Here we are, getting ready for a big Fourth of July Weekend.  There will be lots of activities in the next few days - and the weather may not always cooperate.  We're expecting more strong storms coming through this area tomorrow, but the forecast is looking good for Sunday and better for Monday.  Monday night is when we expect to have our big annual fireworks display, so we'll be watching the weather closely.  If the forecast is wrong and it's too wet on Monday, the fireworks will be on Wednesday.

The fireworks at Joe's Pond are not visible from the beach in West Danville.  The best viewing is from hillsides around the big pond or actually on the water in the big pond.  The fireworks are set off from the rail-trail near Channel Drive crossing at the north end of the pond.  We ask that trail users not venture into that area on the 3rd, as the crew will be setting up and it could be dangerous.  The display will begin at dusk.  Try to find a spot above the pond such as Davidson Road for best views.  If you are on the water, be sure you have lights aboard as traffic will be heavy.  For your own safety, do not go beyond the islands, as that's where debris may fall and it could be dangerous if you are in a boat.

Tuesday, July 4th, you can start your day with some relaxing Yoga exercises at the Joe's Pond pavilion, 10 to 11 a.m.  Anyone is welcome to join the group.  You can e-mail the instructor if you have questions:  andrea.aimi@gmail.com.  

The parade in Cabot begins at 11, and there will be a Chicken BBQ at the school, a big rummage sale at the gym, live music by the "Malicious Brothers," games and activities for the children and lawn sales.

North Danville is having a big parade, too, with lots of additional things going on, so your day can be filled with fun for the whole family. 

Be safe driving and in whatever else you do during the holiday.  With storms frequenting the area, there may be a pop-up thunder storm or sudden high winds. If that happens, get off the water and take cover.  If you not on the water but are outside, find a building or go to your car and stay inside until it's over.  If there is water across a road, do not try to cross, it could be a bridge is washed out or unsafe.  And please be careful with fireworks.  They burn exceedingly hot and even sparklers can be very dangerous.  Have a great holiday celebration, and keep yourself and others safe.



 

Camilla Dente wants to remind everyone about the steak dinner coming up on the 15th of July.    Be sure to get your tickets early as there will be no tickets sold at the door. Click on the poster for details.

I want to remind Joe's Pond Association members of our Annual Meeting coming up on Saturday, July 1, at 10 a.m. at the pavilion.  The weather may not be great - looks like rain! - but the coffee will be on and hot, and business will be taken care of, no matter what the weather.  We're just hoping for a good attendance - it's always fun to see and talk with members and any other folks interested in sitting in on our meeting.  

I just learned of the passing of Joe Labbe (Chatot Road).  I got in touch with one of his sons, Craig, and had a very nice chat with him.  He sent me this notice that will be published in Connecticut, where Joe lived.  Joe had lots of friends here, as well.  He preferred living in his little house in the woods here in Vermont to being in the city.  His last years were difficult, and finally his house burned down and he ended up in a nursing home.  But he had enjoyed his solitary lifestyle for quite a number of years here at Joe's Pond.  This is the notice his family sent out:

In Loving Memory of Joseph “Joe” Labbie 

Joseph Labbie, 86, of West Danville, Vermont, and a former resident of Bristol,Ct died at Maple Lane Nursing Home this past April 21, 2017. He is survived by his sister, Pauline Caron; his sons, Brian and Craig; his daughter, Paula, his granddaughter, Briyanna; his grandsons, Jakob, Justin and Christian. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lynn Labbie.  Joe worked his entire life at General Electric where he later retired and moved to Vermont. He enjoyed his humble home across from the lake, with all its labors he also enjoyed going to the local restaurants with  friends. Private burial services. Thank you to all who showed your love, care and hospitality to Joe through the years. He will be missed.  

                                            The Family of Joe Labbe

We went to Island Pond to "The Hitmen" concert on Friday night. We knew we would probably have showers, and we went prepared.  We watched most of the concert from under our umbrellas, but it was great fun, and the crowd didn't mind the rain or the mud it created on the "dance floor."  What is is with kids and mud puddles?  There were lots of youngsters there, and they all wanted to play in the puddles.  Most of the adults avoided the actual mud puddles, but the rain soon made everything pretty muddy, but they kicked off their shoes and danced anyway.  After a while the folks who were dancing didn't wait for the showers to let up - they just kept on groovin' to the music.


We took some pictures, of course.  There were several food tents on the grounds, and people were enjoying themselves, even though the showers persisted. The concert had to end at 10 o'clock - I'm sure the neighbors who had to get up early in the morning appreciated that.  I think there is a motel very near the site - actually they play at the boat launch area, right in town.


Click on the images to make them larger.

Today's Sunfish Race was dedicated to Eileen Morrison, who died on June 6th.  I'm sure lots of sailors and people watching the race were thinking of Eileen, remembering when she was a big part of our first Sunfish Races.  I'm sure she would be happy there is again enthusiasm for sailing.

