prefer.  Then we turned in Barnet and came up the back way through Peacham.  By then it was fairly dark, so we didn't get to see much along that road, but it was still a nice ride home.

This afternoon we are going to the memorial for Marion (Hatch) Heath, a long-time Cabot resident who passed away last January.  I worked with Marion during the Fall Foliage Festival for a number of years.  Her daughter, Ida, married my cousin, Mayo Sanborn.  Marion grew up in Walden, graduated from Danville High School, and married Bernard Heath of Cabot.  She was a bookkeeper for Cabot Creamery and later Harry's Discount Store on the Barre-Montpelier Road.  She loved spending winters in Florida and was very social.  She was a lovely person and will be missed by many friends as well as a large extended family.

 

Beautiful summer day!  
For those of you who have children who may be looking for something interesting to do this summer, here is the Summer Reading Program schedule at the Cabot Public Library.

 
 










Click on the images to make them large enough to read.  For more information, contact the library:  

802-563-2721 cabotlibrary@yahoo.com   

This update on George Karnady came this evening

Hello all,

This is Jody, George's daughter. He asked me to reach out to you and let you know he is moving into his new home today! His address is 14 Karas Way, Goffstown, NH 03045, and his phone is 603-606-2510. Know he'd love to hear from you.

He is very excited to get settled into a space of his own. The entire family has rallied to make this transition as easy and seamless as possible and we're all so happy to have him back in New England.

Thank you!

Jody

We hope you had a good moving day, George, and I bet you are happy to be back in New England, too.   Let us hear from you when you are settled and perhaps on-line?  In the meantime, many thanks to Jody for putting Joe's Pond website in her address book.  

The following message came from Helen Morrison:
 

I know that there is also a big yard sale event in Cabot the same day, but just think...for those yard sale junkies, they could make a day of it, first in Cabot (enjoying also a Strawberry Social) and then at Butler's in Lyndonville to help the Shelter. And if any folks have items they'd like to donate to the Kingdom Animal Shelter Yard Sale, they can give me a call and I will come get said items.   563-2488

Thanks. Helen

This is one of the donations for the Silent Auction at the Rhythm of The Reins fund raiser on June 23, 5-9 p.m. -

$10.  Wouldn't it be fun to learn about archery with family or friends?  I love this idea.  And it's right in nearby Plainfield.  

There will be other interesting items at the silent auction, too.  Plan to drop by Water Tower Farm (coming from Joe's Pond it's on the right on Route 2, just before heading down the hill into Marshfield Village); if you're heading east on Route 2, it's at the top of the hill on the left just before the turn for Groton State Forest.  Or I could just say, "It's at the south end of the penstock."

Spa Night at Water Tower Farm

Mark your calendar -

Rhythm of the Rein Therapeutic Riding and Driving Program at Water Tower Farm in Marshfield is having a very new and different type of fundraiser on June 23rd, Thurs, from 5-9 pm.  

  "Spa Night" at Rhythm of the Rein at Water Tower Farm in

Marshfield features some serious mellowing out and some awesome goodies to nibble. Adult coloring books for mental soothing, neck and foot massages for body relaxation, and lots of horse hugging for the soul! Email rhythmoftherein@aol.com or call 426-3781. Tickets are only $10 each and supports a great therapeutic riding program.  Dianne Lashoones

The top photo is our "massage spot" all set up. Below, there will be some serious chilling and mellowing out, including some good horse hug opportunities!

Our weather has improved tremendously this afternoon.  I went to the historical society in Cabot to work for a couple hours this afternoon and it was very chilly in the old building.  The frost isn't out of the hand-hewn timbers yet.  Peter Dannenberg and I worked on the second floor where we have a storage/work area on the stage.  It's poorly lighted, but the dim overhead light along with the stage curtain raised and the window shade up, provided enough light for us to manage.  Now that I'm back home, the sun is out and the temperature has risen considerably.  Looks like a nice day, at least for a while, tomorrow.

There was a large box of articles we'd received last season from a museum in Texas.  They had contacted us because the things they had were from the Lance family of Cabot - a prominent family here in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  I'm not sure how the items got to Texas, but probably members of the family migrated there and took treasured items with them.  We didn't find anything of great value or historic importance, but there are some nice things in the lot.  I have some old photographs to scan and insert into our albums, and there was a nice painting done by Pearl Louise Meader in about 1900 when she was 11 or 12.   The last of the Meader family died in 1914.  I had an inquiry about them a few years ago - I'll look up any notes I may have kept.  It will be interesting to put together information on the ties to the Lance family.  There were a lot of Lances in Cabot at one time - almost as many as there were Smiths and Walbridges.

