May - The North Star Monthly

DANVILLE, VERMONT GOOD FOR THE WHOLE MONTH $1.50 

MAY 2010 

Volume 22, Number 12 

profile 

Who will take these wounded? 

This is not Iraq: A MEDEVAC team’s role in Afghanistan 

By Alexis D. Scott, Captain, U.S. Army 

Page 

14 

nature 

history 

Page 

21 

Spring 

Songs 

Page 

20 

BY NATHANIEL TRIPP 

It is finally warm 

enough to sleep with 

the bedroom window 

fully open, right by our 

heads. The sweet night air 

is reason enough, but the 

best part is the dawn concert 

of bird songs. 

In the cathedral of hills and 

valleys stroked by first light, this 

is the choir. The singing is more 

than what some scientists might 

explain as merely the staking out 

of nesting territory, more than a 

mating call. This is the celebration 

of life, resurrection and 

glory. Always in tune, and distinct 

to each species, the bird 

songs waft through the dawning 

light, bouncing back and forth 

from bushes and trees. 

Come evening the songs return, 

and songs of the meadows 

>> Page 30 

The sun rises high over Torkham Gate. To the south, the mighty Tora Bora Mountains stand against the 

horizon like some monolithic giants. To the west, Highway 1 makes its long, windy journey the 100 

miles to Kabul. 

The sun rises high over Torkham Gate. To the south, the 

mighty Tora Bora Mountains stand against the horizon like some 

monolithic giants. To the west, Highway 1 makes its long, windy 

journey the 100 miles to Kabul. To the north, the vast Kunar Valley 

divides the Hindu Kush mountain range on its path to the 

mountain K2. And smack in middle of this foreign landscape, Pirate 

Dustoff resides in the city of Jalalabad, saving lives in one of 

the most dangerous places in the world. 

>> Page 10 

P.O. Box 319 w Danville,VT 05828-0319 

INSIDE: KINGDOM GUIDE 

The 2nd annual community-oriented reference 

guide for those looking to visit or move to our 

little corner of the Northeast Kingdom. 

This publication is also available at many local 

real estate offices, chambers of commerce, 

lodging establishments and other 

places of business. 

Don’t forget to remember... 

Now open for the season! 

Please see our ad on page 15 

Farmers’ Market 

OPEN 

St. Johnsbury 

Farmers' Market 

Opens Saturday, May 15 

On Pearl Street behind 

Anthony's Diner 

Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

NEED COMPUTER HELP? 

Hardware or Software 

wyBatap.com 

(802) 633-4395 

perstech@wybatap.com 

If I’m not helpful there is no charge. 

See Business Directory on Page 30. 

Maple Center Motors, Inc. 

1128 Memorial Drive 

St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 

(802) 748-4527 

autotrader.com 

Gary Sanborn 

Kevin Sanborn 

David Greenwood 

Doug Stetson 

Sarah Corey 

Anne Baker

2 MAY 2010 THE NORTH STAR MONTHLY 

TableofContents 

4 opinions 

EDITORIAL OFFICES: 

P.O. Box 319 ~ 29 Hill Street 

Danville,VT 05828-0319 

(802) 684-1056 

PUBLISHERS/OWNERS: 

Justin Lavely 

Ginni Lavely 

EDITOR: 

Justin Lavely 

FROM THE EDITOR 

4 A thirst for green 

by Isobel P. Swartz 

5 A municipal gem in white 

by John Downs 

6 features 

6 Balls of Fire 

by Dorothy Larrabee and Sharon Lakey 

8 Pirates,War and Juramentado 

by Bill Amos 

16 profile 

12 Seed to flower 

by Donna M. Garfield 

14 Bentley’s Bakery & Cafe opens its doors 

by Sharon Lakey 

A thank you to MikeWelch 

St. Johnsbury has been 

fortunate...the town’s 

recent list of town 

managers is prominent 

and respected. 

During my brief stint as a beat 

reporter and editor, I had the 

opportunity to work with a 

handful of town managers and 

administrators. I took note of their managerial 

style and communication skills. 

Though the sample size was small, I witnessed 

both the good and the bad of what 

can be an arduous position. Some managers 

excelled behind the scenes, working 

with budgets, developing policies and making 

their offices run efficiently. Others were 

skilled communicators with a natural ability 

for explaining complex issues. One skill, 

often understated by those in government 

and overstated by the voting public, is community 

outreach, the ability to become a 

community ambassador. I’ve only known 

one that appeared to have all these skills 

and he just tendered his resignation in St. 

Johnsbury. 

I interviewed Mike Welch for the first 

time when I was a senior in high school. He 

had just been hired by the Board of Selectmen. 

Ten years later, this is only the second 

time I’ve written about him. During his 10 

years in St. Johnsbury, I don’t recall hearing 

any dissatisfaction with his job performance. 

Aside from his duties as town manager, 

his name appeared in various other 

places. Ribbon cuttings, town events, charity 

fundraisers, you name it, Mike was 

there. He was an ambassador, and a fine one 

at that. It can’t be easy, I would expect it’s 

like taking your work with you everywhere 

you go and Mike handled it flawlessly, in 

my opinion. 

The resignation of a town manager is far 

from uncommon. In fact, from what I’ve 

witnessed, Mike was the exception rather 

than the rule. Another town manager, 

shortly before exiting his own municipal 

position, told me five years was the norm. 

He said at that point, a shakeup is often 

needed so new ideas can be introduced. 

Hopefully, those new ideas will be positives 

for St. Johnsbury. 

I was glad to hear Mike would by staying 

in the area and I’m sure he’ll do well at 

his next endeavor. 

St. Johnsbury has been fortunate. Between 

not only Welch, but John Hall and the 

late Dave Clark, the town’s recent list of 

town managers is prominent and respected. 

Soon the town will be in the market for another 

and we can only hope the political atmosphere 

improves. We can be sure 

potential candidates will be paying close attention 

to the tenor of St. Johnsbury’s leaders 

and voters. You can bet it will be a 

major factor in who applies… and they have 

big shoes to fill. 

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: 

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CIRCULATION: 

ART DIRECTOR/ 

PRODUCTION: 

PROOFREADERS: 

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 

OFFICE MASCOT: 

ADVISORY BOARD: 

Lyn Bixby 

Vicki Moore 

Angie Knost 

Tina Keach 

Woody Starkweather 

Ginni Lavely 

Judy Lavely 

Vanessa Bean 

Lynsey Lavely 

John Hall 

Sharon Lakey 

Sue Coppenrath 

Alan Boye 

Jane Brown 

The North Star Monthly is produced and published 

monthly by Northstar Publishing, LLC located at 29 Hill Street, 

Danville,VT. Subscription Rates are $16 per year. Printed in USA. 

Copyright 2008 by NorthStar Publishing LLC.All rights reserved. 

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced 

without expressed permission from NorthStar Publishing 

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Postmaster: Send address changes to The North Star 

Monthly, P.O. Box 319, Danville,VT 05828-0319. Periodical postage 

paid at Danville,VT. 

ContributingWriters 

Isobel Swartz 

Lorna Quimby 

Nathaniel Tripp 

Rachel Siegel 

Lynn Bonfield 

Jeff Gold 

Ellen Gold 

Vanna Guldenschuh 

Bets Parker Albright 

John Downs 

Bill Amos 

Donna Garfield 

Marvin Minkler 

Bruce Hoyt 

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North Star. 

Dee Palmer 

Jim Ashley 

Dorothy Larrabee 

Capt.Alexis D. Scott 

Sharon Lakey 

LETTERS: Write to The North Star, and let us 

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basis.

www.northstarmonthly.com MAY 2010 3 

Young man recovering after rogue fire ball strike, Concord teen 

returned to father after a brief stint as a fugitive 

The North Star 

“WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS THERE IS MY COUNTRY” 

1807-1889 

Est. by Ebenezer Eaton 

Danville, Vermont 

THE NORTH STAR 

May 9,1879 

Habits of the Honey Bee – 

The honey bee is a model of neatness 

as of industry. The infallible 

instinct of the insect allows it to 

select only the delicious nectar 

produced in the grand laboratory 

of nature. Bees are impatient of 

any disagreeable odor and are enraged 

if impure or decaying matter 

is brought in proximity of 

their hive. Bees sometimes go 

three miles from the apiary in 

search of honey. Whenever a bee 

secures a load of honey, it at once 

rises in the air to a certain altitude, 

apparently takes its bearings, 

and then starts in a 

perfectly straight direction toward 

its hive. 

A Bath in the Dead Sea – A 

correspondent of the Washington 

Star, who has had a bath in 

the Dead Sea, describes his experience 

as follows. The water, 

which is quite clear, and nearly 

the color of the Niagara River 

below the falls, seemed to be a little 

more bitter and salt, than that 

of the Great Salt Lake, as the difficulty 

of swimming was greater 

on account of the inability to 

keep one’s feet under water. So 

large a quantity of salt is held in 

solution that the water has what 

is called a “ropy” appearance, 

much like a plate of well-made 

tapioca soup. However, when 

you come out of the water there 

is not so large a deposit of salt 

crystals on the body as after a 

bath in the Great Salt Lake, and 

the feeling of the skin, instead of 

being dry and prickly, as expected, 

was oily and sticky. 

May 16, 1879 

What is in the bedroom – If 

two persons are to occupy a bedroom 

during a night, let them 

step on weighing scales as they 

retire and then again in the 

morning and they will find their 

actual weight is at least a pound 

less in the morning. Frequently 

there will be a loss of two or 

more pounds and the average 

loss during the year will be 

around one pound — that is, during 

the night a loss of one pound 

of matter from their bodies, 

partly through the lungs and the 

pores of the skin. The escaped 

material is carbonic acid and decayed 

animal matter or poisonous 

exhalations. This is diffused 

through the air, in part, and absorbed 

by the bed clothes. 

New Butter Market – Mr. 

George W. Spencer opens his 

butter market at St. Johnsbury 

this week. The price of butter at 

this time is quite low, and many 

farmers may feel inclined to pack 

their summers make and keep it 

until winter, hoping there will be 

a better price. The chances are 

that this action will yield no better 

a price than the one currently 

being offered. Spencer desires to 

bring Caledonia County as near 

as possible to the head of dairy 

manufacture in the state, and 

with the help of our farmers he 

could no doubt succeed. He will 

be pleased to see all the best 

dairymen in his shop on Eastern 

Avenue. 


Ball of Fire – A boy, about 15 

years of age, named Edward 

Brain, living with his father, left 

to purchase some groceries at a 

store nearby. He was joined on 

the way by another boy, named 

Robert Duroe, about 12 years of 

age. It was raining hard. As they 

were going across a vacant lot on 

Pearl Street, at the end of Summit 

Street, in order to get to the 

store on Mechanic Street, Duroe 

said he looked up and saw coming 

toward them from above in 

an oblique line a small ball of 

fire, which in an instant struck 

Brain on the left breast, passed 

under his coat, and spread into a 

mass of flame all over the boy’s 

side. Brain was holding his left 

hand on his breast at the time 

and in it was a quarter of a dollar. 

Both boys were terribly frightened, 

and Brain said he was 

nearly knocked down. They ran 

into the grocery store and the 

keeper quickly stripped off the 

boys flaming clothes. The boys 

coat was burned to a cinder on 

one side and so was his under 

clothing. His side was badly 

scorched and blistered and the 

end of his thumb, including the 

nail, was burned off. His left 

hand was also badly burned and 

the 25-cent piece in his hand was 

partly melted. The doctor says 

the boys injuries are not life 

threatening. The boy said he saw 

nothing but heard a loud hiss 

just above him before he was 

struck. Brain said he doesn’t remember 

feeling the shock of a 

solid object and his friend distinctly 

remembers the ball of fire 

coming down and hitting his 

companion. Both boys are truthful 

in their story. 

Smart Old Man – Mr. 

Nathaniel Foss, now living in 

Hardwick, but some years ago a 

resident of this town, is about the 

smartest man we know of, for a 

person of his age. He is now 88 

years old and was on a short visit 

here last week. He is tall, straight 

as an arrow, and steps off as 

sprightly as a boy. He stated he 

walked 15 miles without resting 

and with no apparent fatigue. He 

took the cars for home, and 

being fearful that he might miss 

the train, started for it with a 

double quick step. A smart man, 

surely. 

Rapid Growth – Mr. John 

Sias of this village has in his garden 

about one acre of corn, 

which is now some four or five 

inches high. He planted it a week 

ago. He also has potatoes that are 

up and will soon require hoeing. 

Vegetation of all kinds is doing 

quite well. In many fields, the 

wheat is up, and looking finely 

and the grass is settling well, and 

now promises a heavy yield. 

None of it was winter killed. 

West Concord – Chester Bailey, 

a 14-year-old son of R.S. Bailey, 

stole $40 from his father, a 

week ago last Friday, and started 

for Canada, with Edgar Blancher, 

a boy about his own age, now on 

furlough from a reform school. 

The telegraph headed them off at 

Sherbrooke and they were 

brought back Saturday morning, 

sadder and it is hoped, wiser 

boys. 

Timely Pension – Mrs. Isabella 

Brock of Barnet has lately 

received notice that her claim for 

a pension for her son has been 

granted, to the amount of $20 a 

month, the back pay amounting 

to $3,200. Her only son, Robert 

H. Brock, colonel of the 77th Illinois 

regiment, died of diseases 

contracted in the service, Mrs. 

Brock is 84 years old and her husband 

is about the same age. They 

have been married nearly 60 

years. 

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A thirst for green 

BY ISOBEL P. SWARTZ 

No, I don’t mean green beer, money, environmental innovation or any other 

material forms of green of that type! I mean that unquenchable thirst for the 

green of springtime after a drab, gray winter. 

Burrington’s Greenhouse 

Route 15, West Danville, VT 

(802) 684-2229 

OPENING FOR THE SEASON 

Thursday, May 6 

Geraniums Hanging Plants Bedding Plants 

Vegetable Plants Perennials Cemetery Pots 

Open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Daily 

See you this summer at the Caledonia Farmers’ Market! 

Saturdays in St. Johnsbury, Wednesdays on the Green in Danville 

When you think insurance... 

663 Old Center Road, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819 

(802) 748-8797 Fax (802) 748-8609 

Instructor: 

Damien Ar- 

YOGAchambeau 

For Scoliosis 

and 

Back 

Care 

BARNET TRADEPOST 

WELLNESS CENTER 

MONDAYS 

5:30 - 7 PM 

for more info or to sign up 

802.633.2700 ext.1 

or email: 

lj@barnettradepost.com 

I wonder whether this passion is just a Northern 

phenomenon, or whether perhaps it also belongs 

to desert dwellers, but as soon as there is any 

bare earth exposed after the winter, my eyes are 

vigilant, searching for the first blades of new grass. 

When my husband and I used to take groups 

of Academy students on trips to foreign places 

during the spring vacation the delighted remarks 

came thick and fast after the plane landed in England, 

France, Italy or Spain, “Oh look how green it 

is!” No matter that the weather might be only marginally 

warmer than Vermont, it was the color that 

mattered. The same thing would happen on our 

infrequent trips south in March. By south I mean 

to Poughkeepsie, New York, where we had family 

in the balmy Hudson River Valley! On day trips 

from there to the City we would remark on greening 

grass, the yellow glow of the willow twigs and 

the almost imperceptible, except to us, swelling of 

buds on the trees. 

All this goes to show that you see what you 

want to see, but when it comes to spring in the 

north-country nowhere does “green” better, except 

perhaps the Yorkshire Dales. After the early 

struggles of the new blades of grass to overcome 

the dingy brown of the old, there is that glorious 

time when the earth is an iridescent blue-green, 

never to be seen again until next year. Is that color 

a trick of the light, or is this green, in fact, different 

from that which follows? All I know is that it 

is food for the human soul. 

Spring flowers soon distract us from the total 

pleasure of green. Maybe this is why the intensity 

of the green itself seems to change, taking on a 

slightly yellowish hue. Meanwhile trees get into the 

act, sprouting forth in an array of greens and notso- 

greens as the new leaves throw off their scales 

of gold, red and brown. 

My mother always said that green is restful to 

the eye. And in fact studies do show that an environment 

containing a lot of green can reduce 

tiredness. This is supposedly why the interiors of 

British hospitals and schools used to be painted 

abundantly in green. This was not the green about 

which I feel so excited, but a nasty shade of pea 

soup green. 

This was also frequently the shade of green of 

a dessert called blancmange that I loathed as a 

child. It was a kind of milky, starchy gelatin tasting 

of very little, with a nasty texture and a disgusting 

thick skin on the top (later the base after 

un-molding). Its only redeeming feature as far as 

I could see was that it could be molded into fantastic 

shapes that no mere Jello could ever assume 

and firmly hold. It was a feature of many a birthday 

party that I attended as a small child. As I was 

a picky eater but a shy child, I was always afraid to 

say I didn’t want any, and so I suffered the torture 

of what was supposed to be a fun-filled party meal. 

After one battle with blancmange where the blancmange 

won and I was very sick, the hostess made 

such a fuss that I made some impolite remark that 

led me to have my mouth washed out with soap 

when I got home. I have never since seen that 

shade of green without tasting soap in my mouth! 

Two time-worn idioms come to mind regarding 

the joys of spring green. “Absence makes the 

heart grow fonder” is exemplified by that great delight 

in seeing the first blades of grass and the glow 

of the earliest dandelions near a warm stone wall. 

Then we all, like jaded lovers, move on to “familiarity 

breeds contempt”, as we tune up the lawnmower, 

pull up weeds in the garden plot and try 

vainly to eradicate the dandelions in the lawn. No 

matter how hard Nature tries to please us, we humans 

are never content! Despite my own fickleness 

I hope that I shall always have a springtime 

thirst for green. And have it satisfied! 

A glimpse of the stage 

BY BETS PARKER ALBRIGHT 

When I was about nine years old, my 

mother decided that I would benefit 

from joining a small dramatics class being 

held for children from five to thirteen years 

of age. She had met the two English women 

who had organized the group when they 

came to an art show she assembled to display 

her paintings. She told them I was interested 

in acting, and they said they were 

happy to have me join their class. 

This was the start of an exciting time for me. I 

looked forward to the two afternoons a week when 

I would attend the King-Coit School. It was held in 

a delightful Victorian house full of tricky old staircases 

and intriguing rooms in which stage sets 

could be set up and rearranged as needed. 

The two women had an interesting approach to 

teaching. They would tell us stories and then allow 

us to decide how to bring them to life. We used our 

own words at first, then our teachers would suggest 

what they felt were more appropriate ones. 

Later, when we acquired more experience, we were 

read scenes from Shakespeare or from traditional 

fairy tales. We were encouraged to use our imagination, 

and to use words we encountered in stories 

in place of everyday words. We were taught to 

speak well, as though we were addressing an audience 

from the stage. 

I was an enthusiastic reader of stories, especially 

fairy stories. I worked my way through the 

Blue Fairy Book, the Red Fairy Book, etc., many 

Grimm’s fairy tales, and others. It was fun to re-do 

stories to my liking, avoiding “once upon a time” 

and “they lived happily ever after,” etc. It was fun 

to combine book stories with our own inventions. 

When a good plot worked out, we all got together 

to create a real play. This gave us a chance to act, 

create sets, and sometimes to sing and dance. 

As our unusual little school grew and attracted 

more children, our performances became of interest 

to people who liked to see children perform. A 

young man who specialized in doing stage sets became 

intrigued with what we were doing. He began 

to design sets that could be taken down and set up 

in regular theaters. This led to exciting adventures 

for us! 

I easily developed crushes on my favorite actors, 

who included Leslie Howard and Katharine 

Hepburn. I bore some physical resemblance to 

Hepburn, and I learned to imitate her manner of 

speaking. The resemblance faded with the years, 

but it was great fun while it lasted! 

My most challenging dramatic experience was 

when I was chosen to play the magician Prospero 

in “The Tempest.” At that time I was one of the 

older students and big enough to manage the role. 

I was thrilled at the chance, and I’m sure I drove my 

family crazy rehearsing Prospero’s stirring words, 

such as “I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms 

in the earth” and “Deeper than did ever plummet 

sound, I’ll drown my book!” 

In time, of course, I outgrew the special school. 

This was sad for me, but the experience had taught 

me useful things, and instilled in me a lifelong love 

and attraction for the dramatic arts. It gave me the 

opportunity and confidence later on to act in plays 

with several of my children who were similarly inclined. 

That was deeply satisfying, even though I 

never achieved my desire to become a “real” actress 

and follow in the tracks of my girlhood idol 

Katharine Hepburn!