We didn't go to the race today, but Jamie sent me pictures, and also Susan Bouchard sent a couple.  There seemed to be good wind.   We had some heavy rain soon after the race - I hope everyone was off the water by then.  Here are some of the pictures Jamie took.

 
 

And these are from Susan . . .

Thanks to both for sharing the photos!

And here are the results of the races today:
 
Hi Jane,
Sailboat results from today ~ 11 boats with 8 racing single and 3 racing double. 
Single division:

1. Billy Hamilton
2. Jack LaGue
3. Jay Chatot
4. Ray Rouleau
5. Diane Rossi
6. Fred Bertrand
7. Butch Bouchard
8. Dottie Noyes

Double division: 

1. Lee Erdman / Mattie McCann
2. Rob Stewart / John Hynes
3. Joe & Suzanne Cassani

Luckily we only had 1 race since the rain would have dampened the 2nd race. 
Next race is scheduled at 1 pm on Sunday, 23 July 2017.   --Susan Bouchard

.  

Rail Trail Open Now!

Bridge and Trail Opening Notice
St. Johnsbury VT 2B – Bridge Project

BF 7000(20)

                                                                         

Project Location:  Bridge 6 is located on VT 2B in St. Johnsbury over the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.  The bridge is less than one half mile west of Route 2B’s eastern intersection with US Route 2.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

 As of 9:00 pm this evening, Bridge 6 on VT 2B and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail re-opened to traffic.  The 50-day bridge closure and estimated 28-day trail closure started on May 10^th, 2017.   Although the rail trail opening was delayed due to continued overhead work, the bridge re-opened in 45 days. 

The offsite traffic and trail detours are no longer in effect. 

Next week, restoration of the staging area on VT 2B and miscellaneous clean-up activities will continue through the week. 

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

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates and project photos are posted at http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/index.html

Francine Perkins

Project Outreach Coordinator

FRP Enterprises, LLC

802-479-6994

Construction Update
St. Johnsbury VT 2B – Bridge Project

BF 7000(20)

                                                                         

Project Location:  Bridge 6 is located on VT 2B in St. Johnsbury over the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.  The bridge is less than one half mile west of Route 2B’s eastern intersection with US Route 2.

Bridge and Rail Trail Closure – The 50-day bridge closure and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail closure is currently underway.  Both the bridge and rail trail are closed to all traffic at the bridge location.  Separate offsite detours are in effect and marked with signs. Detour information can be found in the update below.

Bridge and Rail Trail Opening Update – The bridge and rail trail are on schedule to re-open by June 29^th, 2017.  A notice will be emailed and posted to the website upon the re-opening.  Thank you for your patience. 

Progress Update – June 22, 2017

During week of June 19^th, crews continued construction of the concrete collar on the outside rim of the new corrugated arch with completion expected by the end of the week.  Route 2B subbase work was completed and two courses of new pavement were installed over the bridge.  Following paving, crews installed the new bridge rail and installation of the guardrail on the bridge approaches is underway.

Installation of the timber boardwalk on the rail trail in the arch is ongoing and will continue through the end of the week. 

Final paving is scheduled for Friday (6/23) with Saturday (6/24) as an alternate paving day, if it rains on Friday.  
Work Plan for Week of June 26, 2017

As the project nears completion this week, crews will be completing the line striping on VT 2B, rail trail reconstruction work and site restoration of the project site and staging area.

Detour Routes- The following detours will be in effect during the bridge and trail closure period.

                - VT 2B traffic will be directed to use US 2.  Bicyclists are not permitted to ride on the US 2 detour.  US 2 is a limited access highway.

                - Trail users will be directed to use Crow Hill Road, Swett Road, Tilton Road and Parker Road, as designated by the Town of St. Johnsbury.

Detour maps can be found on the project website: http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/index.html

It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone.
Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates and project photos are posted at http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/index.html

This came from Helen Morrison, 936 W Shore Rd:  

 

Hi Jane,

The long haired kitty has been around now and then.  Now that I see her dry and in the sunlight, she is a mix of black and brown, so perhaps a Torti.  Maybe someone will recognize her by that coloring.  If not in the near future, I will feed her and see if she will stay around my house and then I can trap her and get her spayed and get her her vaccinations, worming and flea meds.  If she is friendly enough, she can come to the shelter.  If she is feral or semi-feral, she'd probably need to stay around my house and I will give her food and shelter.

Hope somebody owns her....

 

 Get in touch with Helen at 802-563-2488.

I had lunch today with three friends.  Strangely, none of them knew each other until they found themselves living in the same apartment building in St. Johnsbury.  Other than that, the only thing the three of them had in common was that they had been friends with me - all at different periods in our lives.  After their husbands died, each one gave up their home in favor of an apartment in town and one by one, they arrived at the same destination.  Now the four of us get together occasionally for lunch.  I'm the only one that drives - all three have macular degeneration more pronounced than mine, so I'm the designated driver.