Baby Loons

Sam Lewis just sent this photo of the loon family.  There are two chicks!  Another nice Joe's Pond Loon family.  As Sam said, they were out there on a very blustery, cold day.  I hope the adults keep the chicks protected from that wind or they could be picked up out of the water and deposited somewhere miles away.  That wind has been brutal all day.  The temperature hasn't been out of the 40s today and the forecast is for "snow flurries in the mountains" tonight.  That probably doesn't include us, but then, I wouldn't be surprised to see some snowflakes in the air.  Hopefully this will be the last of the nasty cold weather and we'll settle into summer soon.

I had a message from Cheryl Castner in New Jersey earlier this afternoon and she reports it's in the 60's and sunny there.  Perfect weather, she said, because it reminds her of Vermont.  

Everything is beautifully lush and green, though - the rain really perked things up nicely.  Of course, it's going to be hard to keep up with lawn mowing - the grass is growing like gang busters but it's also pretty wet out there with off and on showers daily, so it's hard to find a good time to mow.  

Enjoy the day as best you can, but it's probably not a good day to be out on the water.  The weekend looks fairly promising, though.  Perhaps you sailors will be able to get out there for some practice runs to prepare for the race on July 17th.   If you aren't sailing but have a Sunfish, let Susan Bouchard know so she can perhaps find a sailor without a boat.  Her number is 563-2716 and her e-mail is chatotbouchard@comcast.net.  I know she'll be happy to hear from you.

Also, don't forget the tag sale on July 10, from 9-1.  If you'd like to have a table, contact Dee McKown at 684-3900.  Tables are $10.

Garth Chesley

I'm sorry that I hadn't realized earlier that we lost another of our Joe's Pond family recently.  Garth Chesley of Sheffield and 3418 Route 2W, passed away on May 29th.  Garth and Cheryl have been members of Joe's Pond Association for many years.  Friends who may send condolences to Cheryl and the family at P. O. Box 111, Sheffield VT 05866.  Our sympathy goes to the family.  Garth will be sadly missed.

Loon watchers will be happy to learn that Sam Lewis has reported there is one chick with the adult loon pair.  He saw the family together for the first time yesterday evening, and said the adult  loons were being very vocal.  I gather they are proud parents and want the world to know!  Thanks to Sam for letting us know about the new arrival.

Some of you may be interested that we've had some items for sale posted to the "comments" page.  We have had a "For Sale" page for a long time, but people began posting to the comments page, so Fred has taken down the old page hoping to make the web site more user friendly.  There have also been new postings to the Real Estate for Sale page, if you are interested.

Ray Rouleau has just put a new sign at the entrance to the boat access, showing the cottages that have access from that road.  Good job, Ray!  As many of you probably know, Ray and Evelyn Richer had done our signs for many years, but they have sold their home to Scott and Geraldine Pelok, so Ray Rouleau has taken over painting the signs, along with maintenance of all our road signs and being our "official greeter" to newcomers.  We try to keep road signs updated, but sometimes we don't get the changes in a timely fashion (my fault for not keeping on top of things around the pond!).  I check with town clerks from time to time, but I don't like to bother them too often, so really appreciate when people let me know if a neighbor has sold or that someone new has bought their camp.  Please also let either Ray or me know if you see damage to one of our road signs around the pond, or if there is an error on one so we can fix whatever is wrong.  Ray's number is 563-9921, or mine is 563-2381.

Jenny Larrabee Rafuse and her co-workers are raising money for the Vermont Foodbank! They will be doing a 25 mile bike ride and need some support! Every donation helps and is appreciated! Follow the link at the end and make your donation! http://www.harpoonpointtopoint.com/HarpoonP2P2016/JAB

Water Level at Joe's Pond

We realize the level of water in the pond is likely back to normal now since the rain, but GMP sent us the following in response to Tom Dente's alert re. low water level:

Hi Tom - sorry for delay on this - you got it right - it has been a very dry winter and even drier spring - hopefully the rain that fell on Sunday is helping a bit.  We actually haven’t run the unit since May 21st and on June 1st we closed the sluice gate down further and even further on June 3rd - we ąre working hard to keep the pond level up while maintaining flows
but a little shot of rain will certainly help!  Hope this answers it, but let me know if you have more questions.