A municipal gem in white 

BY JOHN DOWNS 

Let me urge you to visit the historic village of Dorset in southwestern Vermont, 

a few miles from Manchester. I had visited most of the towns in Vermont during 

an active legal career, but had never seen or visited a more beautiful and quietly 

picturesque village. 

Let me urge you to visit the historic village of 

Dorset in southwestern Vermont, a few miles 

from Manchester. I had visited most of the 

towns in Vermont during an active legal career, 

but had never seen or visited a more beautiful 

and quietly picturesque village. Route 30, as it 

meanders through the village, does not diminish 

its attractiveness because it is bordered by small 

inns, each painted white with carefully landscaped 

lawns. 

Our daughter Margaret, a proud native Vermonter, 

recently married Henry Zachary, an 

equally proud New Yorker. They had planned a 

small wedding, and decided to hold the ceremony 

in a country inn in southwestern Vermont, not 

too far from New York City, where they both live 

and work. 

After Margaret’s diligent Internet search, they 

agreed to hold the wedding in Dorset village’s 

214-year-old Dorset Inn in front of a fireplace 

fire. The Inn had been the site of many happy 

marriages over the years, and its management was 

most helpful. 

Margaret’s niece, brother Peter’s seven-yearold 

daughter Ava, was the flower girl and preceded 

Margaret and Henry as they walked into 

the parlor. Ava’s ten-year-old brother Evan was 

the ring bearer. A local lady Justice of the Peace 

performed the ceremony with enthusiasm and 

thoughtfulness in the presence of 16 relatives 

and guests who stayed at the Inn and enjoyed its 

hospitality. I did not have to give the bride away; 

and Henry needed only the services of the ring 

bearer. Guitarist Jean Paul from Lyndonville entertained 

us before and after the ceremony when 

we toasted the lucky couple with champagne. 

One would have to visit this historic village 

to fully appreciate its beauty and uniqueness. Because 

of effective environmental regulations, the 

village’s forefathers decreed that every building 

in the district must be painted white. They have 

been maintained with this color ever since, except 

for the granite and marble community 

church built in the 1880s. I was reminded of the 

gray color with which most of the homes in Nantucket 

are painted. 

Dorset has an area referred to as “Marble 

Mountain” from which marble was quarried 

years ago. One of the results is that every sidewalk 

and entrance to a residence was built with 

chunks of white marble. It was necessary to walk 

carefully to avoid tripping. 

Immaculate white houses – probably built no 

later than 1900 – lined both sides of a 300-yard 

lane that was divided in the middle by a 20-foot 

grass median. In addition to the church there was 

Because of effective environmental regulations, the village’s 

forefathers decreed that every building in the district 

must be painted white. They have been maintained 

with this color ever since, except for the granite and 

marble community church built in the 1880s. 

a small bank building and the village’s general 

store named Dorset Union Store built in1816. 

Unlike the usual small village stores with their 

limited offerings, it sold just about everything 

that one would want to purchase, including an 

amazing assortment of fine wines. 

The only towns in Vermont that I have visited 

that might be compared with Dorset Village 

are Craftsbury Common and Woodstock village. 

Craftsbury has a large common area surrounded 

by a white fence, but it does not create 

the pleasant feeling that would come if the buildings 

all around it were similarly painted. 

Woodstock has a large central green surrounded 

by an iron fence shaped to resemble a 

Spanish-American battleship. The Woodstock 

Inn is a stylish, opulent hotel built by the Rockefeller 

family that has been the pride of the town 

for many years. Although the extensive shopping 

area is first class, in my judgment, it does not add 

to the scenic attractiveness of the town. 

Environmentally and scenically attractive features 

are to be treasured by any town. When I 

came to St. Johnsbury in 1947, Main Street north 

of its business district, had a two-lane highway 

with wide lawns studded with elm trees that extended 

back to the houses that are still there. Its 

beauty was admired far and wide. But after the 

elm tree blight struck the town, the trees were cut 

down and the highway was widened. Main Street 

lost much of its attractiveness and appeal. 

Our visit to the historic village of Dorset reminded 

us of how important it is for our well 

being to keep beautifying the towns in which we 

live. Many towns in the Northeast Kingdom have 

a long way to go. 

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Archi Blackadar took a brave stance starting cars at Thunder Road. Anyone could identify Archie by the way he stood on the track. In all the starts, he was only injured once. 

Balls of Fire! 

Archie Blackadar was an ambassador of racing 

By Dorothy Larrabee and Sharon Lakey 

Pete and Archie Blackadar 

were registering 

racers at a track when 

a sheepish-looking man approached 

the window. “I 

wonder,” he said, “if I might 

have two of those driver 

pins for my children who 

are with me.” Archie, field 

manager and nice guy, 

agreed and Pete handed him 

the two pins. The man 

started to turn away, but 

hesitantly turned back. “You 

wouldn’t be able to give me 

one for all my children, 

would you?” 

“Well, how many children do 

you have?” asked Archie. 

“Eight.” 

“Balls of fire!” exclaimed 

Archie. And everyone laughed. 

“Take all you want,” he said. 

“That was one of Archie’s expressions,” 

explained Pete. “He 

took his job seriously, but he never 

lost the joy of being part of the 

racing community.” Archie’s been 

gone now since 1993, but in 2010, 

he was inducted into New England 

Antique Racers Hall of Fame. 

Archie Blackadar grew up for 

most part in West Danville, graduating 

from Danville High School in 

1922. He went to the Boston area 

to work where he was bitten by the 

racing bug. He drove “midgets,” a 

small-sized, high-powered class of 

racing cars. “I didn’t win much,” 

said Archie in a newspaper interview. 

“I couldn’t afford to build my 

own, so I raced clunkers.” When 

WWII broke out, he enlisted in the 

Navy in 1942. In 1944, he became 

Chief Petty Officer on the USS Alhena, 

serving in the South Pacific. 

After eight years in the Navy, in 

1950, Archie returned to West 

Danville to care for his ailing 

mother and began work at Ralston 

Purina in St. Johnsbury, where he 

worked until he turned 65 in 1968. 

His job at Purina didn’t slow the 

racer in him, though, and he took a 

job as flagger at the Waterford, VT, 

racetrack. The racing community 

would soon enjoy the acrobatic 

starter that was his trademark. In 

1961, after attending the NASCAR 

Officials School in Daytona Beach, 

he became a licensed NASCAR 

chief steward. A chief steward has 

full charge of the officials, and the 

responsibility of the race rests on 

his shoulders. 

Three years later, he met a widowed 

waitress named Pete working 

at Brickett’s Diner in St. Johnsbury. 

What attracted Archie to her was 

her insistence on not having anything 

to do with racing. “I’d been 

to a race before and it just didn’t 

appeal to me,“ said Pete. “Women 

threw beer bottles around and were 

cursing and things like that,” she 

said with disgust. It really bothered 

Archie that someone didn’t like 

racing, and he just didn’t give up 

trying to change her mind. 

One day, when he had to flag a 

race in Groveton, he called her to 

ask her to accompany him. Since 

she was tired of him pestering her, 

she grudgingly said yes. That’s all it 

took. After that race, they were inseparable, 

although they didn’t 

marry for another 8 ½ years. “Just 

good friends, “said Pete. For nearly 

30 years, though, they worked 

“desk by desk,” as she puts it. 

Over that lengthy period of 

time, Archie moved from flagger 

to chief steward to track owner 

and partner, to field manager. The 

track they owned was a partnership 

with broadcaster Ken Squier — 

Catamount Speedway in Milton, 

VT, from 1965 to 1977. When they 

sold that, Archie became the East 

Coast field manager for NASCAR. 

He worked 48 tracks in the U.S. 

and Canada. Pete worked 38 of 

them. Every February, the two of 

them found themselves at the Daytona 

racetrack where they worked 

in registration, which consisted of 

Archie with officials at Plattsburg racetrack in New York. 

This was where Achie grew up from seven years of age. The house is 

located on the corner of West Shore Road and Rt. 2 in West Danville. 

Archie graduated from Phillips Academy in Danville in 1922. 

selling NASCAR memberships 

and making sure all the drivers, 

owners, sponsors, and wives, etc., 

had signed insurance releases for 

admittance to the pit area. 

“Every winter Archie would 

say he might like to stay in Florida,” 

said Pete. “I told him, ‘Anytime you 

want to do that, just put the sign 

out there in front of the house in 

West Danville.’” He never asked 

for the sign and when their big 

chance came for the couple to 

work the prestigious Winston Cup 

circuit registration, he listened to 

the pleas of Lin Kuhlor (Executive 

Vice President of NASCAR), who 

begged him to stay as chief steward 

in the north. “Archie was a man 

who felt a deep sense of duty,” said 

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Registering drivers at various courses all over the country was one of the jobs that Pete and Archie managed. They registered at 15 of the 87 racetracks in the United States in 1988. 

By the time he finished at his death in 1993, he had worked 48 and she 38. Author Dot Larrabee and her good friend Pete (Dorothy) Blackadar. 

Pete. 

Pete tells us the life of a 

NASCAR official isn’t as glamorous 

as some might think. “It’s a 

lot of work,” she said. For example, 

the pickup truck they owned 

and drove to the races was loaded 

with Purple K (a special track fire 

extinguisher) for the entire season, 

along with the Jaws of Life apparatus 

and scales. “We parked that in 

the garage and let our cars sit out,” 

she said. They would arrive at the 

tracks early before each race and 

set up registration. And as chief 

steward, Archie would walk and inspect 

the track before every race to 

check for debris. After the races, 

they had to pay the boys and close 

up shop, sometimes getting out as 

late as midnight. If there was a 

post-race inspection, it might be 3 

or 5 a.m. 

There was a little glamour, 

though. Pete remembers when she 

met Dale Earnhardt. “The first 

time he came to Daytona, he was 

driving just a little pickup truck 

pulling an open trailer with his race 

car on it.” The last time she saw 

him, he was late for a race in New 

Hampshire and came into the registration 

booth, put his arm around 

her and said, “Sign me in, Pete, will 

you?” The other racers didn’t seem 

to mind. “That’s as close as we’ll 

get to him today,” she remembers 

them saying. 

“We were privileged to have 

Marty Robbins and his band enter- 

tain us at two of our Daytona banquets; 

he also drove the Winston 

Cup.” Archie tried to get Paul 

Newman’s western style shirt from 

him when he was signing in. They 

also signed in the Carradine brothers: 

David, Keith and Bobby. 

There were tragedies, too. 

They were there when Richie 

Evans died at Martinsville, Va., 

and Don McTavish in Daytona. 

She was in Egypt with a church 

group when she heard of the 

death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001. 

“That’s racing, though,” she said 

with a sigh. 

Archie was diagnosed with 

leukemia in 1991. Still, you couldn’t 

stop him from his duty. On 

August 22, 1993, they worked 

registration at Loudon Speedway 

in New Hampshire; he died Sept. 

6 at the age of 89. Pete created an 

award in his honor that was given 

every year at Thunder Road for 

the top rookie finisher—the Jiffy 

Lube 150 NASCAR Busch 

North Grand National Race. 

When asked if she misses racing, 

Pete shrugged and said, “I 

miss the people. Archie loved 

racing, and I loved Archie.” 

To see this article and photo 

album link, go to http://danvillehistorical.blogspot.com/ 

 

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Lyndonville, VT 

05851 

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Pirates, War and Juramentado 

By Bill Amos 

In my early school days I thought a map of the Philippine Archipelago looked like a donkey facing east. The head, ears and muzzle were the 

large northern island of Luzon (where we lived in the late 1920s and early 1930s), while the neck and lower body consisted of islands extending 

southwest to Borneo. 

My own forays to these 

southern islands were brief and 

occasional, but my father Harold 

explored many of them and returned 

to fascinate me with tales 

of giant salt water crocodiles, 

fierce piratical Moros and Muslim 

fanatics whose one passion 

was to kill Christians. Who were 

these people? 

Filipinos are of racially identical 

stock with an ancient Malay 

origin, but northerners and 

southerners are culturally as different 

as two peoples can be. 

They have never gotten along. 

The archipelago’s original inhabitants 

were animists worshipping 

a pantheon of gods. 

Changes came first to the southern 

islands. Inter-island travel 

was local and limited, and forays 

by one tribal settlement against 

another were regional conflicts 

not unlike those elsewhere in an 

emerging world. As early as the 

10th Century, fiercely competitive 

local states were already in 

place. 

In 1380 these established insular 

societies were confronted 

by an entirely new element when 

an Arab trader arrived and established 

the Sultanate of Sulu. 

Ruled by regional sultans, rajahs 

and datus (chiefs), a sophisticated 

way of life arose as a result 

of trade with India, Malaysia and 

China. The southerners developed 

a complex society and even 

their own written language derived 

from earlier Indo-Asian 

languages, including Sanskrit. 

One hundred years later an 

Islamic missionary brought that 

monotheistic religion to Mindanao. 

Taking root, Islam soon 

spread to neighboring islands. 

After another 130 years, 

Islam’s northward progress up 

the island chain was abruptly 

halted by a newly arrived presence—Christianity 

in the form 

of Spanish Catholicism. Immediate 

cultural and religious lines 

were drawn that to this day give 

rise to irreconcilable political 

differences. A persistent separatist 

movement wants to establish 

an independent Islamic state 

in the southern part of the archipelago. 

The on-going, age-old conflict 

between Muslim and Christian 

(and Judaism) now 

occupying our attention in the 

Near East has never been more 

challenging than in the 7,000 islands 

of Philippines, several 

hundred of which are populated. 

We seem to know little 

about this state of affairs despite 

the United States’ bitter involvement 

in a difficult jungle campaign 

in the southern islands 

that lasted until 1913. These socalled 

Moro Wars were entirely 

separate from both the brief 

Spanish-American War and the 

following four-year Philippine 

War waged by “insurrectos” for 

political reasons against American 

troops. 

American history books pay 

scant attention to the draining, 

costly wars conducted on the 

other side of the world during 

what some have called our empire-building 

stage early in the 

20th Century. 

The story of cultural invasion 

and religious conversion in 

this complicated part of the far 

Pacific is unlike any other, for it 

involves two major belief systems 

confronting one another in 

an attempt to control and proselytize 

an already complex society. 

Ferdinand Magellan, the intrepid 

Portuguese explorer, arrived 

in the archipelago in 1521 

and claimed the islands for 

Spain, naming them in honor of 

King Philip II. His subsequent 

death occurred on the small island 

of Mactan at the hands of 

a Muslim datu, Lapu Lapu, 

whom he was attempting to convert 

to Christianity. 

It took only a few years before 

Catholic priests and monks 

arrived from Spain and Central 

America to begin conversion to 

the unsophisticated tribes of the 

north. They had a relatively easy 

time taking over coastal Luzon 

and introducing Christianity to 

the fragmented tribal inhabitants. 

A similar ease of conversion—to 

Islam—must have prevailed 

a century earlier when 

Muslim missionaries began converting 

inhabitants of the southern 

islands. Islamic culture in 

Mindanao and neighboring islands 

achieved a much higher 

level of social organization than 

the small isolated communities 

of the central and northern islands 

where Catholic missionaries 

were at work. 

Islanders in the south lived in 

small kingdoms and sultanates. 

Firmly Muslim by the time Magellan 

arrived in 1521, they were 

quickly dubbed “Moros” by 

Spaniards who saw in them 

echoes of Islamic Moors who 

had long occupied their Iberian 

homeland. 

Moro society was primarily 

coastal and agrarian with extensive 

mining activity in the hills. 

The quality of their steel 

weapons approached that of the 

Spain’s famed Toledo steel 

blades. One of my antique Moro 

swords, a kris with razor-sharp 

edges capable of severing a single 

hair, seems to “sing” when it 

flexes. 

Manila, already established 

as a port city, was the Catholic 

base of operations and remained 

so for four centuries. Missionaries 

were able to eliminate the 

few Islamic inroads made in 

Luzon, and from there they carried 

Christianity into the central 

Visayan group of islands where 

they ran into established outposts 

of the Islamic world. 

With Mindanao and other 

southern islands Islamic strongholds, 

and islands to the north 

nominally Christian, seeds of 

distrust and animosity were 

sown on both sides. That is how 

it remains to this day, with ageold 

tensions, even hostilities flaring 

up from time to time. 

In the southern part of the 

archipelago Moros engaged in 

frequent internecine warfare 

with neighboring communities. 

This took the form of seafaring 

raids, because piracy, acquisition 

of property, and slavery were 

considered their natural right. 

They became some of the most 

feared and successful pirates in 

history. 

The ships Moros used to harass 

northern Christian settle- 

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ments were among the fastest, 

most navigable in the world. 

Known as balangays, they were 

double-hulled vessels with fighting 

catwalks along the sides, propelled 

by twin squaresails and 

banks of slave-driven oars to increase 

speed and maneuverability. 

For many years I had a 

beautiful Moro-built model of 

such a ship, now unfortunately 

lost. 

Moros were passionate warriors 

and in the name of Islam 

went out of their way to subjugate 

those not of their faith. 

Spaniards coming up against this 

established insular theocracy 

never fully succeeded in controlling 

Muslim influence in the 

southern archipelago. The Spanish 

did, however, restrain Moro 

expansion sufficiently to cause 

their fanaticism to increase even 

more. For 400 years Christian 

enclaves were constantly on the 

defensive when Moro pirates 

raided the northern shores. 

Early in the 20th Century the 

Americans inherited this problem 

as the Spanish garrisons dispersed. 

Attempting to forestall 

conflict, an American general invoked 

a treaty with the Sultan of 

Sulu, but soon revoked it in 

order to conquer the Moros of 

Mindanao—and the southern 

wars began. 

I first became aware of serious 

cultural differences when 

traveling with my father along 

Luzon’s Lingayen Gulf coast. It 

was here on Bauang’s wide gray 

beaches that American troops 

would come ashore in WWII. 

Where I swam as a boy, General 

Douglas MacArthur staged for 

the world press his triumphant 

return to the Philippines— 

staged repeatedly, until he was 

certain news photographers got 

it right. 

As we traveled from one 

coastal village to the next we 

came across large stone 

churches. We stopped to examine 

one inside and out. Its low 

profile and massive block walls 

proved it was, in truth, a cathedral-fort. 

Against what danger, I 

wondered at the time? The huge 

stone building constructed by 

Spaniards had been the local 

populace’s protection against 

devastating Moro pirate raids 

from the south. These cathedralforts 

were impregnable, so if 

residents had sufficient warning, 

they found protective shelter 

until the pirates went on. 

Many years later I studied 

maps showing dozens of favorite 

routes taken by those 

fierce Islamic warriors on their 

way to harass northern Christian 

communities. Despite continued 

attacks, however, the Moros 

never succeeded in major territorial 

acquisition or control of a 

local populace. And I’ve never 

found a record of a great cathedral-fort 

falling to the pirate 

enemy. Nevertheless the raids 

terrorized coastal inhabitants for 

centuries; people caught in the 

open were brutalized and enslaved 

if not killed outright. 

We did not see much evidence 

of friction between these 

disparate cultures in our northern 

Luzon home, although I got 

to know a reformed Moro pirate 

who had been converted to 

Christianity and taken refuge as 

gardener at a nearby monastery. 

He was not playing a role, yet 

with beard and bandana around 

his head he looked as though he 

had leapt out of a N.C. Wyeth 

painting. He told tales that may 

have been embellished to capture 

the attention of a young 

American boy, although in the 

long run they proved true to 

fact. 

Although the Spanish succeeded 

in preventing the spread 

of Islam into the central Visayan 

islands and Luzon, it took them 

several centuries before they 

were able to seal off certain 

Moro strongholds in the south 

by establishing armed garrisons 

in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. 

That was the situation 

when the Americans arrived in 

1899 to fight the short-lived 

Spanish-American War. Next the 

United States was tied down in 

the four-year Philippine War that 

centered in Luzon, Negros, 

Panay, Cebu and other northern 

and central islands. But as Americans 

took over Spanish garrisons 

in the south they 

immediately had to contend with 

serious unrest among independence-minded 

Muslim forces. 

One battle after the next was 

carried out under atrocious conditions 

of rain, mud, heat and 

disease. Known as the Moro 

Wars they are now almost completely 

neglected in American 

history. 

As a boy I was fascinated by 

news accounts of Moro pirates 

in the 1920s and 1930s. It may 

have come from reading too 

much Robert Lewis Stevenson, 

but the appeal was lost as I 

began hearing about juramentado. 

The horror hit home when 

my father returned from Zamboanga 

on the southern island 

of Mindanao and told of seeing 

a juramentado at close range. No 

photographic record of this exists 

because he wisely did not try 

to use his ever-present camera. 

In fact there may be no photograph 

anywhere of a living juramentado. 