We spoke today about the improbability of all of us getting together.

I first met Mary in 1944 when I entered the freshman class at Cabot High School.  She lived in the Village, I lived on Cabot Plain. We became best friends.  After high school we both went in different directions, married, raised our families.  Mary returned to this area after she and her husband had retired.  

Lucille worked at Lesnick's  on Memorial Drive in St. Johnsbury when I went there to work in about 1950.  We were both bookkeepers.  We became fast friends - she was my matron of honor when I married in 1953.   After I left Lesnicks, we didn't see each other often.

I didn't meet Alice until I went to work for the St. Johnsbury School District, I think about  1967.  I had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, and felt very fortunate that I was hired to work in the administrative office under Superintendent Ted Sargent.  Two years later, I was a widow with three young boys, and that job, Alice and the others I worked with were a big part of my support system.

I left the School District in 1974 or 5 for another job, sold my home in St. Johnsbury and moved to Joe's Pond.  My association with St. Johnsbury was minimal since I was working in Montpelier.

Over the years, each of my three friends lost their husbands,  I married Fred, and I seldom bumped into my friends, even though all three lived within the St. J. / Lyndonville area.  I don't remember which one went to live at the Colonial first, but within a matter of a few months, Mary, Lucille and Alice were all living there, and realized they all knew me.  So we get together every now and then to catch up on families and friends and exchange memories.

That was what I did today.  Or at least, part of what I did.  There were other things - I briefly visited another old friend in St. J., chatted with Ray Rouleau and then Jack LaGue on my way home  (Joe's Pond business), and got home in time to do a little work here on my computer.  Emails tend to pile up if I'm away too long.  Now I have Woody on the desk beside me, pestering.  He's inclined to pace in front of my computer screen when he needs attention. Fortunately he's careful to avoid the keyboard.  Sometimes he'll just sit and stare at me.  Tonight he wants to go back outside, but that's not an option with coyotes, fishers, and bobcats roaming out there.
Better to be safe than lunch for one of those guys.

Water Level in Pond

I mentioned yesterday that we've had reports the water level is lower than usual in the pond.  President of the JPA, Tom Dente, got in touch with Green Mountain Power, and the response was that as far as they knew at that time, everything was normal, but they will check it out.  We'll let you know if there is any news.

Linda Poole sent this photo of the middle pond loons.  Nice that we have two families of loons on the pond.  The middle pond (and the first pond) is much smaller than where the other loon family is, so boaters need to be extra watchful and careful to give them plenty of space.  It is sometimes difficult to see the birds because they sit so low in the water.  The adults can dive and stay under for long periods, but the babies aren't able to do that.  To read about loons, click HERE.

We are awaiting heavy weather.  For me, it's also scary weather.  The forecast is for T-storms, hail and up to 2 inches of rain.  I simply don't like thunder storms.  That comes from my upbringing on the farm.  Because it was located on a hilltop with almost nothing  higher than we were (except a line of trees in the pasture where we kids had to go for the cows every afternoon), the whole place was pretty much like a pitchfork in the air just daring the lightning to strike.  

My Grandfather Bolton had the notion that lightning rods just attracted the bolts and were no earthly good, so we didn't have them.  We had a big transformer on a pole in the yard between the barn and the house, and for whatever reason, he felt any lightning would strike that pole where there was already electricity flowing, before it would strike the buildings.  The transformer was blown out more times than I can count, and the power company would rush to replace it because they knew we had a herd of 50 or so cows to milk twice a day.

The lightning also struck and demolished the controls on electric fences; it sometimes came in on the old wall telephone, causing it to ring erratically and then fall silent; it welded plumbing so joints of the old iron pipes were impossible to loosen ever again; electric light fixtures were smudged with soot from zaps of surging electricity.  We were instructed to stay away from windows, chimneys and plumbing, and if we were caught outside with no building nearby for shelter, we were told to find the lowest spot on the ground, away from trees or a fence, and lie flat until the storm passed.  

The worst was when a sudden storm came through and caught us while on some machine, exposed, no place to hide.  You made a judgement call - either get off the metal machinery and make a run for it, or head for the barn as fast as possible without dumping your load or damaging the machinery.  More than once I was sent running down the hill to the safely of the house and then watched, terrified, as my father or one of my uncles came hell-bent towards the barn with horses or a load of hay, lightning dancing over their heads.  This often happened on hot summer days when there was no sign of rain - dry lightning, we called it.  The worst.

Hardly a summer went by that some neighbor didn't lose a cow or a horse that had taken shelter from the storm under a tree or next to a fence that was struck by lightning.  And then there were the barns that were struck and burned to the ground, and worst of all, sometimes people were struck.