Thanks,
JC

We had a lot of rain yesterday.  I measured 1.74 inches this morning.  Some areas around us got a bit more, some less, but we all needed some rain and hopefully the ground absorbed enough so there wasn't significant flooding. Streams are running high, though, and it's good to have a day off from rain today before more showers throughout the week.

I had a note from Homer and Margaret Fitts saying they went to church in Peacham yesterday and on their way there came upon a good sized black bear in the middle of Route 2 just before West Shore Road.  It may have been the same one Sam Lewis saw.  Perhaps he was meandering along checking for bird feeders or garbage along the shore of the pond.  I guess bears learn quickly that where humans hang out there are often easy eats to be had.  Just a reminder to people here for the summer - please don't leave garbage or uncleaned grills around - bears and other animals will pick up the scent of food easily and can do a lot of damage to your property trying to get at whatever it is.  Also, when authorities are called to take care of an intruding bear, the eventual outcome may be that the bear will have to be killed, and that's not what anyone wants.  So keep your place free of garbage or lock it up securely until it can be disposed of properly and don't feed the birds - they do very well for themselves this time of the year. That way bears and other wild animals will fend for themselves and not get too accustomed to humans so they'll have to be killed.

This came from Sam Lewis today:
 For sale:  Shock Wave Ultra Tube (5 ft diameter) w/ tow rope - $25
  Danforth Anchor with spool of 1/4 inch line - $30

Contact:  Sam Lewis   802 473-1189 or sblewis1@hotmail.com

 

Black Bear near Sandy Beach Road

Some fellas don't mind the rain one bit.  This big black bear was taking a stroll along the shore near Sandy Beach Road.  Sam Lewis got these photos tonight of what I'm guessing is one of our resident black bears.  Several people have spotted bears in the area of West Shore Road - a mother with two cubs on one occasion and a much larger bear alone another time.  Perhaps this one.  Here's what Same wrote:
 Sunday at 7:45 PM, a large black bear strolled by our house about 10 feet from the living room windows.   A few minutes later it came back headed up the pond towards Richer’s former house.  For a sense of scale, the kayaks are 10 footers.   Sorry for the quality of the pictures, I didn’t want to open the window!

I wouldn't want to open the window, either!  This looks like a really big bear.  I think they are fairly hungry this time of year.   Not much for them to eat yet and it was a long winter.  Perhaps this one had been fishing for his supper. He looks as if it would take a lot of food to keep him happy.  I sure wouldn't want to make him mad.

There are apparently a few bears hanging out in the West Shore Road area this year.  Alice Aimi told us she's seen a mother and two cubs, and Kate Chatot has had at least one bear in her area - but that's not news, they are probably still looking for the bee hives they used to raid at Kate's house.  

We've had heavy rain most of the day.  I haven't measured the amount of rainfall, but I think it will be well over an inch when I measure it tomorrow morning.  The wind blew like the dickens this afternoon in addition to torrential rain at times,  but we didn't lose power.  Everything seems to have quieted down tonight, and tomorrow will be a fairly nice day, according to the forecast.  We needed the rain and everything will be nice and fresh tomorrow.  I'm amazed at how lush and green everything is now.  It seems as if the leaves and flowers developed almost overnight.  I have iris, honeysuckle, bleeding heart, lupines, lilies of the valley and lots of lilacs blooming. And lots of witch grass and other weeds, including dandelions growing where they aren't wanted.  I've been weeding nearly every day recently, but still have a lot more to do.  The weeds grow much faster than I can dig them out.  I need to get some heavy mulch down - soon.

Vintage Vehicles & Low Water

Can't complain about these beautiful spring days!  Even the black flies seem to be easing off.


Yesterday when I was outside weeding my flower garden, a string of 20 or more motorcycles went by going towards Brickett's Crossing Road.  These were smaller models and riders seemed to have backpacks or saddlebags, but weren't overly loaded, so I wondered where they were headed and why our "back" road?  Of course, these roads are lovely, especially this time of year, and the view from the Plain Cemetery on a day like yesterday would have been spectacular - so perhaps they were headed there.

We see some interesting vehicles on our road from time to time.  Last week I happened to see a very neat little two-wheeled horse-drawn cart with a couple of people in it cruising past our house towards Route 2.  I tried to watch for them going back, but if they did return this way, I missed them.  I would have liked to have had a picture.  

And then there are our own Joe's Ponders who have interesting vintage vehicles . . . and it's always fun to see them scooting by.  Great weather for road trips in whatever vehicle flutters your heart.  I've noticed a lot more convertibles on the roads this year, too.  We have more than the usual number of "sports" here this season, I gather.   