We hear a great deal today 

about Muslim suicide bombers 

in the Near East. Their motives 

and actions are primarily political 

with overtones of Islamic approval; 

they are not religiously 

initiated. 

On the other hand while a 

juramentado knows he will die, 

his cause is purely religious and 

his own death is a secondary 

matter. His incentive, his passion, 

his commitment is not to 

destroy property or others of 

Islamic faith, but only to kill as 

many Christians as possible. Juramentado 

begins with a religious 

figure, such as a imam, and 

an active participant, almost always 

a young, reverent idealist. 

That after his death the juramentado 

will be rewarded seven 

wives in Paradise is very nice indeed, 

but it is not his motivation. 

So an imam and a promising 

youth meet in prayer and determine 

a course of events. A purifying 

bath, shaving of head and 

eyebrows, and anointing with oil 

are preliminaries to the event. 

The young man is first girdled 

with a tight corset, then his entire 

body, arms and legs are securely 

wrapped in white linen 

cloth. A white turban encircles 

his head. The tight clothing does 

not limit movement, but prevents 

hemorrhaging as a result 

of wounds so he can carry out 

his inspired slaughter as long as 

his body will allow. 

The only weapon is his 

sword, a kris, one of the most 

deadly weapons in history. For a 

juramentado a sharp edge is the 

only means by which Christians 

may be slain. 

On the appointed day, after 

fasting and prayers, the juramentado 

emerges on the street 

shouting his belief in the greatness 

of Allah—and goes about 

cutting down as many Christians 

as he can before being killed 

himself. 

When American troops first 

came up against juramentado, 

they discovered their service revolvers 

were incapable of stopping 

an attack. The wounded 

man simply kept coming. That 

was the incentive for developing 

the Colt 45—it stopped a juramentado, 

every time. As one 

who has fired this formidable 

weapon, I can say it is impressive—if 

you can aim the thing 

properly. Its kick nearly tears 

your shoulder from its socket. 

My father was about to leave 

his second floor hotel room in 

Zamboanga when he heard 

shouts and doors slamming in 

the street below. He went to a 

balcony outside his room and 

saw a spirited figure in white 

running down the street whirling 

a kris, shouting his belief in 

Allah. Screaming people scattered 

in panic and my father was 

thankful he saw no one killed. 

He learned later some had been 

struck down further along the 

street before constabulary officers 

shot the impassioned fanatic. 

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>> Page 1 

Afghanistan is one of the 

most diverse, eclectic, beautiful, 

and challenging places on Earth. 

In one valley, a visitor will find 

himself standing in a parched 

desert. Just a short climb over a 

ridge and a lush forest fills the 

floor of its neighbor. The Kunar 

River valley itself is reminiscent 

of a prehistoric time, with its 

grand opaque blue river, steep 

rocky slopes, and pockets of 

dense vegetation scattered from 

place to place. Overlooking all of 

this magnificence is the mighty 

Kond Ghar, a mountain that 

reaches 14,265 feet into the sky, 

dominating the view in the 

Northern Nangarhar and Western 

Kunar provinces. 

Jalalabad itself possesses a 

charm that is all its own. Khalid 

Hosseini, the author of the book 

The Kite Runner, said it best 

when he called Jalalabad the 

“tourism capitol” of Afghanistan. 

Despite 30 years of nearly constant 

conflict and warfare, this 

city has maintained a unique level 

of dignity. At night, the city glows 

with bright lights of all types and 

colors resembling a modest 

American city in every way. By 

day a viewer will witness a true 

mélange of modern eastern and 

western designs via ornate decorations 

of public buildings, numerous 

shops and bakeries, and 

even a Victorian-themed dwelling 

or two. However, not to underestimate 

the truly eclectic Afghan 

style, less than a quarter-mile 

from Jalalabad’s periphery donkey 

carts clog the highways and farmers 

still thresh their fields by hand. 

The city’s inhabitants share 

this diverse blend of myriad cultures 

as well. Touches of Arab, 

Mediterranean, European, Slavic, 

Mongol, and Hindu traits abound 

here making the local Afghans appear 

nearly as diverse as the people 

one might find in Boston or 

New York City. In the remote and 

volatile Korengal Valley for example, 

the dominating trait is dark 

red hair among the majority of 

the locals who are so isolated that 

they speak a language distinctly 

different from every other tribe 

around them. As a result, Jalalabad’s 

residents rarely ever “meet 

a stranger.” They are an incredibly 

warm people and, upon meeting 

one, he will try to establish a 

connection to you. It is not atypical 

to make a planned fiveminute 

stop at a shop and leave 

Upon arrival in Afghanistan, the first words spoken to me 

by my Task Force Commander were “Welcome to 

Afghanistan, this is not Iraq.” 

an hour later with no purchases 

but knowledge of the shopkeeper’s 

life, his friends’ exploits, 

and an invitation to come back 

anytime. 

Upon arrival in Afghanistan, 

the first words spoken to me by 

my Task Force Commander were 

“Welcome to Afghanistan, this is 

not Iraq.” At first, I was slightly 

insulted at such an obvious comment. 

However, I soon learned 

that this statement had much 

deeper meaning than originally 

presented. Although I served in 

Iraq wearing the American flag on 

my right shoulder and U.S. Army 

on the left side of my chest, that 

is about where the similarities 

ended between the two wars. Operations, 

living conditions, security, 

and the environment were 

completely new and different to 

me. Saying that my team and I 

had a lot to learn was an understatement. 

Unlike the war in Iraq, the war 

in Afghanistan is a truly international 

mission that seeks to empower 

the people. Here, we work 

for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

(NATO) and literally 

live and work alongside the 

Afghans. When we first got off 

the plane in Bagram, we all had 

the same view of the Afghans 

that we did of the Iraqis- a 

friendly/neutral relationship 

tainted with slight suspicion. Here 

though, just about all of us have 

made at least one local friend or 

acquaintance. My introduction to 

the population and the overall climate 

came not long after we assumed 

mission in Jalalabad. I 

landed my helicopter at a remote 

base one day and was immediately 

greeted by an Afghan Army commander 

who, in broken English, 

told me that he thought that it 

was amazing that we were willing 

to help take care of his troops. 

While I had no ready reply to the 

commander, this was my first 

brush with the kind of people 

that inhabit this country. Six 

months later, I am still beyond 

impressed with the general 

warmth, gratitude, and intellect 

of the Afghans. 

While the political-military climate 

is much different than my 

last combat tour, fortunately for 

us the MEDEVAC mission is relatively 

difficult to change. We 

don’t have nearly the volume of 

missions that we did in Iraq. 

However, the variety and complexity 

is definitely much greater. 

At any given time, my crews could 

launch on anything from a typical 

base-to-base patient pickup, a 

hoist rescue, a landing on only a 

single-wheel, a critical-care patient 

transfer between hospitals, or 

even a dust landing similar to missions 

in Iraq. As a result, we have 

all learned much and grown as 

aviators significantly. 

The life of a MEDEVAC 

crewmember is not always the 

most thrilling. The best phrase I 

was ever told was that MEDE- 

VAC is “hours of incessant boredom 

broken apart by minutes of 

sheer terror.” Fortunately, the Pirates 

are a lively group and we’ve 

developed numerous distractions 

to help pass the time. At any given 

point, you’ll find Josh playing 

drums in our band room, Mike 

and Tyler on the flight line playing 

“Corn hole” (aka sand bag 

toss but more organized), Carlos 

racing his RC car, and several of 

the other guys playing either 

poker or spades on the top of the 

storage containers nearly every 

night. Meanwhile others are busy 

taking online college classes or 

working on the aircraft, or the 

most dreaded thing of all to an 

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aviator — paperwork. 

“MEDEVAC, MEDEVAC, 

MEDEVAC. 1st Up report to the 

CP!” comes blaring over our radios. 

It’s 2:30 p.m. and everybody 

has just finished lunch, gym time, 

game play, or a combination 

thereof. The pilot and medic grab 

their rifles and sprint for the aircraft 

for start up. The pilot-incommand 

and medic rush to the 

operations center to receive the 

mission. An American patrol was 

ambushed in the volatile Korengal 

Valley and a soldier was shot 

in the chest. He is severely 

wounded and needs intensive care 

immediately. But due to the terrain, 

the patrol is pinned down. A 

MEDEVAC mission is born. 

“Tower, this is DUSTOFF 16, 

urgent MEDEVAC, ready for 

takeoff.” Moments later, the helicopter 

leaps into the sky, and is 

now pushing speeds in excess of 

180 miles per hour. Not far behind, 

an Apache attack weapons 

team or “AWT” chases the 

MEDEVAC aircraft like the 

guardian it is. They fly north into 

the Kunar Valley and the surrounding 

mountains, weaving 

through them all in order to minimize 

time getting to the Landing 

Zone or “LZ.” 

As the aircraft travels farther 

into the Hindu Kush, the terrain 

becomes steeper, higher, and 

more intimidating. Finally the 

crew breaks out of the mountains 

and into the Korengal — a pine 

tree laden valley with steep escarpments 

and tiny villages scattered 

throughout. At first glance, 

a traveler would never realize that 

this is one of the most dangerous 

places in the world for outsiders. 

Less than a minute after entering 

the valley, the crew prepares 

for an immediate hoist 

extraction. “Bulldog 6, this is 

DUSTOFF 16. We are 1 minute 

inbound,” the pilot transmits over 

the radio. A mile away red smoke 

appears halfway up a steep ridge. 

The Apaches pass the MEDE- 

VAC helicopter and swarm above 

the LZ looking for enemy fighters. 

As the crew approaches, they 

see a small grouping of soldiers 

on a ledge in the middle of tall 

pine trees with a near vertical 

slope on all sides. No way to land 

the aircraft here. The crew readies 

for the hoist. 

As the pilots stop the aircraft 

100 feet overhead, the crew chief 

opens the cabin door, secures the 

flight medic to the hoist and 

booms him out of the aircraft. 

With careful and precise language, 

he guides the pilots over the spot 

he needs to drop the medic into 

and quickly lowers him down. In 

about a minute the medic is on 

the ground and secured by the 

soldiers. 

The medic touches down on 

the ground and finds a young sergeant 

with a gunshot wound to 

the chest. He has a weak pulse 

and collapsed lung, but he’s alive. 

He quickly checks over the 

wounds one more time, prepares 

the patient for the hoist in a 

SKED extraction device (a type 

of litter for hoisting people who 

cannot support their own weight). 

All while this is happening, hidden 

enemy shooters fire sporadically 

at the LZ (landing zone). 

Overhead, the MEDEVAC 

helo orbits awaiting the call from 

the medic. “DUSTOFF 16, medic 

and patient ready for hoist.” The 

aircraft quickly returns to the LZ 

and the crew chief skillfully 

threads the hoist cable between 

the trees to the medic on the 

ground. The medic hooks the 

SKED to the hoist and guides the 

patient through 30-foot trees 

using a small rope for stability. 

Moments later the patient is 

aboard the aircraft and the medic 

rides up shortly thereafter. 

Back aboard the aircraft, the 

medic reassesses the patient only 

to find he is worsening. “LET’S 

BOOGIE!!!” The medic yells 

over the intercom. This is in no 

way an official term but it gets the 

message to the pilots to fly as fast 

as possible. With half their fuel 

spent, the aircraft is lighter and 

the pilots accelerate to nearly 200 

mph as they fly the helicopter 

back through the passes to Jalalabad. 

En route, the medic works 

incessantly, with the help of the 

crew chief, to stabilize the patient. 

He is responding favorably to 

their care, but it is too soon to tell 

if he will survive. 

Just 11 minutes later, the aircraft 

touches down next to an 

awaiting ambulance on the flight 

line. The medic jumps out and 

motions for several volunteers to 

come over and help move the patient. 

The patient is safely offloaded 

and taken to the hospital 

where a surgical team will continue 

to work on him until he is 

stable. One more mission complete 

with a successful ending despite 

overwhelming odds. 

As the crew parks the aircraft 

and shuts down, they turn to see 

their sister crew sprinting to their 

own aircraft. An Afghan child fell 

into a cooking fire in the village 

of Naray and suffered 3rd degree 

burns on half her body. It’s just 

another day in the life of a 

DUSTOFF Team in Afghanistan. 

We Will Take Your 

Wounded… Because We Can 

This article is written with the 

most sincere thanks and appreciation 

to the wonderful people, 

family, and friends in the Northeast 

Kingdom. We, the “Pirates” 

of Forward Support MEDEVAC 

Team 1, would like to thank you 

for all of your support during this 

deployment. Our team is by all 

means a family, and your generosity 

has made us feel like a part 

of an even larger community. 

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Seed to flower 

Taylors have grown a local institution 

By Donna M. Garfield 

Beautiful flowers commemorate the happiest times of our lives, as well as the saddest. 

There are flowers for every special event. The scent of a certain flower 

may bring back a moment in time and, for a few minutes, that memory comes 

alive again. 

With the arrival of spring, 

flowers and plants will be in 

abundance at Artistic Gardens in 

St. Johnsbury Center. Owned by 

husband and wife team, Paul and 

Suzanne Taylor, the thriving 

florist shop has been in business 

for 24 years. In 1985, they bought 

the former Greener Garden Center 

which had sat empty for years. 

They made renovations and 

opened for business in February 

1986. 

Paul and Suzanne have known 

each other since graded school 

and were high school sweethearts 

in Mahwah, New Jersey. They 

married in 1976. Suzanne grew up 

helping her father, Raymond 

Saufroy, in the business he started 

in 1954 called “Le Jardin du 

Gourmet.” It was a mail order 

seed and herb business along with 

some gourmet foods. Around 

1978, he and his wife moved to 

West Danville. He continued his 

seed business by operating out of 

a small building on their property. 

It was strictly mail order. At one 

point, he ran an ad in a national 

magazine advertising 20-cent 

sample seed packets. Suzanne 

says, “He had no idea what that 

would bring. There were so many 

orders coming in.” Paul says, 

“Each mail tray had 2,000 letters 

in it and he had at least 20 of 

them sitting there waiting to be 

opened. He bought an electric letter 

opener and that was all I did.” 

Suzanne adds, “In our free time 

we helped so he could catch up. 

It took several months to get 

them all processed.” 

Paul and Suzanne moved to 

St. Johnsbury. Suzanne says, 

“When we first moved here and I 

needed a job, and I wasn’t working 

for my father, I was hired by 

Bob Sokol, who owned Greener 

Garden Center. He needed someone 

for his greenhouse. Then his 

designer quit and he needed 

someone in the shop, so he pulled 

me out of the greenhouse. He 

was the first one who showed me 

the basics. I learned a lot from 

him.” She really enjoyed working 

with flower arrangements. 

At one point when the economy 

was bad, Paul and Suzanne 

went to Colorado to work for 

Paul’s father in his liquor store. 

Suzanne did not like the desert 

and they moved back to New Jersey. 

Suzanne worked at a florist 

shop learning everything she 

could. The hours were long. They 

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decided if they were going to put 

that much time and energy into 

working for others that they 

should work for themselves. They 

wanted to be in Vermont so they 

moved back to St. Johnsbury. 

Eventually, Paul’s parents, Paul Sr. 

and Peggy Taylor, moved to St. 

Johnsbury Center. 

Paul and Suzanne work together 

every day. Suzanne is the 

creative side of the business; Paul 

is the accounting side. Their children, 

Heather, Mathew, and 

Michael, all of whom are in college 

now, spent their early years 

going to work with Mom and 

Dad. They had a crib and playpen 

there. There are happy memories 

of the children with ducks in the 

greenhouse and running through 

the sprinklers. As they got older, 

Heather helped in the shop and 

with the paperwork. Mathew and 

Michael worked with the trucks 

and the tractors. 

Suzanne says, “People don’t 

realize that flower shops and 

greenhouses are extremely physical 

work. You are on your feet, 

lugging and carrying.” Everyone 

at the shop helps with planting 

and transplanting. They start vegetable 

plants and flowers such as 

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marigolds, petunias, geraniums, 

perennials, and herbs. “The 

mums will be coming in in a couple 

of weeks and we’ll have to 

start cuttings and potting them. 

There will be around 400 mum 

plants.” They have two full-time 

employees and three part-time 

employees. 

Weddings have changed over 

the years especially with the addition 

of the Internet. One wedding 

two years ago was done 

entirely over the Internet. The 

wedding took place in the Northeast 

Kingdom in the fall. Suzanne 

e-mailed photos back and forth 

with the bride until the bride decided 

on the flowers she wanted. 

It was a large wedding, and the 

bride did not want traditional 

flowers. Suzanne says, “They did 

18 centerpieces and they were all 

different. It was one of the most 

awesome and fun weddings I 

have ever done in my life. It was 

very unusual and it was a blast.” 

She felt she could be really creative 

and came up with some 

great arrangements. “I never met 

the bride, but she sent me a note 

after her honeymoon telling me 

how much she liked the flowers.” 

They once had two weddings 

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on a Saturday. Suzanne says, “One 

of the weddings was all pink, and 

the bride was going to come in 

close to noon to pick up the flowers. 

The other wedding was all 

yellow, and the bride was coming 

in first thing in the morning. So I 

had all the yellow wedding flowers 

out. The bride for the pink 

wedding walked in and her mouth 

just dropped. She thought they 

were her flowers and they were 

the wrong color. She was speechless 

and I quickly said, ‘that’s not 

your wedding.’” The bride was so 

thankful. Her flowers were still in 

the cooler. 

Do women send flowers to 

men? Suzanne says, “Yes, they do 

and quite frequently. They tend to 

try and be very conservative. 

They do not want big flowery 

bouquets for men. Usually, the 

arrangements contain bolder 

flowers and less of them. They 

have more line and style with 

flowers such as irises, sunflowers, 

and birds of paradise. Roses are 

popular.” What is the favorite 

color for roses? Unsurprisingly, 

red. 

Paul notes that the economy 

dictates trends in flowers. For example, 

when the economy is good 

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and everyone is working, people 

tend to buy poinsettias with unusual 

colors. When the economy 

is bad like it is now, people tend 

to go back to the traditional colors. 

People are more open to 

things when the economy is 

good. 

The biggest day for their shop 

is Valentine’s Day. Suzanne says, 

“It is extremely intense.” Paul remembers 

that “one time a young 

guy came in and bought a dozen 

roses, wrapped. There was another 

guy in here. The first one 

walked out to his car and handed 

the roses to his girlfriend, and she 

put her arms around him and 

gave him the biggest kiss. The 

second guy stood here in the 

store watching. When the salesclerk 

asked if she could help him, 

he said, ‘Yeah. I want what he 

got.’” Obviously, he was hoping 

for the same response. 

Overall, Christmas is the 

biggest holiday of the year. The 

Christmas season is busy and orders 

stretch from Thanksgiving to 

Christmas. They also sell wreaths. 

The first year they bought the 

building, Suzanne personally 

made 3,000 wreaths by hand. 

Suzanne’s favorite holiday is 

Mother’s Day. She says, “On 

Mother’s Day everyone is in a 

good mood. Moms are happy. 

Summer is coming. They want 

plants. They want flowers. It is the 

time of year when the sun is shining, 

people seem happier and 

things are starting to turn green.” 

Artistic Gardens buys from 

various wholesalers in Vermont 

and the one they use most frequently 

is in Middlesex. The 

wholesalers buy the flowers from 

the growers. Suzanne explains 

that there is an entire process that 

takes place. “The grower cuts 

them. It can be in Holland, California, 

South America, Connecticut, 

or many other places. The 

flowers are chilled immediately 

and shipped in a cold truck or 

cold container. They go to the 

wholesaler and he does the same 

thing.” The flowers are delivered 

Dr. Richard Leven 

Dr. Stephen Feltus 

to Artistic Gardens where they 

are cut under water, put in a preservative 

solution, and placed in 

the cooler. Many years ago, flowers 

arrived on the bus from 

Boston. Suzanne says, “It was a 

nightmare. When I worked for 

Bob Sokol, we kept silk roses in 

stock. He would call Boston 

weeks before a wedding and say 

he needed pink roses, and sometimes 

they would come in on the 

bus and they were yellow.” 

What is it like working together 

as husband and wife? 

Suzanne says, “I love it.” Paul 

says, “It’s great.” They have their 

specific areas. Paul says, “She runs 

the flower shop and the greenhouse. 

I do the business end of it 

and the mail order business. She 

grows plants and we kind of 

merge in the winter when the 

flower shop is not as busy. Then 

they help me with the seeds. We 

go home together every night and 

come in together every morning.” 