So what I have is a healthy respect for thunder storms.  Mixed on occasion with a dash of terror.  Here are some safety tips from the National Weather Service.

Be safe.

Lynda Poole (Otis Drive) sent this video of the loon family today.  I'm not sure, but I think this may be a different family than the one Gretchen Farnsworth has sent pictures of in the big pond.  Unless something has changed, the loons Gretchen is seeing have only one chick. 

Thanks for the video, Lynda.  They were certainly not a bit nervous about being so close to you and your dock.

Love this summer weather.  My only complaint is that the black flies are so bad.  They may not bother quite as much at pond level, but up here at our house, they are relentless.  

Speaking of pond level - I've heard the water is quite low right now.  It could be the power company is anticipating tomorrow's rain storm, which forecasters say could be very heavy and cause flooding.  We've had lots of rain until this past week, so I would have guessed the pond might be unusually high, but not so.

Our new deck is finished.  Bill Jones did a great job - or really, several jobs - getting the deck done and  also the wall where the mice lived fixed - plus a few things that needed repairs we didn't know about until he dismantled the old deck.  These are "before" and "after" pictures. We love it - and we'd like to be able to  enjoy it more, but for at least a few more days we will probably have black flies pestering us.  They are traditionally here between Mother's Day and Father's Day - but I don't suppose they check their little fly calendars to know when it's time to quit bugging us, so I'll need to be patient for a while longer.  And hibernate.  I noticed today there are a few square-tail flies around, too.  They bite, but don't poison me like black flies do.  They are more of an irritation, flying their crazy circles and dive-bombing into my hair.   


I hope people who are registered to vote in Cabot will do so on Tuesday.  This is an important issue and a hard one to decide.  I can see advantages and disadvantages to voting for a school merger.  I don't believe Montpelier has all the answers to improving education in the state, and taxes have a habit of moving in only one direction - up - no matter what course of action towns take, so it's really hard to know what is best for the children and/or us taxpayers.  Whatever happens, we'll live with it, and over time it will all work out, but it's certainly a hot potato right now.

Here is an interesting article from Liz Pearl Sargent.  Peggy Pearl is her sister, and is curator at the St. Johnsbury Heritage Center.  

FLAG DAY

History Unfurled In Honor Of Flag Day

St. Johnsbury History & Heritage Center Displays Fallen Civil War Soldier’s 34-star Flag

BY PATRICK LOVETT

Staff Writer

Falling between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, Flag Day is often overlooked as a public holiday — that is, unless you have a piece of flag history with which to celebrate it. In St. Johnsbury, there’s reason to celebrate.

An American flag dating back to the Civil War is now on display at the St. Johnsbury History and Heritage Center, offering a glimpse into the meaning and legacy of the Stars and Stripes.

The approximately 53-square-foot flag was recently put on display as part of the History and Heritage Center’s Civil War collection. It was made in 1861 for Second Lieutenant John W. Ramsay of St. Johnsbury, a patriot who lost his life in Virginia during the Civil War.

According to the History and Heritage Center Director Peggy Pearl, the flag may be one of a kind. “The pattern on the flag is unusual,” she said, “It’s because of the way the stars are configured.” The flag features 34 stars in the union—customary of flags made between 1861 and 1863—but they are arranged in a circle with two stars hanging off the bottom, deviating from the Nation’s official and common alternate versions.

The flag was gifted to the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in 1935 by one of Ramsay’s relatives. It had apparently sat in storage until Heritage and History Center volunteers Randee Leightcap and Jennifer Paine recently discovered and researched the piece.

A Spirit of Loyalty to the Flag

In addition to the traditional meaning evoked by the Red, White, and Blue, Ramsay’s flag is emblematic of service and sacrifice.

Ramsay was apparently in Canada when the Civil War broke out. According to the St. Johnsbury Soldiers’ Record, “He returned to his native town, and commenced stirring up among his friends a spirit of loyalty to the Flag.”

When St. Johnsbury residents gathered in 1861 to discuss the war, Ramsay was one of the first to volunteer for service.”He was very patriotic,” said Pearl, “He was up and ready to go.”

Ramsay died in service on June 29, 1862 in the Battle of Savage’s Station. According to record, Ramsay died standing in front of his company’s line, as he customarily did. “His loss was greatly lamented,” the Soldiers’ Record stated, “He was ardently patriotic, of unquestionable bravery, and ambitious of honorable distinction.”

Ramsay’s flag remains over 150 years after his sacrifice, stained and frayed, for fellow citizens to acknowledge and appreciate.

‘A New Constellation’

Flag Day is the celebration of the adoption of the American flag. In a congressional meeting on June 14, 1777, John Adams said, “Resolved, the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation recognizing June 14 as a national holiday in honor of the United State’s flag. Today, Flag Day is commonly celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and a general display of the Stars and Stripes.