Some people have been wondering about the water level in Joe's Pond.  We've had estimates of it being as much as 8 inches below normal.  We haven't had much rain recently, but the drop seemed to come quickly, down from last weekend significantly.  The observations have been reported to Tom Dente, JPA president, and he has contacted GMP.  No response from them as yet, but I'm sure they will investigate to be sure the dam is operating properly.   We expect the rain tomorrow (and most of next week!) will take care of the problem, but unfortunately, some boaters may find their crafts are temporarily beached. 
 
In the meantime, I'll keep you posted on the water level, but I expect things will change once we get some rain.  Let's just hope we don't go too far the other way.  In that respect, it's probably a good thing to be headed into a week of mostly rainy days with the water level in the pond sufficiently down.  That doesn't always happen, and then it gets too high.  We aren't likely to see the severe flooding other states have had, but do be sure to keep loose items on your waterfront secure.  High water always means we begin to get notices of lost items and stuff floating around.  Even large items such as pieces of docks or sometimes boats that have slipped their moorings.  It's best if that stuff doesn't make it all the way to the first pond so it goes over the dam.  So secure everything on your waterfront and be prepared in case the water gets higher than normal. 

Kellie Merrell reported on the water at the beach in West Danville:

We start the season with a very low E. coli reading of 2 colony forming units per 100 ml (cfu).  The standard we want to see our concentrations stay below is 235 cfu. So grab your towel and go swimming this weekend!

 

This afternoon I heard what sounded like an airplane flying directly overhead at low altitude - it seemed to be doing stunts as the motor revved and became very loud, then seemed to get more distant but came back several times.  When I went onto the deck to see what was going on I realized it was down on the pond.  In addition to the very loud noise of the motor, the crows were screaming and circling over the pond.  I wondered if the plane might be having a problem taking off because of all the birds.  I didn't learn until this evening that it wasn't an airplane - it was an air boat.  I don't know any more about it than that - but it certainly was loud and had the crows really upset.  

The crows are tending to their young at this time of the year and I expect that had something to do with them being so agitated with the air boat.  They keep close watch over our house these days and as soon as Woody goes outside, they set up a racket.  If he ventures onto the back lawn they will dive at him.   He doesn't go far from the house during the daytime, and even at night I suspect he stays fairly close to the house. He's either getting more timid with age or a whole lot smarter.

This message came from Andy Rudin earlier today:

Hello Jane,

 

I found a round red buoy on the shore over here yesterday.

I also have another, similar one that I never use, if the person who lost theirs needs them.

 

Andy

684-3976

We hope everyone is enjoying the less humid but beautifully warm weather!  We're getting to the point we really need some rain, though.  

I was at the Danville Historical Society yesterday, doing some research about West Danville, and found an interesting item in the 1934 town reports.  Natt Burbank, the superintendent of schools at that time wrote that teachers' salaries had been cut by as much as 48% in some instances because the town couldn't afford to pay more.  In addition, there was no expenditure for textbooks and all other school items were being conserved and repairs put off until there was money available to pay for them.  

The town had many more people delinquent in paying their taxes.  In 1928 there was a balance of $70 delinquent taxes; in 1933 the list had grown to $1,566.51.  People were unable to pay their bills and many were receiving help from the town.  A Welfare Society was formed - Mrs. E. E. Hartshorn, Mrs. J. D. Williams, and Mrs. Earle Fisher were responsible for seeing that people had what they needed - clothing, food, hospital care and drugs.  They even arranged to provide phosphate and seeds for gardens.  The Red Cross helped some, and federal aid helped.  But times were hard.  The nation was reeling from the stock market crash in 1929, and by 1933 unemployment had soared to 25% from 3.2% before the crash.  Manufacturing businesses all over the country had closed or reduced production drastically - nobody had money to buy goods and people were out of work and hungry all over the nation.

These were the years that saw the beginnings of government support in the forms of subsidies and programs for the poor.  The Town of Danville received money to help build roads, support better education and help improve the health of school children.
This was the beginning of President Franklin D Roosevelt's "New Deal" that included the "3 Rs" -- Relief, Recovery and Reform.  The boom years of the "Roaring 20s" were over.

I have searched reports only through 1937, but there was little sign of real recovery in those reports.  The town and its people were struggling to make ends meet, even with government programs. It will be interesting to see the trends as the economy began to recover, and then the effects of the nation being plunged into WWII.