Suzanne says, “We like each other 

so it helps.” Suzanne is boss of 

the flower shop and makes most 

of the decisions, but she will confer 

with Paul if she wants to make 

a major decision because he is in 

charge of the finances. “I’ll tell 

him this is what I want to do and 

we talk about it.” Paul says, 

“When you are in a business like 

this and you are worried about the 

business end of it, you cannot be 

creative. As long as you have 

someone you can trust to do it, it 

works out well.” He adds, “We get 

along real well.” Suzanne agrees, 

“We always have.” 

In 1988, Suzanne and Paul 

bought “Le Jardin du Gourmet” 

from Raymond Saufroy. At that 

time, Paul modernized the mail 

orders with a computer. Sample 

seed packets can be ordered for 

35 cents each so that people can 

try them in their gardens. Paul 

buys the seeds from wholesalers 

all over the country. He says, “All 

seeds have to be tested and it is 

about $700-$800 to have a seed 

tested. For me to grow seed and 

test it, it would be too expensive.” 

He buys most seeds by the 

pound, divides them up, and puts 

them in the sample packets. Some 

of the more expensive seeds are 

bought by the ounce. Paul says, 

“We have over 90 different herbs 

that we sell.” The number of 

seeds in an envelope depends on 

the particular seed. A seed like 

Angelica is going to have three 

seeds in it. Chives and parsley will 

have 75-100 seeds. The sample 

packets are a special favorite of 

people who do container gardening 

because they do not have time 

to weed a garden or because they 

live in apartments and do not 

have a lot of space. People will 

order 70 to 80 different sample 

seed packets. Some order up to 

200. If they like them, they can 

buy large packets the next year 

that cost more. Artistic Gardens 

has customers in all 50 states and 

overseas as well as seed racks in 

stores in New York City. They do 

not mail out many catalogs. One 

can browse and order through the 

catalog on-line at www.artisticgardens.com. 

Their wreaths were on the 

cover of Vermont Magazine in 

2007. About 10 years ago, they 

made kissing balls that were featured 

in Yankee Magazine. 

Suzanne has talked about garden 

mums for a Martha Stewart program 

on the radio. She has also 

done a how-to video for monkeysee.com 

on how to make Christmas 

wreaths. 

When they are not around 

plants and flowers, Paul and 

Suzanne like to hike, kayak, swim, 

and fish. Suzanne also likes to 

work in her huge vegetable garden 

at home in the evenings. 

Suzanne says, “We like working. 

It’s a fun business. The kids 

are very important to us. Every 

decision we made was with them 

in mind. Now we are looking forward 

to the next chapter. We still 

have to figure that one out.” 

Bob Amos Band May 14 

The Bob Amos Band, one 

of the most popular, 

high energy bands in all of 

Vermont, will welcome 

spring with a special benefit 

concert and CD release party 

at 7:30 pm Friday, May 14, at 

the North Congregational 

Church in St. Johnsbury. 

A benefit for Catamount Arts, 

the performance will feature 

songs from the band’s new CD 

“Wide Open Blue” which will officially 

go on sale that day. 

The Bob Amos Band consists 

of nationally known singer/songwriter 

Bob Amos on guitar and 

lead vocals, Gary Darling, who 

also fronts his own band Gopher 

Broke, on mandolin, Amos’ son 

Nate, a 2009 graduate of St. 

Johnsbury Academy, on drums 

and vocals and Amos’ daughter 

Sarah, a junior at St. Johnsbury 

Academy, on percussion and vocals. 

In addition to songs from the 

new “Wide Open Blue” CD, the 

band will also perform a selection 

of other songs from Amos’ previous 

CD’s and a few high energy 

covers of some classic golden 

oldies. 

For 15 years, Amos toured as 

lead singer, guitarist and songwriter/arranger 

for the awardwinning 

bluegrass band Front 

Range, which toured throughout 

the USA and Europe, and 

recorded 8 CD’s, including 5 for 

Sugar Hill Records. 

The group features soaring 

harmony vocals and intricate guitar 

work set in a high energy folk 

framework.The songs from 

Amos’ new CD range in influence 

from folk to bluegrass and Celtic, 

and from country to rock-a-billy. 

Tickets for the event are 

available by calling the Catamount 

Arts Box Office at 1-802-748- 

2600 or by visiting the Box Office 

on Eastern Avenue in St. Johnsbury 

from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday 

through Saturday. 

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12th Annual 

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Co-hosted by Goodridge Lumber, Inc. 

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2 miles north of West Burke off Route 5, Sutton, VT 

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BY SHARON LAKEY 

Going out for “a little something” 

just got better in Danville. Bentley’s 

Bakery and Café (named for 

the owners’ first dog) has finally opened 

on Hill Street. Since 2008, when contractor 

Mark Greaves’ truck began appearing 

in front of the empty hardware 

store, word buzzed around town. A bakery 

and coffee shop sounded great, but 

until recently, when a white hand-lettered 

sign hung in the front window announcing 

“April 7” appeared, there was question 

about it becoming a reality. 

“The economy did delay the café for a year,” 

said Jeff Frampton, who owns Bentley’s with his 

wife Nancy. But the wait was worth it. In the first 

week of business, customers poured through the 

door and tasted the wares that proved to be eyecandy 

as well as tasty. Local pastry chef Tarah 

Faulkner presented some remarkable looking creations 

in the two glass cases from which customers 

peruse and order. 

The Framptons value Tarah’s expertise with 

pastry. She graduated from the New England Culinary 

Institute in 2008 with an Associate Degree in 

baking and pastry. Her internships helped hone her 

skills at the Woodstock Inn in Vermont and at the 

Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina. Now 

living in West Danville with her 19-month-old 

daughter, Aubrey, and fiancé, Brad Fontaine, she 

thankfully hasn’t far to go when she meets Nancy 

in the early morning hours to bake the pastry for 

the day. 

Besides the smell of good food, the space is 

filled with light from the large front windows, and 

morning sunshine pouring into the kitchen from 

the east. The Framptons’ design allows customers 

to see into the kitchen, making the connection between 

bakers and diners a communal event. Their 

original hope was to receive a historical renovation 

grant for the building. Though the grant didn’t 

come through, by the time they had gone through 

the preliminaries, they felt a commitment to keep 

the historical feel of the building. “It was the first 

downtown building rebuilt after the 1895 fire,” said 

Jeff. This attention to historical detail has provided 

a theme for the interior that is homey and comforting. 

“It’s totally up to code, now,” said Jeff, 

“top to bottom.” It’s green, too, an energy efficient 

older building that proves it can be done. Jeff relied 

on the expertise of Efficiency Vermont and 

Mark Greaves to help in this area. 

The Frampton’s, who live on Maple Lane in 

Danville, originally came from Montreal, so the 

connection with French pastry is strong (croissant 

is a specialty item). After the first three days, Nancy 

reports the biggest lunch seller had been the 

quiche. “The pastries are fresh every day,” said 

Nancy, as she rolled croissant that would be baked 

the next morning. She explained how a croissant is 

made and to demonstrate turned on a mechanical 

wonder, called a “sheeter,” that sits in the kitchen. 

“This is really Tarah’s machine,” she explained. It 

is used to incorporate butter into the dough, a 

labor-saving device that is a critical time-saver for 

the chefs. 

“The menu will change to keep things new,” 

said Nancy. In the mornings, there are pastries and 

coffee from the espresso bar or tea. The lunch 

menu is light, featuring soup, salads, quiche, ham 

and cheese croissants, and Panini sandwiches. 

Local man, Tim Ide, tried out both ends of the day 

on Friday with a chocolate croissant in the morning 

and Panini at noon. He appeared quite happy 

with the results. Specialty pastry orders, including 

wedding cakes, can be taken as long as they are 

given in advance. “We use as many Vermont products 

as possible as well as local contractors,” said 

Jeff. “We realize the value of keeping Vermont viable.” 

In planning the menu, the couple wanted to fill 

a niche that they felt wasn’t being covered by other 

food establishments in town. “We talked with the 

other owners before we came up with our plans. 

We didn’t want to compete with their business; we 

wanted to work with them.” One of the things that 

they heard often was the need to be open on Sunday, 

and they have complied. Bentley’s hours are 

Wednesday through Friday, 6:30 to 1:30 and Saturdays 

and Sundays, 8 to 1. 

The only kitchen disaster on opening day was 

related to the new equipment. “In a panic, I called 

the man who had installed our coffee machine, explaining 

the coffee was cold,” said Jeff. “He calmly 

told me to flip two toggle switches in the back that 

allowed the water to heat.” They had worked into 

the night the day before opening day. So busy was 

Jeff with last minute details, he didn’t have time to 

change into his Bentley’s shirt until the first customers 

had enjoyed a breakfast. 

The happiest surprise for the Frampton’s has 

been the overwhelming support they have felt 

from the village. For that, they are most thankful. 

The community is thankful, too, for another way 

to celebrate coming together over a delightful delicacy 

in a pleasant setting. 

To see this article and an album of photos related 

to it, go to http://danvillehistorical.blogspot.com/


Letters from the Past 

When writing was a necessity and an art 

By Lynn A. Bonfield 

Peacham native, Martha Johnson, taught at a freedmen’s school at Port Royal on 

the Sea Islands of South Carolina from 1863 until her death in 1871. When 

President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and Union forces took 

over abandoned Confederate property, private freedmen organizations were formed to 

educate the former slaves. 

Peacham native, Martha Johnson, 

taught at a freedmen’s school at 

Port Royal on the Sea Islands of 

South Carolina from 1863 until her 

death in 1871. When President Lincoln 

issued the Emancipation 

Proclamation and Union forces 

took over abandoned Confederate 

property, private freedmen organizations 

were formed to educate the 

former slaves. The first teachers at 

Port Royal arrived in March 1862. 

Martha came a year later when approximately 

thirty schools had been 

established on the islands with 

about two thousand students. 

These students attended school 

only part time as their labor was 

needed in the fields where they were 

paid wages, no longer slave labor. 

The curriculum began with the alphabet 

before going on to classes in 

reading, writing, and arithmetic. Of 

the 40,000 former slaves on Sea Islands, 

there were schools for only a 

fortunate few. 

The freedmen school teachers 

were mainly Northern Anglo-Saxon 

Protestant females; all younger than 

twenty-eight and mainly educated in 

the common schools. Martha had 

attended Peacham’s outstanding 

academy but then also went to New 

Hampshire in 1839 to attend the 

Franklin Academy. Every page of 

an autograph book (now in a private 

collection) the well-liked young 

woman kept is full of friendship 

poems and best wishes signed from 

1839 to 1848 by students and teachers 

from each academy. 

By 1855, Martha was working 

on Blackwell’s Island as a matron to 

the female inmates of the New 

York State Penitentiary. She returned 

to Peacham when her 

mother became ill and remained 

until 1863 when she received a 

commission from the National 

Freedman’s Relief Association of 

New York to teach newly freed 

slaves in the Union occupied areas. 

Applicants were reviewed for 

health, energy, morality, religious 

conviction, and experience. 

Martha’s poor health was apparently 

overlooked in respect for teaching 

experience and deep personal faith, 

well exhibited in the following letter 

Credit: Vermont Historical Society, MS. 185. 

Martha Johnson’s Certificate of Commission issued by the National 

Freedman’s Relief Associations. 

to her sister, Caroline, nicknamed 

Cassie, in Peacham. 

Martha was the oldest of nine 

children of Betsey Merrill Johnson 

(1800-55) and Leonard Johnson 

(1797-1890). Her father, an abolitionist, 

rang the church bell for an 

hour when John Brown was hanged 

in 1859. He was excommunicated 

from the Congregational church for 

using “unchurchly language against 

one of his fellow parishioners” in 

an argument over “the slavery question.” 

In 1867, when brought back 

into church membership, he wrote 

in his apology letter: “At least, time 

has shown that I was right on the 

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anti-slavery question.” Martha’s 

uncle, Oliver Johnson (1809-89), 

was a close associate of William 

Lloyd Garrison and served as an editor 

for several abolitionist newspapers. 

Cassie Johnson, also taught in a 

freedmen school spending two 

years in Hampton, Virginia. The 

Johnson sisters traveled to the 

South from Vermont where the 

state’s first constitution in 1777 outlawed 

slavery; from Peacham, a 

town with an active Anti-Slavery Society 

organized in 1833 (the third in 

Vermont); and from the Johnson 

family with strong abolitionist leanings. 

After years of poor health during 

which time Martha continued to 

teach, she died and was buried in the 

cemetery of the Episcopal Church 

in Beaufort under a stone with the 

inscription: “To the Memory of 

Martha Johnson, Born at Caledonia 

County Peacham, Vermont September 

22ne 1822, Died in Beaufort, 

South Carolina, December 

24th 1871.” 

198 Route 2 

W. Danville, VT 

P.O. Box 196 

802-684-3411 

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A DIVISION OF NOYLE W. JOHNSON, INC. 

Perryclear Plantation 

[South Carolina] 

May 23rd 1863 

Dear Cassie: 

Jack Doctor went to Beaufort 

yesterday and brought me your letter 

. . . and a big bundle that Aunt 

Mary Ann sent me. I wrote to her 

for a musquito net, calico dress, and 

a hat. She sent them and another 

dress as a present, two pairs of Pillow 

cases, four knives and forks, two 

tea spoons, two large spoons, Bowl 

Pitcher and pail. . . . You may smile 

at my wearing a hat, but everybody 

wears them here. It is the best of 

anything for this climate as it shades 

the face and is cool for the head. . . 

. I have not been to church since I 

came here for we know no men to 

row the boat and is a very hard days 

work to go to Beaufort and back 

again. We have Sabbath school for 

the children and sometimes the men 

and women come in and we have a 

“prisne” meeting as they call it. 

With very few exceptions those that 

are Gospel men and women as they 

express it, meaning members of a 

church, are Baptist and they are not 

allowed by the ministers and elders 

to go to any other church. . . . I enjoy 

our Sabbath school very much for 

the children seem to love to come 

very much and I feel that with the 

blessing of my Heavenly Father I 

am sowing the good seed that may 

eventually bring forth fruit. . . . [I] 

have a school of my own two miles 

from here. Go every morning at 

half past seven o’clock and return at 

half past ten, and three days in the 

week I go again in the afternoon at 

five o’clock for the benefit of the 

men and women who cannot come 

in the morning. . . . I have a nice 

school of thirty children and twenty 

five men, soldiers of the first Colored 

S[outh] C[arolina] Regt. They 

do Picket duty on this Island. The 

headquarters are very near my 

school and the Capt. of the company 

asked permission for the boys 

to come to school. I very gladly 

gave them permission to come. It is 

uncertain how long I may have 

them, but I shall endeavor to do 

them all the good I can. They are, 

some of them, very fine looking 

men. Very few can read anything 

more than the letters, but are improving 

fast. I have two or three 

only that can read in the testament. 

I wish you could look in upon me 

surrounded by the dark faces, but 

bright and pleasant. My school 

room [is located] in the Piazza of 

the old Plantation house. When I 

have all the children and a good 

many soldiers, I have to send a part 

of them out of doors. . . . 

I realize more and more every 

day the awful wickedness of Slavery 

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and wonder they are as good as they 

are. I have visited them in their 

homes as much as I could find time 

or strength. They seemed a little 

suspicious at first but now they give 

me a pleasant greeting and seem 

pleased to see me and have me talk 

with them. They all seem to have a 

strong religious element in their nature. 

Cut off from all earthly comfort, 

they have gone to God for 

consolation. Their childlike faith 

and entire confidence in their Heavenly 

Father is often a reproof to me 

for I have so much more given to 

me than these poor degraded children 

of our common Father. I have 

not yet heard one man or woman 

speak unfriendly of their old Massa 

or Missus, say they worked them 

hard and did not give them enough 

to eat and don’t care to see them but 

never seem [to] cherish a revengeful 

feeling towards them. . . . 

The great fear that has prevailed 

in the north of the colored people 

all working north if they were free– 

nothing but Slavery will drive them 

from their homes. They are so 

strongly attached to their old homes, 

they do not like to go to another 

Plantation to live and almost without 

exception reply when asked if 

they would like to go north “I had 

rather stay in my old home. I am 

used to this place and don’t know 

anything about the North.” 

[A few sentences urging her sister 

to join her as a teacher and reports 

that “a graduate of South 

Hadley” has come and will teach.] I 

do not think it wise for you to come 

at this season for it takes time to get 

an appointment and you could not 

get here before it would be very hot 

weather. Today it is as hot as any 

weather in Vermont. Sun is so hot 

that one can hardly stand it a moment. 

Not a breath of air stirring 

and summer has not yet come. . . 

Write soon to your sister, 

Martha 

This letter and others written by 

Martha Johnson are preserved at the Vermont 

Historical Society with parts having 

been published in Vermont History 67 

(Summer/Fall, 1999) 101-14. Letters in 

this series are transcribed as written with 

no changes to spelling, punctuation, or capitalization. 

Editor’s additions are in brackets; 

words missing are indicated by ellipses. 

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Early spring delights 

No Small Potatoes with Vanna Guldenschuh 

The mild weather this 

spring gave us an 

abundance of early 

culinary delights. From the 

first run of maple sap to 

the bounty of wild leeks 

(ramps), fiddlehead ferns 

and the perennial chives 

and mint growing around 

the house, Mother Nature 

yielded a cornucopia of 

gourmet edibles ahead of 

schedule. As a cook it is exciting 

to use these very local 

spring treats in the kitchen. 

Wild leeks are being touted 

in many television and 

magazine recipes lately and 

we are lucky to have an 

abundance of them in the 

Northeast Kingdom. They 

are easy to gather this year 

in the well drained, snow 

free woods. The fiddlehead 

fern is also readily available 

for the picking in many 

areas – one needs only to 

know the spots. You might 

have to ask a few people for 

information on where to 

find fiddleheads – this 

knowledge is not readily 

given out by avid foragers. 

You can find chives and 

mint peeking up and catching 

hold in their usual spots 

and if you are really fortunate 

you will find the culinary 

treasure of all 

treasures – the morel mushroom. 

Very few folks give 

up their morel spots - you 

are on your own here. So, 

go forth and forage for 

these wonderful wild foods 

it is a wonderful outdoor 

enterprise for this time of 

year. 

The following recipes are classics. 

Potato and Wild Leek Soup 

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This simple soup will turn 

your fresh picked leeks into a 

gourmet treat. This soup provides 

a wonderful meal served with a 

good loaf of French bread and a 

salad. It also goes very well with a 

ham entrée. 

Rich in Vitamins A and C, 

wild leeks can be tossed into that 

chicken soup you made to cure 

your spring cold with great results. 

6 to 8 potatoes - peeled and 

cubed (about 4 cups) 

4 cups chopped wild leeks (bulbs 

and greens) 

6 cups chicken stock (boxed 

stock is fine) 

½ cup heavy cream 

4-6 tablespoons butter 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Hot Sauce - optional 

Preparing Wild Leeks or 

Ramps. Find your spot – If you 

don’t know where to pick ask 

around – someone will know a 

place. The best way to pick ramps 

is to dig with your hands – you 

might want to use gardening 

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gloves. Dig down until you find 

the end of the bulb and pinch it 

off the root system right under 

the bottom of the bulb. When 

you get your precious bundle 

home take the dirt and any dried 

layers off the plant and lightly 

rinse. They will store in the refrigerator 

for about 5 days. They have 

a very pungent odor so keep them 

covered. 

For the following soup recipe 

I chop the bulb portion and the 

leaves separately and sauté the 

white part in butter until soft. I set 

that aside and sauté the greens the 

same way before I mix them together. 

The greens do not need to 

cook as long. You can do this a 

day ahead and make this soup an 

easy chore. If you have an over 

abundance of leeks you can freeze 

them at this point for use 

throughout the year. 

Make the Soup. Cover the 

potatoes with the chicken stock in 

a medium sized soup pot and 

bring to a boil. Turn the heat 

down and simmer until the pota- 

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toes are very soft. Let them cool a 

little and then puree the mix. I use 

my immersion mixer for this 

chore, but if you don’t have one 

you can put the potato and broth 

in a food processor or use an electric 

beater. If you want to take an 

easier route – Just mash the mix 

up with a kitchen tool that works 

for this. You might have a few 

lumps and you won’t get a smooth 

puree with this last method – but 

it will still taste good. 

While the potatoes are cooling, 

sauté the leeks as described 

above. Leeks have a wonderfully 

pungent aroma and flavor - so add 

more or less leeks according to 

your taste. 

Add the sautéed leeks to the 

pureed potatoes and stock. If the 

mix is very thick add a little water 

or stock. Cook on low heat for 

about 10 minutes and add the 

cream and salt and pepper to taste. 