Peggy Pearl, left, and Nancy Goodrich present Second Lieutenant John W. Ramsay’s flag in the St. Johnsbury History and Heritage Center.

(PHOTO BY PATRICK LOVETT)

 *********

Gretchen Farnsworth (Sandy Beach Rd.) sent these photos of the loon family.  She wrote: 

 

It was so peaceful and amazing to watch the mother loon float beside her sleeping chick. They are the most amazing birds to watch.

Thanks, Gretchen for these great shots.  Click on them to see them larger - notice in the second picture that both adults are positioned so no predator could surprise them.

******

Construction Update
St. Johnsbury VT 2B – Bridge Project

BF 7000(20)

                                                                         

Project Location:  Bridge 6 is located on VT 2B in St. Johnsbury over the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.  The bridge is less than one half mile west of Route 2B’s eastern intersection with US Route 2.

Bridge and Rail Trail Closure -

The 50-day bridge closure and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail closure is currently underway.  Both the bridge and rail trail are closed to all traffic at the bridge location.  Separate offsite detours are in effect and marked with signs. Detour information can be found in the update below.

Trail Opening Update – The re-opening of the closed segment of the LVRT under route 2B is delayed due continued overhead work. The contractor has chosen a sequence of construction that does not permit an early re-opening of the LVRT (before the bridge and roadway are complete).  The consequences of this approach are covered in the contract special provisions. 

The safety of the trail users and construction workers is of most importance. The contractor is still expecting to complete both the roadway and trail work a few days before the end of June. Trail users are reminded not to enter the construction site or trespass on neighboring properties.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Progress Update – June 15, 2017

During week of June 12^th, crews continued construction of the concrete collar on the outside rim of the new corrugated arch along with Route 2B subbase work on the approaches to the bridge.  Slope work throughout the project continued as well.  Placement of the precast coping on top of the bridge retaining wall was rescheduled for next week.  Crews are planning to finish out the week completing construction of the concrete collar on the outside rim of the arch. 

Construction of the new retaining wall on a neighboring driveway was completed this week. 

Crews are planning to work Saturday, June 17^th, 2017 and possibly Sunday, June 18^th.

Work Plan for Week of June 19, 2017

Multiple construction operations will be underway again this week as the project moves closer to completion. 

In order to set the precast concrete coping on top of the bridge retaining wall, concrete leveling pads need to be constructed.  The second of two pads will be constructed this week to allow for placement of the precast coping. 

To prepare for paving, fine grading of the bridge and approaches is expected to be completed early this week.  Paving of the new bridge and roadway approaches is tentatively planned for this week, weather permitting.  Following paving, crews will install new guardrail on the bridge roadway approaches and a new steel bridge rail will be installed on the concrete base wall. 

In addition to the all of the work noted above, crews are planning to work on reconstructing the rail trail and possibly constructing the timber boardwalk on the trail under the bridge. 

Detour Routes- The following detours will be in effect during the bridge and trail closure period.

                - VT 2B traffic will be directed to use US 2.  Bicyclists are not permitted to ride on the US 2 detour.  US 2 is a limited access highway.

                - Trail users will be directed to use Crow Hill Road, Swett Road, Tilton Road and Parker Road, as designated by the Town of St. Johnsbury.

Detour maps can be found on the project website: http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/index.html

It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone.
Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates and project photos are posted at http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/index.html

Phil Porter obituary

Phil Porter's obituary is in the Times-Argus this morning.  Click here.

Those of you who wish to send a sympathy card to Lorraine and family can send it to:  Lorraine Porter, 2314 SE 28th St, Cape Coral FL 33904.

 

Wow! What a change in temperature! About a 30 degree drop overnight.  The air is so nice and dry today everyone should have lots of energy.  We should feel lucky - there were winter storm warnings in the Sierras this past week.  Some of the mountains in California and Nevada - elevations at 6,000 ft. or higher, were hit with snow and winter-like conditions.  We think of 1816 when Vermont had a "year without summer," and crops were frozen and lots of people nearly starved.  That was due to a volcano eruption in Indonesia clouding the atmosphere with ash. There's no such accounting for our freaky weather, but I'm sure scientists have plenty of ideas and no matter what the explanation, there will be doubters.  Most of us don't even know what "normal" weather is anymore - over time memories dim, averages get skewed, and most of us adapt.

Our deck is nearly finished.  The weather has cooperated these past few days and we can't wait to get everything put back in place.  There will be some work to do on the existing white lattice and trim, but that won't take long.  At least we aren't looking at ever having to paint spindles and railing again.  Bill has done a super job so everything is reinforced and stronger than before.  The railings are slightly higher than our old ones, but that pretty much assures nobody is going to lean over and fall.  And there's room for me to scoop snow under the bottom rail when I'm clearing the deck in the winter.  Fred throws it over, but I use a "push and shake" method, pushing the snow with the shovel to the railing and then shaking it until all the snow has fallen over the edge.  Works for me.

