Hot and Hotter!

 My goodness, it's hot these days! I know we should be thankful we aren't having to endure the sweltering heat being felt all across the country and beyond, but this is unusually hot for Joe's Pond, Vermont, especially so many days in succession. In the past I have scoffed at the idea of air conditioning in the house - lower the curtains on the sunny side of the house, keep windows and doors closed in the heat of the day - that routine works, but somehow these days, fans just don't quite hold up to the relentless sun-heated air. It's been ideal "camping" weather, but even on the water, the sun's heat is intense. I'm enjoying what time I can on the porch, but today there is a very warm breeze out of the SSW and except that I really like the fresh air, I'm tempted to keep the doors and windows closed. I do have shades lowered, and that helps, but by mid-afternoon, it can still get pretty uncomfortable. I had a heat pump installed last year, anticipating uncomfortable periods due to global warming when I might need air conditioning, but mostly use it to supplement heat in the house, spring and fall, to save oil. This year I've used the A/C several times and been very happy I have it. Nights cool down pretty well, so I open things back up to the fresh, cool air, and that's a big relief. I expect my new gadget will be used a great deal more as time goes by and the world heats up even more.

Here is a gathering many people enjoy - the Old North Church in North Danville will host a "Lamplight Service" on July 31st. This is a very special church, constructed in 1832 and has most of the original features, including kerosene lamps. It was built by four different denominations, each worshiping there at different times. It was called the Union Meeting House then, and could seat 300 people, so it was a gathering place for a variety of meetings throughout the early years. The building is now owned by the Danville Historical Society, and has been well maintained and updated where necessary over the years, but there is still the sense of stepping back in time as you enter the church, or even as you approach it in the mostly wooded, rural "back roads" location where it has stood for almost 200 years.

Old North Church Lamplight Service, North Danville, VT on Sunday, July 31, at 7 PM. 

The leader will be Don Sherwood of Joe's Pond, West Danville. All are welcome, dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, and take a trip back in time. Following the service will be an Old Fashioned Hymn Sing.

 Don Sherwood is a retired science teacher from Southampton Public Schools, Southampton, NY, havi
ng taught for 33 years. He is a graduate from Diakonia of Concordia College for Deacons in the Lutheran Church and also The George Mercer Jr. School of Theology in the Episcopal Church. He has been involved in prison ministry, has been a Hospice volunteer, and a lay preacher at various churches. Don and his wife Diane summer at their cottage on Joe's Pond.

 Thanks, Liz

Liz Sargent