If you like a little heat put a couple 

a dashes of hot sauce at this 

point. Let the soup come back to 

temperature and it is ready to 

serve. 

Fiddlehead Quiche 

You can use your prepared fiddleheads 

as a solo vegetable, in a 

salad or soup, over pasta or in the 

following recipe for quiche. They 

are so green and striking in any 

dish that they are hard to resist. 

They have been used for generations 

in Vermont and you can usually 

find jars of pickled 

fiddleheads at local farmers markets 

throughout the area. 

This is a classic recipe for this 

time of year. Great as a luncheon 

dish or served with a slice of 

sautéed ham for dinner. It also 

freezes well after cooking. The secret 

to a crispy crust under your 

quiche is to prebake the shell 

whether you use a store bought or 

homemade crust. This recipe 

makes one 9-inch quiche. It will 

easily double and triple. 

3 eggs 

1/2 cup cream 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Pinch of nutmeg 

1 onion – chopped (can use wild 

leeks if you have them) 

3 scallions - chopped 

12 to 16 blanched fiddleheads 

2 tablespoons of parsley 

1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, 

swiss or your favorite) 

One precooked pie crust 

Preparing the Fiddlehead 

Fern. Fiddleheads, so named because 

they resemble the scroll of a 

fiddle, grow in abundance in the 

Northeast Kingdom. They are the 

unfurled new growth fronds of 

the ostrich fern and need to be 

picked when they are still tightly 

coiled and bright green. A thin papery 

sheath will be clinging to the 

plant as it pushes up from the 

ground - this identifies the ostrich 

fern. Cut them off no more the 

two inches under the coil by bending 

the stalk until it snaps. 

You will need to remove as 

much of the paper sheath as you 

can by shaking or fanning them as 

soon as you get home with your 

yield. After this chaff is removed 

wash the fiddleheads in cold running 

water and strain them well. 

You can store them for a few days 

in the refrigerator but they are not 

good keepers. You are better off 

processing and using them immediately 

or freezing them for later 

use. 

To prepare for the quiche 

recipe I would just cook the fiddleheads 

in salted boiling water 

for about 5 to 7 minutes or until 

they are half tender. You can also 

freeze them at this point. If you 

are just going to dress them with a 

little olive oil and salt to use as a 

solo vegetable, cook them until 

they fully tender but still a little 

snappy. It is like asparagus in the 

sense that it is easy to overcook 

and can go from a delicious treat 

to a mushy vegetable in a matter 

of minutes. Sauté blanched fiddleheads 

with butter, salt and pepper 

to use over pasta with fresh 

shaved parmesan cheese. 

Prebake your piecrust. Use 

you own favorite recipe or a store 

bought variety. When you prebake 

a piecrust you will need to brace 

the sides. Do this by lining a forkpricked 

crust with aluminum foil 

and filling it with rice beans or pellets 

made for this purpose. Cook 

at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes. 

Take out and remove the lining. 

Bake another 5 minutes 

without the lining. Let cool. You 

may freeze piecrust at this stage to 

keep it ready for a delicious easy 

meal at a moment's notice. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Softly beat eggs, cream, salt, 

pepper and nutmeg together – 

you don’t want to froth this mix 

up too much. Set aside. Sauté the 

onions and scallions together till 

just wilted and set aside. Mix the 

blanched fiddleheads with the 

scallions and onions (reserve a few 

for the top). Lay this vegetable 

mix in the bottom of the precooked 

crust. Mix the parsley into 

the egg mixture and stir vigorously 

to combine completely. Pour 

into the crust on top of the vegetables. 

Sprinkle the grated cheese 

on top and place a few fiddleheads 

on top of the quiche. Place in the 

oven and cook for 30 minutes or 

until set. Let stand about 10 minutes 

and then cut and serve. 

Have fun foraging and cooking 

your wild catch. The Northeast 

Kingdom yields an array of 

wild treats that are really fun to 

prepare in the kitchen. From Lake 

Willoughby salmon and smelt to 

wild leeks, fiddleheads and the 

prized morel mushroom there is a 

treasure trove of local wild foods 

there for the taking. Really, what 

else is there to do in the spring? 

The Basin 

BY BRUCE HOYT 

The concept of “vacation” 

has changed over the years. Those 

book-length chronicles of balmy 

summer weeks with the whole 

family on “The Cape” seem entirely 

fictional to the modern family 

that feels lucky to grab a week 

without feeling guilty over the 

peeling paint on the south side of 

the house or some equally compelling 

household demand. 

For people with busy lives, the 

concept of a “three-hour vacation” 

has become attractive. In 

fact, the Washington Post runs a 

column which weekly calls attention 

to one of the cultural and historical 

sites in easy range of all the 

metropolitan D.C. area. It’s called 

“The Three Hour Weekend.” For 

many North Star readers such 

places also lie close at hand. The 

“Vermont Atlas and 

Gazetteer”and the “New Hampshire 

Atlas and Gazetteer” list 

dozens of gardens, natural areas, 

scenic drives, cultural sites and 

other attractions in our area. The 

rest and renewal provided by a 

“three-hour vacation” should not 

be overlooked because of a heavy 

schedule or tight budget. 

One easily reached place is 

The Basin, just a few miles below 

the Cannon Mountain ski area in 

Franconia Notch and about an 

hour from St. Johnsbury. 

Here, the water coming down 

from Profile Lake, slides over a 

long granite pavement, breaks into 

rivulets and clear pools, then gathers 

again to plunge spectacularly 

into a stone basin, 30 feet wide 

and 15 feet deep, carved by eons 

of whirling torrents. Everywhere 

the water is so clear that the pebbles 

and boulders appear almost 

as if no medium attenuates the 

sight. Quieted by the large volume 

of the basin the waters slip out to 

become headwaters of the 

Pemigiwasset River. Soon joined 

by Cascade Brook out of Lonesome 

Lake and similar mountain 

tributaries, the river gathers 

strength until it flows into the 

Merrimac, the storied waterpower 

of early New England mills. 

Stones swirling and grinding 

in glacial melt water did most of 

the carving of basins and pot 

holes. Often these features can be 

found high and dry, far above the 

now entrenched and subdued 

river that formed them. Because 

the gradual shifting of the bottom 

material moves like the sand in a 

“forty-niner’s” pan, I once speculated 

that there must be heavy 

gold flecks in the bottom of every 

pothole. A geologist friend dismissed 

my theory because of the 

scarcity of gold veins in the White 

Mountains. Like the reputed 

wealth at the end of the rainbow, 

the value is just in the beauty. 

One summer morning, a West 

Barnet friend called to ask a favor. 

An ever-generous person, she had 

invited an Iranian student to stay 

at their farm. However, as an oil 

rich, pampered youth he never adjusted 

his hours and wants to farm 

life. She just wanted me to take 

him away for a day so she could 

regain her balance and catch up 

with her work. My schedule was 

flexible and I was glad to help. I 

took him to The Basin and had 

plans to take him to other White 

Mountain sites. However, he spent 

hours walking around to the 

nearby falls and letting the cool, 

clear water flow through his 

hands. Though his country sits on 

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18 APRIL 2010 THE NORTH STAR MONTHLY 

www.northstarmonthly.com APRIL 2010 19 

2010␣St.␣Johnsbury␣World␣Maple␣Festival 

April␣24th␣on␣Railroad␣Street


Walden Hill Journal with Jeff & Ellen Gold 


This is by far the greenest Green Up Day 

I can remember. Not only are the usual coltsfoot 

in bloom, but so are trillium, myrtle and 

marsh marigolds. Fiddleheads are well 

sprouted, poplars in early leaf, and red maple 

blossoms color the road. It was a very comfortable 

50° with enough of a breeze to dry 

up the ground and keep the bugs at bay. We 

managed three large garbage bags and a box 

of recyclables on about two miles of road. 


A day of “firsts” today. We stacked our 

first load of wood, planted the first seeds 

(peas, lettuce, spinach and cilantro), noticed 

the first asparagus poking through and 

picked our first fiddleheads. We got the rinsing, 

double boiling and steaming instructions 

for preparing the fiddleheads and will enjoy 

a first sampling of them with supper tonight. 


The sun finally made an appearance 

today after leaving us literally in the cold for 

several days. It was just enough afternoon 

sun to warm up the house. Shad blossoms 

are beginning to open and marsh marigolds 

are in their prime. It was good weather for 

an afternoon stroll down Walden Hill. Three 

deer had been out in the red barn field earlier 

today but had left by the time we walked 

down. Neighbors suggested a side road 

which we took down to the beaver marsh. 

The old pond looks abandoned but recently 

gnawed trees indicate that they may have set 

up further downstream. We’ll be sure to go 

exploring there in the future. Meanwhile the 

black flies are out. Fortunately the swallows 

are back to help keep the pesky population 

down. It’s time for me to get out the bug baffler 

shirt and some bug salve. The first two 

asparagus are in the fridge awaiting a few 

more to make a meal. Saw our first bluebird 

this evening. He’s checking out the houses by 

the cherry tree and will hopefully find one to 

his liking. Swallows haven’t started nesting 

there yet so he has first pick. A quick visit 

from a wild turkey strutting up the road adds 

to our evening’s entertainment. 


Enjoyed our first garden asparagus. 

There were just enough to steam and add to 

our broiled ham and cheese sandwiches. Had 

a late afternoon thunderstorm punctuated 

first by a double and then single rainbow in 

various degrees of intensity. Rising mist 

added more drama to the already very turbulent 

sky. The rain subsided long enough 

for an evening walk down the road. Four 

deer were grazing at the far end of the field, 

and peepers were singing their nightly chorus. 

Coolish temperature kept the bugs at 

bay. 


After several calm, sunny days of strenuous 

work outdoors, we took a breather with 

rain and very strong winds yesterday. We had 

done a first pass with the lawn mower, continued 

edging and weeding in the perennial 

beds and set up the cold frame for the 

kohlrabi, tomato and bok choy plants. I had 

to close the top with only a sliver open yesterday 

to keep the wind from doing major 

damage. Shads are in peak bloom and offered 

profuse but delicate blossoms to highlight 

a leisurely drive along the river between 

Whitefield and Bethlehem. Azaleas and 

flowering crabs added much bolder color 

among the spring green. Two loads of wood 

are stacked with two more to be delivered 

this weekend. Black flies are starting up 

again. I needed my bug shirt for more stationary 

weeding at ground level but was fine 

without it while I kept moving behind the 

lawn mower. Windy days have been helpful 

too, to keep the flies in motion. 


The thermometer showed a low of 34° 

early this morning and at ground level we 

had patches of frost. All of the plants that 

had been acclimating outside have spent the 

last two nights in the garage. On the plus side 

of the lingering cold front is that shad blossoms 

are hanging on even with wind and 

rain. It’s quite a beautiful sight of dainty 

white blossoms and russet leaves out our 

bow window. We’ve been able to finish stacking 

wood in the colder, bug-free air. The 

downside though is that the kohlrabi, bok 

choy and potatoes are ready for planting but 

it’s still too risky weather-wise. Hopefully it’ll 

begin to warm up again and less frost sensitive 

plants can go into the ground. 


Shads are done flowering, leaving center 

stage to the apple blossoms. Warmer days 

encourage blooming while intermittent cold 

spells allow the blossoms to linger. This seesaw 

weather makes for a beautiful, drawnout 

and profuse spring. Lilacs have opened at 

lower elevations, smelled long before they are 

seen. Hummingbirds have found the feeder. 

Some new bird has taken up residence by the 

cherry tree. It enters and leaves too quickly to 

identify but seems fairly small with a russet 

tinge. Spuds are planted, and bok choy transplants 

are in the ground. Asparagus is beginning 

to pick up growth as the soil warms. I 

did one more thorough weeding before the 

spears became too numerous. 32° is predicted 

for Monday night so I’ll hold off on 

additional planting. 


Another frost last night. At least it’s late 

enough in the season to actually warrant a 

national weather advisory. Our thermometer 

showed 32° at 4:16 but by then the sun 

was starting to lighten up the sky and move 

the temperature upwards. We covered what 

we could and brought in all the potted plants. 

It looks like we’re okay. With apple blossoms 

full and lilacs just beginning to open, there 

could have been major damage. Island Pond 

saw 24° and I’m sure they didn’t fare as well. 

Memorial Day has come and gone but planting 

is still on hold. I’ll need to get the 

kohlrabi in soon or find some bigger pots. 


June is just around the corner, and we’ve 

got the wood stove going after several weeks 

without it. We’re in the second day of continuous 

rain with a third predicted for tomorrow. 

Peas, kohlrabi, bok choy and 

asparagus are all getting a good soaking but 

not much warmth. Temps have not climbed 

above 40°. Geraniums and tuberous begonias 

are back inside, but I’ve left the basil and 

tomatoes in the slightly vented cold frame. 

It’s supposed to stay in the 40’s tonight. The 

rain barrel is almost full, which will make watering 

(once it’s needed again) easier to do. 

The little oak seedling which survived its 

third winter, lost all of it leaves to the frost a 

couple of days ago. I guess it was just too 

close to the ground. My neighbor suggested 

that lots of water might encourage a second 

leafing and fortunately Mother Nature is seeing 

to that. A few of the smaller lupine leaves 

got nipped as well but the basic plants look 

healthy enough. 


May is ending on a very volatile note. 

Strong winds all day brought alternating periods 

of sunshine, rain, and hail. We even lost 

power for a couple of hours in the afternoon. 

We’re under a frost alert again tonight 

and have brought pots in and covered the asparagus 

with boxes weighted down by pieces 

of wood. The rest of the garden is uncovered 

but will hopefully withstand a light frost. 

We did manage a bit of outside work today 

before the hail sent us running for cover. I 

startled a mamma grouse in the woods who 

set up a major commotion, feigning a broken 

wing while she squawked back to her 

chicks to stay hidden. I quickly moved on so 

that she could return to tending her family. 

Once again the cooler weather and strong 

winds helped deter the black flies as long as 

I kept moving. 

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It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home 

BY SHARON LAKEY 

In forays into the depths of 

the Danville Historical Society’s 

collection, Edgar Guest’s 

poem Home has surfaced several 

times. I’ve seen the first 

half of the line written in Margaret 

Springer’s hand at the 

end of her yellowed “Collection 

Policy” instructions. And 

just yesterday, it surfaced as a 

picture that hung on someone’s 

wall years ago. The line 

has meaning to us at Historical 

House as we try to organize 

the bits and pieces of “a heap 

o’ livin’” done in Danville since 

its settlement in 1786. 

When the house opened last 

May, its collection of nearly 50 

years finally had a home. While 

many of us may be in the mood to 

get rid of stuff during spring cleaning, 

the staff at Historical House is 

busy trying to pull stuff together, 

dust it off and make sense of it. 

Our job is to put the house in 

order, making the collection both 

safe and accessible for those inside 

and outside of the community 

who value the past and are curious 

about the people who lived here. 

In our ad in this issue, you will 

see we are looking right now for 

specific photos that will help in the 

display at the Greenbank’s Hollow 

historical site. Under Dave Houston’s 

guidance, Danville High 

School students are currently building 

the frame for an informational 

kiosk that will be the center of a 

self-guided tour. He is asking for 

help in photos for the display. In 

Mother’s Day 

May 9 

particular, we have no photo of the 

South Danville School when it was 

handsome and operable. 

The wonderful thing about 

present technology is that if someone 

has a historical photo they are 

willing to share, it can easily be reproduced 

right here at the Historical 

House in a matter of minutes. 

This scan or photograph can be 

entered into the collection in the 

same way the original photo would 

be entered; but the original is still 

in your hands. (Of course, if one 

would want the Danville Historical 

Society to keep it for preservation 

purposes, we are glad to do so.) 

The duties of an archivist did 

get a whole lot easier with the advent 

of the computer. We are able 

to number and describe each piece 

of the collection by inputting them 

into a museum software program 

called Past Perfect. It allows us the 

flexibility needed for collections 

like ours with pre-set categories of 

objects, photos, archives, and library. 

As much detail as is known 

about the item can be entered with 

the number. With a digital camera 

or scanner, we take a photo of the 

item for the catalog as well as make 

it possible for it to become part of 

an online exhibit. 

All this will take serious time 

and effort, of course, but we are on 

the way. We are lucky to have some 

consistent help in this task from 

two very nice people. One of them 

is Terri Graves from Danville, who 

volunteers twice a week, Tuesdays 

REID & BALIVET 

ATTORNEYS AT LAW 

ERNEST TOBIAS BALIVET 

JUDITH A. SALAMANDRA CORSO 

and Thursdays. The other is 

Dwight Keafer, also of Danville, 

who comes to us through the Vermont 

Associates program. Both 

Terri and Dwight are well-educated 

in the ways of computers. When 

you come visit us, I hope you’ll take 

the time to meet and thank them 

for their work. 

You can learn a lot from a photograph. 

Just for fun, here is a post 

card that Beth Williams brought in 

recently of the Diamond Hill Cabins. 

If you study both the message 

on the back and the front, you get 

a lot of information. It isn’t earth 

shattering, but it is descriptive of a 

“heap o’ living” that was going on 

back in 1941. 

After studying this photo, it 

Above, the Diamond Hill 

Cabins as they were in 

1941. The Danville Historical 

Society is looking for 

stories of the Tea House 

that is located above the 

cabins? Left, Dwight Keafer 

learning the program Past- 

Perfect 

might jog your memory and a story 

will surface. If it does, tell us the 

story. They are just as valuable as 

photos, and, if you don’t tell it, will 

it be lost? Visit us on Tuesdays and 

Thursdays. We’d love to hear from 

you. 

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‘A North Country sampler’ 

Area music lovers will be 

delighted by “A North 

Country Sampler” – a joint 

concert featuring favorite 

local musicians. Choral 

groups Windrose and 

Pumpkin Hill Singers will be 

joined by harpist, Bill Tobin, 

and The Bob Amos Band. 

This year’s presentation is an 

outgrowth of last year’s 

well-received presentation 

which included the three ensemble 

groups. This year 

those musicians have invited 

Bill Tobin to join by sharing 

some of his favorite harp 

solos including his own 

compositions. 

The joint concert began last 

year when the Pumpkin Hill 

Singers invited the other groups 

to join in their regular spring 

concert. “We were overjoyed at 

the response that we got from 

our audiences,” says Pumpkin 

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Hill bass Toby Balivet, “they 

loved the variety.” 

Windrose is a popular close 

harmony group which is well 

known for its animated presentations 

and quirky sense of 

humor. Their eclectic repertoire 

includes jazz, popular, and traditional 

songs. The Bob Amos 

Band is a rousing combination 

of instrumentalists and vocalists 

with a distinctive and uplifting 

sound. The group features the 

guitarist and singer Bob Amos 

as well as members of his family 

and other area instrumentalists. 

In ”A Northeast Sampler”, 

the Pumpkin Hill Singers will 

present a new song with lyrics by 

tenor Steve Parker and arrangement 

by Susan Terry. “I heard 

this melody, which was written 

by an Irish musician, Daithe 

Sproule,” says Steve Parker, “and 

loved it so much I had to put 

words to it”. Parker has written 

lyrics which sound Irish in origin 

and tell the story of a magical 

musical event in a young 

man’s life. Also included in their 

portion of the concert will be 

another new song, “Blessing”. 

“This song is by one of our favorite 

musicians, Donna Hebert, 

a French Canadian fiddler and 

singer from Amherst, MA. 

Steve and I have been singing 

this song for a number of 

years”, says group director Susan 

Terry, “and all along I’ve known 

I had to arrange it for four-part 

chorus. I’m really excited to be 

sharing this with our audiences 

this year”. 

The Danville concert will be 

Sunday, May 23rd at the North 

Congregational Church at 7pm. 

The concert will be in two sets 

separated by a brief intermission. 

A concert will also be held 

the preceding night Saturday, 

May22nd at the North Congregational 

Church in St. Johnsbury. 

Saturday night’s concert 

will benefit Habitat for Humanity. 

NEK Habitat announces new goals 

Northeast Habitat for 

Humanity will offer a 

new program for small exterior 

repairs and improvements, 

and hopes to break 

ground on its first house during 

2010. These are the two 

main goals set by its Steering 

Committee at its February 

meeting. In addition, the twoyear 

old organization plans to 

reach out to more families in 

need and more communities 

during the year. 

Called A Brush with Kindness 

by the parent organization Habitat 

for Humanity International, 

the small projects program offers 

help to homeowners with painting, 

repairs, weatherization, landscaping, 

clean-up, and small property 

improvements such as stairs, 

ramps, or porches. These projects 

are funded with a no-interest, 

non-profit loan, often using donated 

materials, and completed by 

local volunteers. Project partners 

are chosen on the basis of need, 

ability to provide “sweat equity,” 

and ability to repay the small loan, 

usually less than $200. Application 

forms will be available 

through local churches and agencies, 

or by contacting Northeast 

Kingdom Habitat for Humanity; 

P.O. Box 1421; Lyndonville, VT 

05851, or calling 748-6239. 