Joe's Ponders should know that most of the directories have been delivered - if not to members directly, to a neighbor who has volunteered to distribute on their road.  Years ago we used to have "captains" on each road who did stuff like this for us.  They would let us know if someone moved or if one of our members died on the road they looked out for.  We've found that unlike those days when everyone knew their neighbors all along whatever road their camp was on, these days some people simply don't know many of their neighbors.  So if someone comes to your door carrying a little red book, it's a neighbor with your directory.

Not knowing our neighbors is probably at least partly due to lifestyle changes.  People are busier than they were 50 years ago, there are more toys and gadgets to keep them occupied, and perhaps people are less apt to walk up to a stranger and introduce themselves than they used to be.  There used to be a tendency to welcome newcomers into the neighborhood by paying them a call, and perhaps bringing a small gift; but today that is not always appreciated.  People come to camp to get away from the work place and, I suppose, other people, and having someone knock on their door at camp could be considered more of an intrusion than friendly gesture.  We may not want to "waste" the time to invite them into our home and socialize. Kind of sad, isn't it?

Not only that, but people are less trusting today than 50 years ago.  When someone we don't know knocks on our door these days, we are inclined to be suspicious.  Are we going to get robbed or conned?  Or worse?  While people hardly ever locked their doors at night, let alone during the daytime, now lots of folks keep doors locked all the time and have security systems.  And I respect that - I just feel sorry those carefree days are gone.  

As usual, I've gone way off subject.  When I sat down at my computer this morning, I really only intended to let people know their new directories are in the process of being delivered to the best of our abilities.  That said, I'm going to close and move on to rewriting some of the material I've done for the West Danville History book.  We (Patty, Dottie, Jane and I) have decided no matter how careful we are when we write a piece, invariably we begin to make changes when we read it through; and no matter how many times we read it, we're still going to make changes.  There is a solution, and we hope we've found her - an editor. 

More Chick Photos

Thank you, Gretchen Farnsworth - Sandy Beach Road!

Look what Gretchen Farnsworth sent to us!  We have a baby loon. Gretchen said both parents are with the chick, so apparently there isn't another egg waiting to hatch.

Gretchen said she has more photos, so I'll post them when I receive them. 

It's always good news when we have a successful hatching of a loon chick.  Now we need to remind people not to harass the loons by getting too close, and please let guests who may not be familiar with "loon protocol" they should be on the lookout for them and stay well away from them.  The chick has lots of natural predators such as large fish and big birds like eagles or hawks, so we don't want to add to the dangers they face.  Enjoy them from a distance, please.

Susan Bouchard has asked me to remind you that the first Sunfish race of the season is coming up soon - June 25.  If you have a boat but don't sail, get in touch with Susan.

 Her phone is  802-563-2716 at camp, or her cell, 978-702-4335.

Likewise, if you want to sail but don't have a boat, let Susan know and hopefully she can match you up with a craft for the event.  We had such a good turnout for the race last year, we're hoping there will be lots more sails on the pond this year.

The race on June 25 will be dedicated to the memory of Eileen Morrison, who passed away on June 6.  Eileen was instrumental in organizing the first Sunfish races at Joe's Pond years ago.  She will be with all of us in spirit on the 25th. 

Eileen Morrison

Here is a link to Eileen's obituary:  http://www.guareandsons.com/obituary/4255672

Tom Dente sent this picture of last night's sunset.  Tom mentioned sunsets are often unusual this time of the year, and pointed out the ripples in the clouds "forecasting rain tomorrow."  

Tom's observation reminded me of a conversation I had with someone recently about how weather forecasts have changed and improved over the years with new technology.  

When I was growing up on the farm on Cabot Plain, we pretty much depended on my grandfather's assessment of what we could expect for weather.  He kept a close eye on the sky- a necessary part of planning the day's work ahead.  I probably picked up a little of that  as a child.  I was always thrilled when I smelled snow in the air; and then in the spring, I looked forward to the earthy, soft fragrance of warming sod as the snow melted and patches of bare ground appeared.  I remember the thrill of excitement I felt while bracing against driving snow as I crossed the open field between our house and the school. I still like wind, but there's an element of fear and respect along with it now that I lacked 75 years ago. 

I loved to lie in a grassy field, tall grass waving in the June breeze, and watch clouds overhead - shapes of people or animals constantly moving and changing.  There were the sounds of bumble bees and bob-o-links.  There might be the distant bawl of a disgruntled cow temporarily separated from the herd - all commonplace and comforting. The exception was the drone of an airplane, which invariably brought me to my feet.  There weren't many flying over our farm, and when we heard one, everyone looked up, hoping to be the first to spot it.  

During WWII, we learned to identify planes by their shape, and my cousins and I invented wild scenarios that included war games where we were hiding in underbrush as the "enemy" airplane passed, or we might be racing to an imagined landing spot to shoot the enemy or be rescued by "our guys" - depending on what movie we were reinacting that particular day.  Pictured with me here, my cousins Harold and Herb from Hartford, Connecticut.  They spent entire  summers on the farm during the 1940s, and other cousins came to visit periodically.  Harold and I were almost the same age, Herb was a year or two older.

Those were long, wonderful, carefree summer days when we were expected to show up for meals on time and go to get the cows in the afternoon. Otherwise, we were obliged to stay out of trouble and out of the way of farm operations unless we were called upon.  We were usually  "within earshot" even when we were in the fields or pastures, but sometimes not.  I was expected to keep my city cousins safe from the hazards of the farm and the wilderness; and we all had a healthy respect for boundaries set by adults.  I suspect those adults were more aware of where we were and what we were doing than we knew at the time, but we had a freedom and innocence that's perhaps not possible these days. And that is sad.

Construction Update
St. Johnsbury VT 2B – Bridge Project

BF 7000(20)

                                                                         

Project Location:  Bridge 6 is located on VT 2B in St. Johnsbury over the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.  The bridge is less than one half mile west of Route 2B’s eastern intersection with US Route 2.

Bridge and Rail Trail Closure -

The 50-day bridge closure and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail closure is currently underway.  Both the bridge and rail trail are closed to all traffic at the bridge location.  Separate offsite detours are in effect and marked with signs. Detour information can be found in the update below.

Trail Opening Update – The re-opening of the closed segment of the LVRT under route 2B is delayed due to unusually wet weather and continued overhead work. The safety of the trail users and construction workers is of most importance. The contractor is expecting to complete both the roadway and trail work a few days before the end of June. Trail users are reminded not to enter the construction site or trespass on neighboring properties.  Another trail opening update will be provided the week of June 19^th.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Progress Update – June 8, 2017

The week of June 5^th, installation of the MSE bridge wall panels and associated backfilling was completed. Crews started forming and placing the concrete collar on the outside rim of the arch and also started placing concrete for the bridge guardrails. VT 2B subbase work is currently underway and will continue throughout the end of the week.

Crews are planning to work Saturday, June 10^th, 2017.

Work Plan for Week of June 12, 2017

The project will have multiple construction operations underway this week. 

Construction will continue on the concrete collar on the outside rim of the new corrugated arch, as will the placement of the precast concrete coping on top of the bridge retaining wall. 

Route 2B will have more subbase work on the approaches to the bridge, while the rail trail slope work is occurring below. 

Construction of a new retaining wall on a neighboring driveway will also get underway this week. 

Construction is expected to occur 6-days a week throughout the remaining closure period.  Allowable work hours are from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, as permitted by the St. Johnsbury Noise Ordinance.

Detour Routes- The following detours will be in effect during the bridge and trail closure period.

                - VT 2B traffic will be directed to use US 2.  Bicyclists are not permitted to ride on the US2            detour.  US 2 is a limited access highway.

                - Trail users will be directed to use Crow Hill Road, Swett Road, Tilton Road and Parker Road, as designated by the Town of St. Johnsbury.

Detour maps can be found on the project website: http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/index.html

It is illegal in VT to use any handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone. Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises, LLC with any questions or concerns with regards to the project at 802-479-6994.  Construction updates and project photos are posted at http://stj2bbridge.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/index.html

I received some very sad news this evening.  Cathy Dodge sent an email to let us know her mom, Eileen Morrison, passed away Tuesday morning.  Cathy said there will not be visiting hours or a funeral, but the family invites Eileen's Joe's Pond friends to join in a "Celebration of Life" for Eileen on Saturday, July 15th at 11 a.m. at the Lighthouse Christian Church on School Street in Montpelier.

If you wish to send a message to the family, Cathy's address it:
Catherine Morrison, 99 Greenwood Ln., Williston VT 05495.

I will post a link to Eileen's obituary as soon as it's available.  

Eileen and her late husband, Burt, were Joe's Ponders for many years.  They were very active in the Joe's Pond Association and had many friends here who have wonderful memories of them both. When I think of them I see Burt in his Sunfish - a very competent and competitive sailor; and tiny Eileen - always wearing a chic outfit and stylish hat - cheering him on from the Commodore's boat.  We will miss Eileen and extend our deepest sympathy to Cathy and her family.  

Here's another picture of last night's great sunset, this one from Diane Sherwood.  We're all hoping the weather has turned around and we'll get a lot more days like today. 