Northeast Kingdom Habitat 

for Humanity is a local project 

committee guided by the Upper 

Valley affiliate in White River 

Junction. Starting its third year, 

NEK Habitat is restoring services 

provided by an affiliate which operated 

here from 1988-2002. In 

its two years of existence, the new 

organization has worked on two 

single family homes, and seven 

smaller projects in six towns. 

NEK Habitat for Humanity is 

governed by a 12-person Steering 

Committee whose members are 

Susan Aiken, St. Johnsbury; Francis 

Carlet, Peacham; Bob Gondar, 

West Burke; Sara Heft, Danville; 

Cyndy Nye, St. Johnsbury; Jody 

Paine, Danville; Rev. Alan Parker, 

Danville; Marte Rhodes, Newport; 

Bruce Starbuck, Lyndonville; 

Dan Swainbank, 

Danville; Jesse Tatum, Derby; and 

Beth Williams, Danville. 

African safari helps 

support NEK youth 

The two African Safari 

Packages from the famous 

Zulu Nyala Compound 

in South Africa are just a part 

of the exciting live and silent 

auctions at Northeast Kingdom 

Youth Services’ JUMP 

Jazz Jubilee (JJJ). The JJJ will 

be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday 

May 1 at the St. Johnsbury 

Country Club and all proceeds 

support NEKYS’ Jump 

and Everybody Wins! mentoring 

programs. 

Jim and Sally Newell successfully 

bid the two Safari packages 

at the JJJ auction and went to 

South Africa with another couple. 

In an update of their amazing experience, 

Sally said “the accommodations 

were very 

comfortable, the food was fantastic 

and the wildlife tours were remarkable. 

It was all we expected 

and more – just a wonderful trip.” 

But if you are not looking for 

foreign travel, there is gift certificate 

for a night at the new Common 

Man Inn in Claremont, N.H. 

or an overnight at the famed Rabbit 

Hill Inn in Waterford complete 

with afternoon tea and 

hearty breakfast. From autographed 

books, rounds of golf at 

area courses and beautiful local 

art to cords of firewood and topsoil 

there is something for everyone 

at the auction. 

There is the crowd, the entertaining 

games, the silent and live 

auction items and a beautiful 

gourmet spread of hearty appetizers 

and dessert trays. Bring 

your appetite for an amazing selection 

of gourmet hors d’oeuvres 

and desserts from area chefs. 

From smoked salmon and jumbo 

shrimp to sliced tenderloin and 

amazing pastries and desserts the 

JJJ buffet is a tantalizing array of 

incredible edibles. 

When you put all this together 

and factor in the dynamic Mike 

Welch as emcee and the congenial 

ambiance of the St. Johnsbury 

Country Club, you have yourself 

quite a party. It is easy to forget 

that this fun-filled night is actually 

a fundraiser. 

You will want to put Saturday, 

May 1 on your calendar to attend 

this gala event and support our 

young people. The vital one-onone 

attention that mentors provide 

promotes healthy 

development and protects kids 

from risky behavior at a critical 

age. You can help make a difference 

in a child’s life in many ways. 

Donate an auction item, attend 

the JJJ or become a mentor yourself. 

There is nothing more rewarding 

than helping young 

people along the way. 

Contact the NEKYS office at 

802-748-8732 for more information 

on the JJJ or the mentoring 

programs. 

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Up on the Farm Early 

HISTORY IN A CUP 

BY LORNA QUIMBY 

Aline Faris, in a recent letter, asked, “Do you remember 

when oatmeal boxes (maybe Mother’s 

Oats) brought china buried in the cereal?” “Aha!” 

I thought. “That’s where that cup came from.” 

For years—I’m not going to 

say how many—I’ve washed an 

odd cup when I cleaned the 

dish cupboards. It’s not especially 

attractive, plain white with 

a narrow green band around the 

edge. Its shape is nothing out 

of the ordinary. It doesn’t appear 

to be china, more like milk 

glass. There is no matching 

saucer. Where I got it was lost 

in the fogs of the past. But 

when Aline mentioned oatmeal 

I suddenly remembered Maw 

pulling the cup out of an oatmeal 

box. 

Dad picked up our groceries 

at Bert’s store in South 

Peacham. One staple we always 

had on hand was oatmeal. 

When you had as many mouths 

to feed as Dad and Maw had, 

cheap and filling was what you 

bought. So most of the time 

we ate oatmeal for breakfast. 

Brand names meant little, for 

the massive surge in advertising 

was only beginning. Still, a 

small gimmick added to a product 

could make the difference 

between staying on the shelf or 

going home with a customer. 

During the 20s and 30s giveaway 

dishes were the gimmicks 

that sold soap powders, brought 

people to the movies—a chance 

for a set of dishes influenced 

the choice of which film to go 

to—and, of course, oatmeal. 

Our daily lives went along 

on an even path. Not much 

happened on the farm except 

for the everlasting chores. 

Chores changed with the seasons, 

but even that change was 

predictable. So the possibility 

of a new dish or cup broke up 

the monotony. When Maw 

opened the new box, we stood 

around waiting to see what she 

unearthed from the rolled oats. 

When the plain white cup appeared, 

Maw was disappointed. 

It didn’t match anything she 

had. 

By that time Maw’s dishes 

had suffered from the ministrations 

of four girls who wanted 

to get the chore of dishwashing 

over as quickly as possible. 

Handles on cups were especially 

vulnerable. And there were at 

least two cups and saucers used 

at every meal, more if there 

were a hired man or visitors. 

Maw and Dad drank coffee 

at breakfast, tea for dinner and 

supper. It was a sign you were 

really grown up when you were 

allowed to have a cup of either 

beverage. When you were little, 

you could soak your toast crusts 

in Dad’s cup of well-sweetened 

coffee but you never had tea. 

Maw made drip coffee in an 

aluminum pot. She made tea in 

a china tea pot. And she used 

loose tea, spooning the leaves in 

to the heated pot and using a 

tea strainer to prevent tea leaves 

in her cup. Maw wasn’t fussy 

which tea she used, but Gar, 

who had learned to brew tea to 

suit Alvin’s taste, always used 

Salada. At that time Salada tea 

came in a foil package and was 

supposed to be superior to any 

other (advertising again). 

Maw’s tea pots were always 

dark brown pottery with 

brightly colored lines and dots 

for flowers around the top. 

Gar’s, as I remember, had a design 

of embossed latticework 

of white porcelain with painted 

leaves and flowers. It’s hard to 

describe the bumpy design a little 

girl noticed. Tea pots were 

vulnerable to knocks, especially 

the spouts. A small nick in the 

spout meant some of the tea 

dribbled down the pot and left 

drips on the oil cloth. The covers 

with their knobs or delicate 

china handles were also easily 

broken. (Aline broke the cover 

on her mother’s heavy crockery 

pot and still feels bad at the 

memory.) You still used the 

pot, though. An odd sauce dish 

(and where would that come 

from?) sat in the hole and kept 

in the heat. You just had to be 

sure to hold the saucer so it 

wouldn’t fall into the cup. 

What puzzles me is how I 

came to have the cup. When 

you are fourth in line, your 

chances of getting a prize are 

slim at best. Probably I got it 

because the cup is not all that 

pretty. Or maybe it was my 

turn. I’m sure I was loud in my 

assertion if that was the case. 

Anyway, the cup went into my 

treasure box along with the 

Shirley Temple dish and the little 

vase from Richter’s store. 

I still have the vase, white 

china, about five inches tall, 

with an idealized girl’s face in a 

bunch of purple violets. The 

edge has chipped but otherwise 

it is whole as is my prize cup. 

Thank you, Aline, for reminding 

me. 

Building & Remodeling 

Painting & Wallpapering 

JAMES F. EMMONS 

CONSTRUCTION 

Jim (802) 684-3856 1154 Bruce Badger Memorial Hwy. 

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David Matte 

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P.O. Box 88 


802.684.3371 

Deb Wallens-Matte 

FIC, LUTCF 

P.O. Box 88 


802.684.3371


Market Musings 

The market opens for the 2010 season 

BY JANE WOODHOUSE 

The sacrifice of last 

year’s farming season 

fades as growers move forward 

into what might be a 

banner year in the garden. 

Early warm temperatures 

contrast last year’s season 

that simply wouldn’t start. 

Work is made easy in a year 

blessed with cooperation 

not conflict. It is a rare year 

when northeast Vermont 

does not see heavy snow 

fall. 

The warmth of this March 

has been welcomed by all farmers 

who have waited patiently 

for the season to begin. Of 

course for most, the season has 

started and is in full swing as 

the opening day of market season 

approaches. The Caledonia 

Farmers Market will move to its 

outdoor spot in St. Johnsbury 

on Pearl Street behind Anthony’s 

Diner. Festivities begin 

on May 15 at 9 a.m. Old friends 

will reappear armed with produce 

and other handmade 

goods. Plants in the form of 

perennials, herb and vegetable 

starts, small fruits, and fruit 

trees will be available at market. 

One would expect the 

weekly offering of produce to 

expand rather quickly this year. 

It is hard to imagine that this 

warm spring will not continue 

giving life to new vegetable 

seeds and plants. Celebration is 

in the air. And quiet mutterings 

of “it’s about time,” can be 

heard. 

It is not too late for farmers 

to change plans and take a 

chance on crops that require 

sun and warmth in order to 

thrive. A decision to risk a field 

of melons will not be unexpected. 

This may be “the year!” 

But risk it is. We can expect another 

six weeks of frost. While 

not welcome, a hard frost is 

possible. Certainly it would be 

hard to risk a planting of frostfree 

crops in the field early. But 

if weather continues a plant set 

out in late May will take right 

off as it inhales the warmth of 

Summer 2010. Last year these 

plants stalled in the cold, damp 

air of June and lost their vigor. 

It is likely that opening market 

will see more produce as the 

current month is perfect for 

starting greens for salads and 

cooking. Who is not craving a 

fresh garden salad? But unlike 

last year, there is promise of the 

season gaining speed early this 

summer. 

Customers will return to 

market as they visit their old 

and steady friend. It is a ritual 

of spring to return year and 

year. But each year is a new discovery 

and this year’s offering 

will have a character of its own. 

The Wednesday market, on 

the green in Danville, opens 

June 2 at 9 a.m. 

Market association meets 

Members of the Caledonia Farmers Market Association 

(St. Johnsbury Farmers’ Market and Danville 

Farmers’ Market) met Monday April 12 for their annual 

spring meeting. More than 40 vendors attended the gathering, 

held in the South Congregational Church in St. 

Johnsbury, to discuss the approaching season. The St. 

Johnsbury market will open Saturday, May 15 and 

Danville’s market begins Wednesday, June 2. 

Curt Sjolander of Wheelock, the association’s treasurer, said 

that the market sales for 2009 were $364,999 with roughly two 

thirds coming from St. Johnsbury and one third from Danville. 

This is a 15 percent increase from 2008. Membership in the association 

has averaged around 50 vendors and there is a waiting 

list for new vendors. 

After considerable discussion, board members were directed 

to investigate all aspects of changing the Danville event from a 

morning market to a late afternoon market for 2011. Vendors will 

decide whether to change the time of this market at the fall meeting. 

Sjolander announced that the association now has its own 

website 

(http://sites.google.com/site/caledoniafarmersmarket/) 

where people can track news about the markets and get information 

about individual vendors. Both markets are also now on 

Facebook. 

Ken Mundinger of Danville and Dot Burrington of West 

Danville were reelected on the board of directors. Other directors 

include Sharon Eustace of St. Johnsbury, Tom Markewinski of 

Danville, Elizabeth Everts of Barnet and Amanda Legare of 

Cabot. Everts co-manages the market with Sjolander. 

INVEST IN YOURSELF 

TAKE A CLASS 

THIS SUMMER. 

Stuart V. Corso, D.M.D. 

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2902 VT Route 114 East Burke, Vermont 

Danville, 802-626-9622 

VT 05828 

Visitors Always Welcome 

 

(802) 684-1133 

www.danvilledentalgroup.com 

ART 

Digital Photography I - N, J 

Introduction to Studio Art - N 

Watercolor Painting I - N 

BIOLOGY 

Human Biology - J 

Introduction to Nutrition - N, J 

BUSINESS 

Introduction to Business - N 

COMMUNICATION 

Interpersonal & Small Group 

Communication - N, J 

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Microcomputer Applications I - N 

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English Composition - N, J 

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N = class in Newport 

J = class in St. Johnsbury 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

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HUMANITIES 

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INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 

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Introduction to Sociology - N 

... and over 200 classes online. 

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from Native Vermont Hardwood Visitors Always Welcome 


Sam & Weeza Sanderson 

2902 VT Route 114 East Burke, Vermont 

802-626-9622 

Visitors Always Welcome 

A FOUR SEASON SPORTING GOODS STORE 

Ski & Snowboard Sales, Rentals, Demos & Tuning 

Bike Sales, Service, Rentals & Accessories 

Kayak & Canoe Sales, Rentals & Accessories 

Hunting Supplies, Fully Stocked Gun Room, 

Licenses & Weigh Station 

Fishing Supplies, Licenses & Live Bait 

Huge Selection of Clothing, Outerwear & Footwear 

LOCATED JUST OFF I-91 EXIT 23 

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 802-626-8448 

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ALSO VISIT OUR OUTLET STORE 

IN DOWNTOWN LYNDONVILLE • 802-626-8447 

BROWN’S 

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A Neighborhood 

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heart of 

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FollowtheMoney 

“LET US SIT UPON THE GROUND...” 

OLD 

FRIENDS 

SHOP 

Come in and enjoy our 

spring & summer 

fashions 

and our 

interesting selection of antiques 

small household items 

books and jewelry! 

We still have 

toys, 

knick-knacks 

and of course 

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BACK ROOM! 

Mon - Fri 11-5 / Sat 10-3 

CLOSED SUNDAYS 

35 South Main 

Hardwick, VT 

BY RACHEL SIEGEL 

An early spring presents a choice: be swayed by hope and sunshine and dare to 

plant when the soil seems warmed, or rely on experience and hold off. 

Planting early creates a 

longer growing season and 

more yield and varieties, but carries 

the risk of a late frost destroying 

eager seedlings. 

Planting later limits the crops 

and shifts the risk to the end of 

the season when an early frost 

can defeat a summer’s worth of 

tending. Planting early gives 

more weight to current trends, 

planting later gives more to historical 

returns. What’s a gardener 

to do? The truth is our 

risks are fully hedged by liquidity: 

there’s always the farmer’s 

market and, if regional blight 

strikes, the super market. 

But for savers trying to establish 

funds to provide some 

financial security, a fallback if 

nothing else, there is no market 

but the capital market. We 

endow financial markets with a 

moral responsibility because we 

are so reliant on them and because 

we fear and respect that 

dependence. 

The latest bubble to besiege 

and beguile is the boom in smug 

commentary. Academics, investment 

bankers, regulators, reporters—everyone 

has 

something to say about the 

most recent financial crisis. We 

have always been quick to judge 

and advise: “Neither borrower or 

lender be…” Even Shakespeare, 

the great portrayer of kingdomsized 

ego, greed, jealousies, and 

loves could not refrain from financial 

commentary. 

Some commentators have 

found more human pathos by 

focusing on specific risk. They 

are anxious to report that those 

who ignore history are doomed 

to repeat it, those who like being 

the smartest one in the room 

eventually become the only one 

in the room, and those who succumb 

to greed are epically 

human. 

Those who focus on systemic 

flaws speak of regulatory 

weakness and theoretical myopia, 

some to the point of questioning 

the role of academia in 

trading intellectual capital and 

of the market in trading financial 

capital. 

If it’s just a few bad apples, 

we can find them out and lock 

them up, or at least shame them 

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into more inconspicuous capitalism. 

If it’s the market itself, 

we can restrict and restrain and 

regulate and provide watchdogs 

where there are none. 

Then there are those who 

would say that it is both, that in 

some strange, suicidal symbiosis, 

systemic incentives preyed 

on those attracted to the markets 

and eroded their values, 

which they then reflected. While 

we strive to deconstruct the failures 

and reconstruct a feasible 

system, there is another possibility. 

Maybe it wasn’t the nature 

of market or of man that failed. 

Maybe they worked. 

Contrarians point out that 

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the market did correct, or 

rather, was corrected by people 

who more accurately saw what 

was happening and acted on 

their beliefs. Some made fortunes 

betting against the bubbles. 

Those people were also 

driven by ego and greed; they 

just came to different conclusions. 

In the end, an unsustainable 

boom was predictably 

unsustainable, and those who 

couldn’t see it, fell with it. Markets 

froze, but perhaps as much 

because participants were trying 

to read portents of government 

interference—who would get 

how much bailout and when— 

as from sheer terror. 

It’s easy to indignantly focus 

on the human suffering, to read 

it as a failure of fairness at some 

level. It’s even easier to counter 

with notions of personal responsibility—who 

buys a home 

they cannot afford? who makes 

a loan they cannot prove? —and 

easiest to wallow in dreams deferred. 

Trusting and desperate 

souls pin their hopes on asset 

boom after asset boom because 

investors, led by greed, lead by 

The Pope Memorial Library 

publicly thanks the following for making 

Kurt & Joanne Adams 

Jim & Mary Anne Allen 

Joe Barbieri & Rebecca Roth 

Walter Barlow 

Peace Baxter 

Martha & Jim Becker 

Kimberly & Edward Behr 

Ray & Peg Bergiel 

The Bergmans 

Mary & Paul Berlejung 

Tom & Sarah Berrian 

Mr. & Mrs. E.A. Bertolini 

Kate & Martin Bertolini 

Linda Jean Bess 

Gordon Bess 

Mrs.Alice J. Blair 

Virginia Boyle 

Sharon Chamberlain 

Corinne & David Chamberlin 

Patricia Coe 

Lance & Linda Comfort 

Cathy &Tom Conte 

Judy & Stuart Corso 

Jack & Roz Daniels 

Mary Deaett 

Camilla &Tom Dente 

Gail & Frank Dolan 

Barbara & Gus Enos 

The Esser Family 

Terry Fairchild 

Lynda & Gary Farrow 

Kathy Fenoff 

Sharon Fine & Robert Rotti 

Lisa & Bob Fitch 

Ginny Flanders 

Rita Foley & Jill Kelleher 

Jeff Frampton 

Arnie &Winona Gadapee 

Brent Gadapee 

Peter & Jeanne Gallerani 

Jeff & Ellen Gold 

Skip & Debbie Gray 

Marjorie Greaves 

Rachel Hadas 

Cecil Hall 

Gale Hamilton 

Lisa Hantman 

David & Gail Hare 

Calvin & Lois Haseltine 

John & Megan Haygood 

Pam & Joe Hebert 

Sara Heft 

Terry & Kathy Hoffer 

Russell Houghton 

Dave & Jan Houston 

Franklin & Donna Hovey 

Timothy & Jenness Ide 

Barbara Jenks 

Allan & Jennifer Johnston 

James & Norma Jung 

Jane & Guil Kitchel 

Mildred La Beur 

Olivia Laferriere 

Jennifer & Benjamin Lam 

Dorothy Larrabee 

example. 

It would all just be ever so 

tedious except that we have no 

choice but to participate in the 

markets once we have rejected 

the mattress as our depository. 

We have no choice but to save 

for education or retirement or 

even just emergencies somehow, 

and we cannot possible save 

enough in nominal terms, so we 

have to give our funds a chance 

to grow, and risk the frost in trying. 

In the end, there is no perfect 

hedge, except wealth itself. 

We can debate how and 

where and when and what to 

save, but save we must. This 

new bumper crop of commentary 

reflects our intellectual and 

moral indignation, and our frustration, 

and our hope. An early 

spring poses opportunities and, 

with them, risks. An early spring 

is a taunting thing. 