Some days there's just more going on than others, and today has been one of those - that's why the multiple posts.  I always try to check my e-mail before I turn in at night, and tonight there was a nice surprise waiting for me.  Andy Rudin sent these photos taken tonight.  He said he was talking to his wife, Joyce, on the phone when he noticed the sunset, and while still on the phone, went down onto their dock to take a picture.  Joyce told him to turn around and look for the rainbow - and there it was!  I believe our pot of gold will be a nice day tomorrow. Remarkably beautiful, almost makes all the rain today worthwhile.  Thank you, Andy.

We're promised a nice day tomorrow and Thursday, and even warm temperatures.  I hope the ground gets a chance to dry out enough so local farmers can get some work done.  I heard today some have given up trying to plant some crops.  The season is short at best here, and with planting delayed due to the wet, cold weather, there probably won't be enough time for some crops to ripen for harvesting.  I've heard the hay crop is going to be a good one, though.  But like a farmer told me yesterday - even if they could get out in the fields to mow, which they can't because it's so wet, the hay needs some hot, dry weather to dry before it's baled and picked up, and if the trend of mostly rain continues, that just won't be possible.  Could be a tough year for farmers.

On that dismal note, I'm going to retire for the night.  Tomorrow will be a sunny, warm day and we'll all feel invigorated.

If you wish to donate books for the Charles E. Brainerd Memorial Library in West Danville, here is what they are looking for:
 

Current hardcover and paperback adult or children's books in good condition. Please, no encyclopedia, text books, or old moldy books.

 

Please contact one of the following if you have books to donate:

Mary Anne Cassani, 684-2195

Pam Hebert, 684-3655

Karen Morris, 227-3107

Joanne Stewart, 684-2516

This message came this afternoon from Helen Morrison on West Shore Road:
 

A rather bedraggled grey cat, medium to long hair, came up to my window the other day.  My cats weren't thrilled.  But I wondered if he might be owned, be missing.  Perhaps someone in the neighborhood owns such a cat?  I'd love to know.  They can call me   563-2488.

Helen didn't say if the cat is hanging out at her place, so hopefully it found its way back home.  Do let her know if it was yours and if it is ok or still missing.  Helen has a special place in her heart for felines and will worry about that one until she knows it's safe.

We had a good meeting of the West Danville History Committee this afternoon.  As usual, more questions were raised, but along with those we had new insights, as well.  It's always fun to have Jane Hastings Larrabee present. She grew up in West Danville and has lots of stories an memorabilia to share, and Dot Ayer Larrabee also grew up there, so the two of them get to compare and confirm information as we go along.  Patty Houghton Conly grew up in Danville, but since her father lived in West Danville, she, too, has a wealth of information to share.  Today we were talking about the little library that's being restored next to the rail trail, and Jane reminded us that not only was Mr. Brainerd responsible for the library in West Danville, he also funded building Danville High School built in 1938.  As Jane put it, "He provided for every nail, screw, brick and board for that school."  She told us the Brainerds didn't have children, but they felt it was important to have a good high school; and they never lived in West Danville, but they wanted the town to have a library. 

I asked the question, "Why is the little park at the west end of the bridge in West Danville dedicated to Otis Brickett?"  It is near the site of West Danville's first school, a log cabin, and where the new two-story school was built in 1906.  Jane told us after 1921 when the new school was moved to the other side of the pond where it stands today, at some point Mr. Brickett owned the land and deeded it to the town.  

I had a nice note from a couple who visited Joe's Pond this past weekend.  She wrote:  

Hi ,This past weekend my husband Paul and I were visiting Gretchen and Jim Farnsworth who just moved to Joes Pond. We were able to go out kayaking in between the showers and managed to have a beautiful foggy sunrise on Sunday. It is such a beautiful serene pond and setting. I thoroughly enjoyed paddling around the pond. We saw two sets of loons and other kayakers.  I thought I would share my pictures with you for your blog.  -Robyn






We all recognize Pearl Island, built by Rufus Simeon Whittier when he returned from fighting Indians with Custer.  The island is now owned by the Pearl sisters, Peggy and Elizabeth Pearl Sargent. 







This is between the two islands at the north end of the pond.  That's a menacing cloud over the big island, now Toll's Island.  That island was once owned by Fr. Drouin and has a small chapel.



 



Pearl Island in fog . . . 



 The sun rising, burning through the fog.















  Looking northwest towards the channel.
I wonder if Paul and Robyn knew they could follow the channel in their kayaks as it twists and turns through magical wetlands.  Until the reeds and pond lilies become well established, it's hard to tell where the channel is from the vantage point of the Farnsworth's, but beyond the point of land on the right in the photo, it is well defined and like being in another world.  Perhaps next time they visit they will explore that direction.  Thank you for sharing, Robyn.


Now if we could only get the heavenly faucet turned off so we could dry out . . . but according to the weather forecast that won't happen for a few more days, and then we're in for SUMMER WEATHER.  I'll believe it when I feel it.