Rachel S. Siegel, CFA, consults 

on investment portfolio 

performance and strategy. She is 

a professor in the business administration 

department at Lyndon 

State College. 

the 2009-2010 Annual Appeal a success: 

Judy & Dave Lavely 

Justin & Ginni Lavely 

Ms. Beaulah Lawrence 

Deb & Barry LeBarron 

Norm Lewis 

Ken & Cheryl Linsley 

Penelope Lowe 

Wendy MacKenzie & Matthew Langham 

John & Barbara Matsinger 

Beth McCabe 

Jean & Joe McClure 

Patricia McGill 

Judith McGivney 

Jeff & Kellie Merrell 

Anne Michals 

Steve Mills & Marilyn Beattie 

Christine Mulligan 

Molly Newell 

Bob & Jenn Nixon 

Cam & Peter O’Brien 

Ernest Osterman & Susanne Gray 

Bill & Carol Ottinger 

Janice Mae & Dan Ouellette 

Passumpsic Savings Bank 

Ed & Karen Pcolar 

Bill & Betsey Peabody 

William & Lucia Pearl 

Jane Peck 

Hollis & Mary Prior 

Mr. & Mrs. J. Ernest Racenet 

Record Appraisal Group 

Shirley Richardson & Michael Smith 

Eleanor Ritchie 

Cindy Robbins 

Eileen Rossetti 

Cathy Rousse 

Elizabeth & Robert Sargent 

Ray Saufroy 

Dan Schmiech & Donna Lambert 

Andrea & Paul Searls 

Harwant & Nora Sethi 

Caroline Sherry 

Harriet Shorr & Jim Long 

Dawn & Ron Sicard 

Anna & Edward Somers 

Sarah Spence 

Henretta Splain 

Laurel Stanley 

Marge Ste. Marie 

Emmett & Jane Sullivan 

Dan & Mary Swainbank 

Philip & SusanTallman 

Tim & SuzanneTanner 

CaroleTeegarden 

DorisTherrien 

GailThorgalsen 

Kitty & AbelToll 

Christopher & PamelaVance 

Edwin & KathleenWalsh 

Diane & DuaneWebster 

Ida & EdwardWheeler 

LoisWhite 

JamesWilson 

Dan & MaryWyand 

Tom Ziobrowski & BethWilliams 

In addition to the above names we would also like to give special thanks to those 

who generously donated to the Chamber of Combined Community Membership 

Drive to benefitThe Pope Memorial Library.


Green Cheese by Peter Dannenberg 

Supersized science safety a smashing success 

The $10 billion atom smasher 

buried under the Swiss-French border 

is working—at half power. 

Physicists are being careful, after a 

test in September 2008 blew out 

bad connections between two huge 

electromagnets. The accident 

caused widespread damage and 

delay. Scientists think other electrical 

circuits may be iffy, so they will 

run at half speed for up to two 

years. Then the laboratory will shut 

down to recheck everything, before 

cranking up the juice. 

The collider shattered its own 

world record for high-speed subatomic 

collisions on March 30. Two 

streams of protons crashed headon, 

at almost the speed of light, producing 

silent fireworks on detectors. 

Scientists will study the displays for 

clues about the birth of the universe. 

The force applied to protons is 

small in everyday terms, like a 

smash-up of two fireflies. Because 

protons are tiny, forcing them to 

race around a circle so fast, even at 

half power, is like pressing down on 

a one-pound weight with enough 

force to make it weigh 3,500 

pounds. Then these super-massive 

protons crash and splinter into even 

tinier particles. 

Goodbye Cool World 

The 17-mile-long tunnel that 

Spring Flings and Other Things 

The Athenaeum Gala 

Spectacular auction including 

Case of wine 

Gourmet dinners 

Kayak 

Ski passes 

Old Mill family membership 

Vacation home stays 

Sunset cruise 

Plane rides 

Domestic airline tickets 

. . . and much more! 

houses the atom smasher is a flyspeck 

compared to the laboratory 

other scientists want to use. Climate 

engineers want to change the 

world’s weather, using techniques 

called geoengineering. 

Climatologists sweat over rising 

temperatures. The last decade was 

the warmest on record, according to 

the World Meteorological Organization. 

Most scientists think human 

activity, like burning fossil fuels, 

worsens global warming. 

Some think we are fast-approaching 

a tipping point when it 

will be too late to reverse environmental 

disasters, such as spreading 

deserts, droughts and melting polar 

icecaps. Activists point to the failure 

of international summit talks to 

draft workable treaties to cut greenhouse 

gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. 

They say we must act 

now. 

Geothermal Heating 

provides space heating by 

taking thermal energy from 

groundwater with a heat pump. 

Cleaner Cars 

The U.S. government wants to 

clean up greenhouse gases. On 

April 1, it enacted tough fuel efficiency 

standards for autos. By 2016, 

new cars and trucks must emit 21 

percent fewer gases. New cars will 

use less fuel, but they will cost about 

$1,000 more. It will be a net savings 

for consumers who drive a 2016 or 

later car for at least three years, 

Transportation Secretary Ray La- 

Hood said. 

Too Little, Too Late 

The Environmental Protection 

Agency says transportation contributes 

more than 28 percent of all 

U.S. greenhouse gases. The U.S. produces 

more of these gases per 

capita than other countries. The 

new law is the biggest step to cut 

these gases in thirty years, but geoengineers 

say it will take too long to 

see benefits. Greenhouse gases 

from other countries, and more discharges 

from new power plants and 

non-transportation sources in the 

U.S., will erase some gains from the 

new law. 

For analysis, costs and benefits for your home, contact Jim Ashley: 

Green Mountain Geothermal LLC 

PO Box 222 W. Danville VT 05873 

(802) 684-3491 www.vermontgeo.com 

Chill Out 

Geoengineers met outside 

How much does it 

cost to heat your 

home? 

Fuel Oil..........................$25.48 

Kerosene.......................$28.77 

Propane.........................$40.40 

Natural Gas...................$19.25 

Coal...............................$19.79 

Electricity......................$41.35 

GEOTHERMAL.............$10.34 

Wood (green)................$14.39 

Pellets........................... $19.59 

* Comparisons per million BTUs by VT 

DPS April 2010 

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Monterey, California late in March. 

They failed to agree on new guidelines 

for projects to cool the earth. 

They worry that without standards, 

either no one will act or well-heeled 

corporations will launch risky pet 

projects. With no treaties, only voluntary 

guidelines can control climate-changing 

experiments. 

Some ideas are inexpensive and 

benign. Using light-colored materials 

to reflect sunlight away from 

roofs and pavement in urban areas 

is an idea that already has had some 

success. 

Computer billionaire Bill Gates 

invested in a proposal to use large 

vertical pipes to circulate water from 

icy ocean depths to the warmer surface. 

A patent application says this 

would disrupt hurricanes, which get 

energy from warm ocean water. 

Most scientists think other ideas are 

more feasible. However, large-scale 

tinkering with the climate could lead 

to disaster, if something goes 

wrong. 

Shade the World 

Some schemes would cut the 

sunlight that reaches Earth. Seawater 

sprayed from robot ships into 

clouds would make them whiter and 

more reflective. The effect would 

last a few days, unless repeated. 

Another idea is sending sulfur 

aerosols into the stratosphere to 

make it harder for sunlight to penetrate. 

This idea is relatively cheap 

and long lasting, but it would change 

the appearance of the sky and sunsets. 

In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo, in the 

Philippines, erupted and threw sulfur 

dioxide miles high. It was like 

putting sunglasses on the world. 

Temperatures dropped, on average, 

about one degree Fahrenheit for 

months. If another big volcano 

erupted shortly after adding sulfur 

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aerosols, it might get too cool. It 

takes a long time for minute sulfur 

dioxide particles to fall to earth. This 

plan could increase acid rain, which 

harms the environment. 

Mirror, Mirror in the Sky 

Much more expensive and difficult 

are mechanical ideas like building 

sunscreens or solar mirrors in 

space. It would be possible to shut 

down such machines quickly, if it 

got too nippy. But no one has ever 

built such mammoth devices in 

space. 

Fertilize the Seas 

Critics of shade proposals point 

out that they do nothing to reduce 

carbon dioxide and other greenhouse 

gases already in the atmosphere. 

They say we changed our 

climate by taking oil, gas and coal 

out of the earth and burning them. 

Now we have to lock up the released 

gases again. 

Build Better Trees 

Ideas to get rid of atmospheric 

carbon include planting genetically 

modified trees to use it; burying 

anaerobic charcoal to absorb gases; 

using machines to pump atmospheric 

carbon dioxide into underground 

storage chambers; and 

fertilizing oceans with iron. 

This last would increase algae 

growth. As algae die, they sink to the 

ocean floor with the carbon they absorbed 

in life. This also might make 

oceans less acidic; acidic seawater 

may be killing huge coral reefs. 

However, as dead algae decay, some 

carbon dioxide would bubble back 

up. 

Freeze the North Pole 

Some geoengineers say we need 

to focus efforts on Arctic sea ice, 

not the whole world. They point out 

that the far north is especially vulnerable 

to warming and Arctic permafrost 

traps massive amounts of 

methane. Releasing methane gas 

would warm the atmosphere even 

more. They suggest spraying seawater 

at Arctic clouds only. 

Risky Business 

Some environmentalists say 

geoengineering proposals are harebrained. 

Because weather patterns 

are complex, it may be years before 

we understand the effects of global 

experiments. Climate is hard to 

model on computers; no one can 

predict long-term results with certainty. 

They point to “the law of unintended 

consequences” and failed 

small attempts. For example, a relatively 

small ocean fertilization experiment 

off Chile grew more 

plankton, but potentially harmful 

toxins increased. 

Environmentalists also fear lobbyists 

may use these proposals as a 

ploy to delay passing laws and international 

agreements to reduce 

greenhouse gases. They think piein-the-sky 

proposals will become 

excuses to put off action. 

Most environmentalists want to 

combine three approaches: new regulations, 

cleanup efforts and learning 

how to live in a warmer world. 

Geoengineering would be used only 

after all else failed, as an emergency 

fallback. Opponents say geoengineering 

is drastic, “a bad idea whose 

time has come.” Climate changes 

that benefit some may hurt others. 

Making the Arctic colder might 

slow global warming, but shorten 

northern growing seasons. 

Some fret that rogue nations will 

ignore treaties and manipulate the 

climate to hurt their enemies or gain 

military advantage. At this time, 

there is no world body to settle climate 

disputes between nations or 

make rules about manipulating 

weather. 

Pandora’s Box 

The old adage, “You can talk 

about the weather but you can’t do 

anything about it,” may be outmoded. 

Skeptics worry that nice 

weather for ducks—or penguins— 

may become our only weather, if 

geoengineers try to trick Mother 

Nature. However, if we do nothing, 

camels may be the only creatures 

that enjoy the climate. Will it be 

sunny or cloudy? Only time and 

temperature will tell. 

Historical Association to host 

program on Peacham heritage 

The Peacham Historical 

Association will host a 

program about Vermont’s 

Cultural Heritage with a special 

emphasis on Peacham as a 

part of Preservation Week, 

May 9 - May 15, on Saturday, 

May 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the 

Peacham Library. 

The program will address the 

preservation concerns of local collections 

and other collectors by 

providing Web and other resources 

focusing on the Historical 

Association and Peacham Library 

as places for preserving our rich 

heritage. 

The program will review techniques 

used by PHA to restore and 

preserve diaries and other paper 

documents; photographs; books; 

and various objects from butter 

molds to blacksmith’s tools. You 

are encouraged to bring items to 

share which represent the role of 

local families in Peacham’s history. 

 

 

In addition, historians will demonstrate 

how to search the data base 

(Past Perfect) of the PHA collections 

for genealogical information, 

local history or other personal research. 

This program sponsored by 

PHA is a part of a national campaign 

to help raise awareness 

about collecting and preservation, 

to connect the general public to 

preservation information and expertise, 

and to emphasize the close 

relationships among personal, 

family, community, and public collections 

and their preservation. 

This first annual preservation week 

was designed by the partnership of 

the American Library Association, 

the Society of American 

Archivists, the Library of Congress, 

the Institute of Museum and 

Library Services, and many other 

cultural heritage organizations. 

For further information contact 

Diana Senturia, (802) 592- 

3989. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Located at the Woodside House / 611 Rt. 2 East / Danville, VT

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 

Business Identification at a Reasonable Price $85.00/ year Price Includes Free Subscription 

Accounting & Tax Preperation 

Kenneth M. Biathrow, CPA 

Tax preparation services -Personal, business, estate. Accounting 

services, financial statements review and compilation. 

P.O. Box 528, 364 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, VT 

05819. (802) 748-2200. 

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Dwight E. Lakey, CPA; Robin C. Gauthier, CPA. 1360 Main 

Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-2285. (802) 748-4914. 

(800) 516-CPAS. 

A.M. Peisch & Company LLC 

A five-office Vermont based accounting firm specializing in 

individual and business tax services, financial and retirement 

planning, accounting, auditing and estate planning. 

We provide technology services including network security, 

operational reviews and accounting support. 1020 Memorial 

Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT. 05819. (802) 748-5654. 

H&R Block 

Tax, bookkeeping and payroll services. D. Neil Stafford, 

master tax advisor. 443 Railroad Street, Suite 1, St. Johnsbury, 

VT 05819. (802) 748-5319. 76 Main Street, PO Box 

65, Littleton, NH 03561. Lyndonville Branch (Jan.-Apr.) 

101 Depot Street, Lyndonville VT 05851. (802) 626-0884. 

Lisa Burrington, EA, LLC 

“Enrolled to practice before the IRS.” Tax and accounting 

services for individuals and small businesses. Address: 

106 Hill Street Lyndonville, VT 05851 Phone: (802) 626- 

9140 Fax: (802) 626-9141 Email: lisaburrington@myfairpoint.net. 

Magnus & Associates 

Tax planning and preparation, 459 Portland St., St. Johnsbury, 

Vt.. Contact Ed Magnus at (802) 748-5555 or 

sungam@myfairpoint.net. 

Antiques 

Antiques & Emporium 

Antiques, quality used furniture, glassware, clocks, handwoven 

wool rugs, large selection of fine and costume jewelery. 

Always buying gold, silver, and coins. Open Daily: 10 

a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 182 South Wheelock Road, 

Lyndonville, VT 05851. (802) 626-3500. 

Saranac Street Antiques 

We feature a very large selection of fine antique furniture. 

Also quality area dealers specializing in primitives, White 

Mountain art, tools, country pieces and exceptional glass 

and china. Consider us a “must see” on your antiquing 

list. Open Wed.-Sun. at 10 a.m. for your shopping convenience. 

141 Main Street, Littleton, NH 03561. (603) 444- 

4888. 

Appliance Repair 

Lewis Appliance 

Factory Authorized Service and Repair for Maytag, JennAir, 

Asko, Bosch and Frigidaire. Wayne Lewis, Waterford, VT. 

(802) 748-6561. 

Attorneys 

Law Office of Charles D. Hickey, PLC 

General Practice of Law. 69 Winter St., PO Box 127, St. 

Johnsbury, VT 05819-0127. (802) 748-3919. 

Law Offices of Jay C. Abramson 

Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Wills, Trusts, 

Real Estate. Certified Elder Law Attorney. 1107 Main 

Street, Suite 101, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748- 

6200. 

Law Office of Deborah T. Bucknam & Associates 

Family Law, Business & Commercial, Property & Land Use, 

Wills, Estates & Trusts, Government, Personal Injury and 

Real Estate. 1097 Main St., PO Box 310, St. Johnsbury, VT 

05819. (802) 748-5525. 

Clarke D. Atwell, Esq., Gensburg & Atwell 

Small business, Zoning, Cottage Law, Real Estate, Rights 

of Way, Estate Planning and Trusts, Probate Estate Administration, 

Guardianships, etc. 364 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, 

VT. (802) 748-5338 or clarke@neklaw.net. 

Auctioneers 

Eaton Auction Service 

Specializing in Antiques, Collectibles and Estate Sales. 

Personal and knowledgeable service. From one item to a 

whole household. Auctioneers: Chuck Eaton and Delsie 

Hoyt Phone: (802) 333-9717. Address: Fairlee, VT 05045. 

www.eatonauctionservice.com 

Jenkins Auction Service 

We handle antiques, bankruptcies, benefits, estates and 

equipment. Auctioneers are Blake Jenkins Jr. and Kirby 

Parker. Visit us at www.jenkinsauctionservice.com, E-mail 

us at sold@jenkinsauctionservice.com or call (802) 748- 

9296. 

Autobody Repair 

Five Star Autobody 

Certified collision repair center. Complete autobody repairs 

from glass to frame. George & Suzanne Mudge. Located 

off I-91, Exit 22, 604 Lapierre Drive, St. Johnsbury, 

VT 05819. (802) 748-5321. 

JJ’s Autobody 

John Jefferson, Barnet, Vt. Expert collision and rust repair, 

discounts on all deductibles, complete glasswork, AC service 

and repair ASE and PPG certified, (802) 633-3902. 

Automobile Repair 

Burke View Garage, Inc. 

Larry Lefaivre, Owner. Domestic & Import Repair; Brakes, 

Exhaust, Tune-Ups. State Inspection Station.We Do It All. 

Tire Sales also. M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. RT 114, Lyndonville, 

VT 05851. (802) 626-3282. 

Banks 

Passumpsic Savings Bank 

Your Partner in Financial Success. 53 Route 2 West, 

Danville, VT 05828. (802) 684-8100. Other offices located 

in: Vermont: St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, Island Pond, 

Newport, New Hampshire: Littleton, Lancaster, Groveton 

and Whitefield. Member FDIC. www.passumpsicbank.com 

Books 

Lyders Fine Books 

A selection of modern first editions in fine condition. rlyders@fairpoint.net 

(802) 592-3086. Josette & RIchard Lyders, 

PO Box 250, Peacham, VT 05862. 

Secondhand Prose 

Purveyor of quality used books. Operated by Friends of the 

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. Open: Tues., Thurs. and Sat. 11- 

3, Wed. 1-5 and Fri. 11-5, 1222 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, 

VT 05819. 

Bricklayer 

C.T. Cushman Masonry 

Chimneys, Fireplaces, Patios, Stonewalls, Slate & Flagstone 

Walkways, Steps, Chimney and Foundation Repairs, 

Brick & Stone Veneer. 35 Years Experience. Chimney 

Cleaning. (802) 748-2221. 

Plumb Line Masonry 

Brick, block and stone for fireplaces, chimneys, walls, 

steps, patioes, etc. Contact Steven Towsley at.(802) 748- 

6595, (802) 535-8709, plumblinemasonry@myfairpoint.net, 

or visit 

www.plumblinemasonry.com. 

Cabinetry 

Calendar Brook Cabinetry 

Since 1979 – Custom Kitchen Cabinetry, Bathroom Vanities, 

Entertainment Centers, Tables, Doors, Architectural 

Millwork and Mouldings, Hardwoods and Hardwood Plywoods, 

Hardwood Flooring, Stone and Solid Surface and 

Laminate Tops. David Patoine, Master Craftsman. 4863 

Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-5658. 

Scott Davis Cabinetmaker 

Custom Handcrafted Furniture & Cabinetry. Millwork. 

Countertops avialable in Stone, Solid Suface, Butcher 

Block & Laminate. Kitchen & Bath Design. Scott Davis, 

Owner, 1981 West Barnet Rd Barnet VT (802) 633-3637, 

sdaviscab@gmail.com, 

www.ScottDavisCabinetmakers.com. 

Chimney Service 

Clean Sweep Chimney Service 

Sweep & inspection of all types of chimneys, fireplaces, inserts, 

wood & pellet appliances and more. Stainless steel 

liners, flashing, repointing, water proofing, chimney top 

outs and caps. Most chimney problems can be avoided 

with regular preventative care. McClure’s Enterprises, LLC, 

PO Box 318, Lyndonville, VT 05851, (802) 626-9700. 

Cleaning 

Natural Cleaning Solutions 

Creating a safe & healthy living environment. Business & 

residential cleaning services, including air ducts, dryer, 

vents, carpets, tile/grout, furniture, mattresses, and air & 

water purification. Call now for a free inspection of your air 

ducts. 728 Lower Waterford Rd, Waterford, VT 05819. 

(802) 748-5120, (603) 991-9962. 

Computers 

Northeast Computer Systems 

Home & Business Computer Systems. Networking, Hardware, 

Service, Support and Software. 37 Depot Street, PO 

Box 1059, Lyndonville, VT 05851. (802) 626-1050. FAX 

(802) 626-5012. www.necomp.com 

Parallax Management Services, Inc. 

MS Access & database design; Excel programming; MS Office 

training/ automation; Quantitative analysis graphic design 

for Illustrator graphic designers; Computer 

presentation and public speaking skills training. Data conversions, 

implementations, statistical analysis, forecasting 

and other individual and business services. Contact Dan 

Zucker, Danville, VT. www.parallaxman.com Email: 

zucker@parallaxman.com 

wyBatap Personal Technology Assistant 

On your schedule in your home/business. (Days - Evenings 

-Weekends) Desktop and Laptop Computers - Setup, Networking,Wireless, 

QuickBooks,”How To,” AntiVirus, Spyware, 

Data Recovery and more… Bob Roos, Barnet VT. 

(802) 633-4395. PersTech@wybatap.com 

Construction 

A.C. Trades 

Foundation and Sill Repair. Winter Selective Cut Logging 

(S.F.I. certified). Andy Cochran, PO Box 106, Peacham VT 

05862. (802) 684-9890. 

Armstrong Masonry 

Masonry Construction & Repair. Brick, Stone, Block. Fireplaces, 

Chimneys, Veneer, Patios, Walkways. Ken Armstrong. 

(802) 626-8495. 

Black Dog Builders 

We are quality builders. We employ innovative techniques 

in new construction and renovations. We build near zero 

energy buildings, perform home energy audits, and WE 

BUILD GREEN. Call (802) 748-9443 or visit blackdogbuildersvt.com. 

Bob’s Construction 

Foundations, Floors, Mobile Home slabs, Foundations 

under existing homes. 23 years experience. Price stays the 

same from beginning of the job to the end. ACI certified. 

Robert Barnes. (802) 626-8763. 

Calkins Rock Products, Inc. 

Sale of Sand, Gravel and All Sizes of Ledge Products. 

Portable Crushing. Route 5, PO Box 82, Lyndonville, VT 

05851. (802) 626-5636. 

DAL Builders 

David A. Lavely. Design-build and construction management 

experience for residential and commercial projects. 

26 years of local experience in new construction and renovations. 

PO Box 362 Danville Vt 05828. Phone/Fax (802) 

684-2116 or E-mail: dlavely@myfairpoint.net. 

Fenoff & Hale Construction 

All your construction needs. Fully insured. Timber frames, 

new homes, drywall & free estimates, remodeling, additions, 

roofing, siding and decks. Small or large projects, including 

interior and exterior painting. Phone: (802) 

684-9955 or Fax: (802) 684-3414. 

Gil’s Construction 

Foundations & Floors. New Rapid Forms. Free Estimates. 

Gilman LaCourse. (802) 748-9476. 

James F. Emmons Construction 

For all your building,, remodeling,, painting and wallpapering 

needs. 1154 Bruce Badger Memorial Highway, 

Danville VT. (802) 684-3856. 

Laferriere Construction, Inc. 

New construction, remodeling, custom work, residential & 

commercial. Dennis Laferriere, 525 Wightman Rd, 

Danville, VT 05828. (802) 684-3606. FAX (802) 684- 

3628. 

Michael K. Walsh & Son, Builders 

Custom new construction: Houses, decks, remodeling, 

renovations, restorations, additions, finish work, wallpapering. 

High quality workmanship for over 30 years. Solid 

reputation. 349 Calkins Camp Rd., Danville, VT 05828. 

(802) 684-3977. 

Northeast Foam 

Spray-injected foam insulation. Air/vapor barrier installations. 

Quality assurance testing. Infrared testing. Coatings. 

Frank Hovey, Lead Technician. Call (802) 535-7241 or E- 

mail fhovey@gmail.com. 

Ross C. Page Foundations 

Concrete foundations & slabs. Residential, Agricultural & 

Commercial. Ross C. Page, 368 Thaddeus Stevens Road, 

Peacham, VT 05862. (802) 592-3382. FAX (802) 592- 

3382. 

Ruggles Roofing 

Sick of Shoveling Your Roof? Our 80,000 PSI steel offers 

superior strength to your home or business. With 19 attractive 

colors to choose from it will enhance your buildings 

while heavy snow slides off to the ground. Fully 

insured. (802) 467-1189. 

Randy’s Home Repair 

Sheetrocking, painting, roofing, decks, vinyl siding and 

trim, jacking and foundation repair, hardwood floor installlation 

and refinishing old floors. Fully insured, free estimates, 

affordable rates. Located at 355 Pleasant Street, 

St. Johnsbury, Vt., (802) 748-6556. 

Rob Keach Builders 

Custom commercial & residential construction. No job too 

big or too small. 2300 Daniels Farm Rd., Waterford, VT 

05819. (802) 748-5341 or (802) 283-3627. 

Vermont Home Specialties 

Sales center of Real Log Homes, Timberpeg Post & Beam, 

Corbond spray foam insulation & standing seam roofing, 

Medallion and Plain & Fancy Cabinetry, Soapstone, Granite, 

Corian & Laminate countertops, Woodland furniture, 

Hand-forged iron furniture, rugs, lighting, wreaths and special 

gifts for your home. Stop by our model log homs at 

1535 Route 2, West Danville, VT, (802) 684-1024. 

William Graves Builders 

Working throughout Caledonia County for 32 years, serving 

as a building and renovation contractor for residences, 

barns, businesses and public facilities. We also offer project 

management services. We appreciate your calls and 

interest. PO Box 128, 329 Cloud Brook Road, Barnet, VT 

05821. (802) 633-2579 . gravesbuild@myfairpoint.net 

Cross-Country Skiing 

Highland Lodge 

Located in Greensboro, VT. 1860s inn and restaurant 

overlooking Caspian Lake. Unspoiled cross-country skiing. 

50K groomed and track set. Never crowded. Stunning 

views. Greensboro/Craftsbury ski link. Wonderful meals. 

Breakfast daily, lunch Tues.-Sun. in summer, lunch Thurs.- 

Sun. in summer, Sunday brunch, dinner daily. Nature programs, 

cozy lodging with children’s play program in 

summer, sandy beach, boats and tennis. (802) 533-2647, 

info@highlandlodge.com and www.highlandlodge.com. 

Dentists 

Hawkins Dental Group 

Hubert Hawkins, DDS. Complete Family Dentistry. New patients 

welcome. 1350 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 

05819. (802) 748-2325. (800) 870-4963. 

Dining 

Brown’s Market Bistro 

On the Wells River along Rt. 302 in beautiful Groton Village 

and features live music with Jean Anderson and other 

local artists on Friday and Saturday nights. Catering parties 

and special events. Open for dinner Tues.-Sat. 4:30 to 

9 pm. BYOB. Reservations suggested, (802) 584-4124. 

Tim’s Deli 

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., 6:30 a.m. 

to 8 p.m. Taco salad special on Wednesdays, All-you-caneat 

fried haddock on Friday nights, chicken pie with all the 

fixings on Saturdays. 580 Portland St., St. Johnsbury, VT 

05819 (802) 748-3118. 





views. Greensboro/Craftsbury ski link. Wonderful meals. 

Breakfast daily, lunch Tues.-Sun. in summer, lunch Thurs.- 

Sun. in summer, Sunday brunch, dinner daily. Nature programs, 

cozy lodging with children’s play program in 

summer, sandy beach, boats and tennis. (802) 533-2647, 

info@highlandlodge.com and www.highlandlodge.com. 

Dry Cleaning 

Palmer Bros. Dry Cleaning. 

Shirt laundry, alterations, linen rentals for special occasions. 

Pick-up and delivery available at Hastings Store in 

West Danville. Open Mon.,Tues. & Thurs. 7-5:30, Wed & 

Fri. 7-6, Sat. 8-12. Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT. (802) 

748-2308. 

Electrical Service 

Matt Pettigrew Electric 

New homes (conventional frame, post & beam or log) renovations 

or service upgrade (aerial or underground). Heating 

system controls, generator installations and all other 

phases of electrical work in a professional manner. Licensed 

in VT & NH. Danville, VT. (802) 751-8201. 

Greaves Electrical Services 

Free estimates. Fully licensed and insured. Call Tim 

Greaves, owner, Office: (802) 563-2550 Cell: (802) 

316-6961 or send an email to greaveselc@aol.com. 

P.O. Box 124 Cabot, Vt. 05647 

Elecrical Sales & Service 

Byrne Electronic Service Center 

New & Used Television, VCR and other consumer electronic 

sales. Factory authorized service center for several 

brands. Professional repair service on all TV’s, 

VCR’s, Stereos and pro audio equipment. 159 Eastern 

Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-2111. 

Excavation 

Compact Excavation Services 

Including stumps, trenches, drainage, crushed stone 

driveways, york raking, small building demolition, 

small foundations, tree length brush removed, rock retaining 

walls built, excavator (with thumb) picks up 

most anything. Also trucking and trailer to 10,000 

pounds and 30’ long. Matt Pettigrew, Danville, VT. 

(802) 751-8201. 

C&C Bunnell Excavating 

Site Work, Septic Systems, Bulldozing, Roads, Ponds 

and Trucking Sand, Topsoil, Gravel & Stone Deliveries. 

Calvin Bunnell, Joe’s Brook Rd., Barnet, VT 05821. 

(802) 633-3413. 

Fabrics 

Sewin’ Love Fabric Shoppe 

Quality fabrics, batting, sewing supplies, buttons, patterns, 

books, embroidery floss, finished quilts & table 

runners, lessons at all levels (both group & individual). 

Open Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10-5, Wed. 10-7, Fri. 12:30-5, 

Sun. 10-5 (seasonally), closed Mon. Located on Hill 

Street at the blinking light in Danville, VT. (802) 684- 

9790, sewinlovefabric@gmail.com, www.sewinlovefabrics.com 

Farm Equipment 

Paul’s Farm Service 

Paul D. Bergeron. Serving Agricultural Needs with Integrity 

Since 1976. Sales, service and parts for Same, 

Deutz Fahr and Zetor lines. 514 West Main Street (US 

RT 2) Concord, VT 05824. (802) 695-2500 

Farm & Feed 

Morrison’s Feed Bag 

Family-owned and operated since 1983. Kowledgeable 

and courteous staff. High quality pet foods and 

supplies, Wild bird seed, muck boots, clothing, fencing, 

horse tack and supplies, wood pellets and much 

more. Come see us at 1186 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, 

VT or call (802) 748-0010, 

www.morrisonfeeds.com. 

Fencing 

All Types of Fencing 

Commercial, Agricultural and Residential. Chain Link, 

High Tensile, Barbed Wire, Woven Wire and Ornamental. 

Gordon Goss. (802) 633-2822. Cell (802) 777- 

0919. Fax (802) 633-3405. gossmaple@kingcon.com 

Flooring 

The Carpet Connection, Inc. 

The flooring specialists. All types of floor covering and 

supplies. Largest selection in the state. Sales and installation. 

199 Depot Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851. 

(802) 626-9026 or (800) 822-9026. 

Country Floors 

Complete Flooring Sales & Installation. Carpeting, 

Vinyl, Hardwood, Ceramic Tile, Area Rugs. Stanley H. & 

Joanne C. Martin, Hollister Hill Road, Plainfield, VT 

05667. (802) 454-7301. 

Chuck’s Flooring & Tile 

Service with integrity for all your flooring needs. Independantly 

owned and operated. 205 VT Route 114, 

East Burke, VT 05832, (802) 626-9011, www.chucksflooring.com. 

Greg’s Floor Sanding 

Wood floor installation, sanding & refinishing. Professional, 

respectful, insured. 1797 Danville-Peacham 

Rd, Barnet, VT. (802) 684-3318. 

Florists 

All About Flowers 

All occasion florist featuring the freshest flowers and 

plants in town. A fine selection of silk flowers and customized 

food baskets. A unique variety of gift items. 

Wedding and funeral arrangements for all budgets. 

Wire service available. 10% senior discount not applicable 

with other discounts. 196 Eastern Avenue, St. 

Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-5656 or (800) 499- 

6565. 

Forestry 

McMath Forestry 

Complete Ecological Forestland Management Services. 

David McMath, Forester, Beth Daut, Forester, 

4875 Noyestar Road, East Hardwick, VT 05836. (802) 

472-6060. Toll Free: (866) 462-6284. 

www.mctree.com 

Everts Forest Management 

Timber Inventories & Appraisals. Timber Sales. Tax Assistance. 

Forest Management Plans. NH License No. 

207. Peter Everts, 278 Cloudy Pasture Lane, West Barnet, 

VT 05821. (802) 592-3088. 

Furniture Restoration 

Chair Care and Klappert Furniture Restoration 

Authentic restoration of old finishes and techniques 

for antique & fine furniture. Specializing in chair repair 

& all seat replacement. 90 5th Avenue, St. Johnsbury, 

VT. 05819-2672. (802) 748-0077.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 

Business Identification at a Reasonable Price $85.00/ year Price Includes Free Subscription 

Gardening 

Fine Garden Design 

Landscape design and consulting services. Offering creative 

and fresh approaches to kitchen gardens,perennial 

gardens and complete landscape design. Inspiring gardeners 

and cultivating beautiful landscapes since 1995. Angie 

Knost, Certified Professional Horticulturist, Walden, VT 

(802) 563-2535 

Glass Sales & Service 

Mayo’s Glass Service, Inc. 

Commercial, Residential, Auto, Vinyl, Fiberglass & Aluminum 

Windows, Awnings & Doors. Plate Glass, Mirrors, Insulated 

Glass. 744 Portland Street, St. Johnsbury, VT. (802) 

748-8895. 

Hair Care 

Country Styles Family Hair Care 

Janet L. Carson. Located at the K.P. Hall on the top of Hill 

Street, Danville, VT 05828. Follow the handicapped accessible 

ramp. Home service available to shut-ins. (802) 684- 

2152. 

Health Care Providers 

Danville Health Center 

General Health Services for all ages. Open M-F. Mariel 

Hess, N.P.; Tim Tanner, M.D.; and Sharon Fine, M.D.; Jeniane 

Daniels, PA-C; 26 Cedar Lane, Danville, VT 05828. 

(802) 684-2275. (800) 489-2275 (VT). 

Lyndonville Family Chiropractic 

Contributing to the health of the community for over 17 

years. Offering a holistic approach to healthcare utilizing 

chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition and massage therapy. 

Karson Clark, D.C.; Stacey Clark, D.C. 11 Hill Street, Lyndonville, 

VT 05851. (802) 626-5866. 

HealthSource Chiropractic 

Back & neck pain eliminated, quickly & easily. Dr. Jeremy 

Ste. Marie, D.C. Dr. Marjorie Ste. Marie, D.C. 32 Hill Street 

Danville, VT 05828 (802) 684-9707 or www.healthsourcechiro.com. 

Hardwick Chiropractic 

BioGeometric Integration is a gentle, effective chiropractic 

approach that allows your system to heal and to become increasingly 

adept at correcting itself. Dr. Grace Johnstone, 

Dr. Rick Eschholz and Dr. Teri Dodge. 54 School Circle, East 

Hardwick, VT. (802) 472-3033. 

www.hardwickchiropractic.com 

Linda Sayers, Reiki Master 

Reiki is an ancient, hands-on healing art, which supports 

the body’s ability to heal itself. Reiki promotes deep relaxation 

and helps release physical and emotional blockages. 

Linda Sayers, Reiki Master Teacher and Lightwork Practitioner. 

63 Norway Road, Greensboro Bend, VT 05842. 

(802) 533-2378. 

Dan Wyand, PT & Associates 

Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries, Orthopedics and Neuromuscular 

Disorders. Sherman Dr., P.O. Box 68, St. Johnsbury,VT 

05819. (802) 748-3722/1932. Lyndon,VT. (802) 

745-1106. 

Thousand Hands Massage Therapy 

Laurajean “LJ” Stewart, Licensed Massage Therapist, 60 

Monument Circle, PO Box 129, Barnet, VT 05821. Located 

at the Barnet Tradepost. (802) 633-2700. 

samuraihini@hotmail.com. 

Copley Hospital 

A leader in primary care, women’s and children’s services, 

general surgery and orthopedics. 24-hour emergency services, 

center for outpatient services, rehabilitation and wellness 

programs. Morrisville, 888-8888, copleyvt.org. 

Hearing Service 

Armstrong’s Better Hearing Service 

STARKEY and WIDEX Custom digital hearing aids. Batteries, 

accessories, all-make repairs, free hearing consultations, 

free viewing of the ear canal, free demo of the newest technology. 

Sandra Day, BC-HIS, Rebecca Armstrong and Isabelle 

Armstrong. Consultants and Licensed Hearing Aid 

Dispensers. 198 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. 

(802) 748-4852. (800) 838-4327. 

Historic Preservation 

S.A. Fishburn, Inc. 

Historic preservation and design featuring wooden sash 

restoration, historic plaster repair, architectural millwork 

and fine custom cabinetry. (802) 684-2524. safishburn@gmail.com 

or www.safishburn.net 

Insurance 

Sawyer & Ritchie Agency 

Independent thinking, individually focused. We’ll put our 

years of experience to work to meet your personal and business 

insurance needs with a complete line of auto, home, 

life, disability and commercial coverage. 198 Route 2 W, 

Danville, VT 05828, (802) 684-3411 or (800) 734-2203. 

Berwick Agency, Inc. 

Providing insurance for home, farm, automobile and business. 

Licensed in VT & NH. Est. in 1957. Licensed in NH & 

VT. Jeff Berwick. Located at 185 Church Street, Peacham 

VT 05862. Phone: (802) 592-3234, Fax: (802) 592-3241. 

Barrett Insurance 

Family owned and operated, serving the insurance of the 

Northeast Kingdom. Agency Principal Richard “Dick” Barrett, 

along with his son Mike and daughter in-law Jenn are licensed 

in both Vermont and New Hampshire. Since 1989, 

providing insurance for Vermont’s hard working farmers 

and business owners. Great choices of coverage for your 

Home, Auto, Recreational vehicles and more. Let our family 

help protect your family. (802) 748-5224, (800) 870-5223 

info@thebarrettagency.com 

Caledonia Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Locally owned and operated since 1977. Offering competetive 

rates for home, auto, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, 

boats, antique & classic cars, farm, business auto, general 

liability, commercial property & workmen’s comp. When you 

see us, don’t think insurance - but when you see insurance, 

think us. 663 Old Center Rd, PO Box 36, St. Johnsbury, VT 

05819. (802) 748-8797, agent@caledoniainsurance.com. 

Investments 

Investment Watch 

Independent investment research, portfolio analysis and 

strategy. Rachel Siegel, CFA. (802) 633-3977. 

rsiegel@hughes.net 

Jewelry 

Old Coins & Jewelry Shop 

Buying: Silver and Gold Coins, Mint Sets, Scrap Gold 

and Silver, Wheat Cents, Coin Collections, Diamond 

and Gold Jewelry. Selling: Collector Coins and Sport 

Cards and Supplies, New and Estate Jewelry, Body 

Jewelry, Magic and Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh Cards. 10 

Eastern Avenue, St. Johnsbury, VT. (802) 748-9174. 

Lawn Care & Landscaping 

LND Landscaping 

Excavating - Hauling - Brush hog - Tilling - Driveways - 

Lawnmowing - Walkways - Stonewalls - Steps - Fencing 

- Cleanup - Planting - Snow Plowing - Sanding and 

More. Tim or Dave, Barre and Wolcott. (802) 479- 

0029. 

Joe’s Brook Land Services 

Lawn mowing, tree work, bush hogging, stump grinding, 

light trucking and excavating, land clearing, snowplowing, 

sanding and firewood for sale. Reasonable 

rates. (802) 748-2872 and (802) 274-3518. 

Don’s Lawn Care & Snowplowing 

St. Johnsbury-Danville area. Reasonable rates and 

quality service. Danville, VT, (802) 748-2504. 

Lodging 





views. Greensboro/Craftsbury ski link. Wonderful 

meals. Breakfast daily, lunch Tues.-Sun. in summer, 

lunch Thurs.-Sun. in summer, Sunday brunch, dinner 

daily. Nature programs, cozy lodging with children’s 

playprogram in summer, sandy beach, boats and tennis. 

(802) 533-2647, info@highlandlodge.com and 

www.highlandlodge.com. 

Marshfield Inn & Motel 

Quiet country accommodations on 37 acres mid-way 

between Montpelier and St. Johnsbury. Enjoy our nature 

trail, full breakfast menu and Winooski river view. 

Close to Cabot Creamery, lots of maple farms and Groton 

State Forest. Ask about our pet-friendly rooms! 

Call (802) 426-3383 for reservations. Visit 

www.marshfieldinn.com for more information. 

Log Homes 

Goodridge Lumber 

Cedar log homes, cedar log siding, rough and finished 

cedar lumber and permachink products. Quality, white 

cedar logs and lumber from Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom 

since 1974. Colleen Goodridge and sons, Albany, 

Vt., 05820. Phone: (802) 755-6298, FAX: (802) 755- 

6166, www.goodridgelumber.com. 

Vermont Home Specialties, Inc. 

Real Log Homes, Timberpeg Post and Beam, Corbond 

sprayed foam insulation, standing seam roofing, 

Medallion and Plain & Fancy Cabinetry, Fine Furnishings 

for your Home, Custom Orders! 1513 Rt. 2 West 

Danville, VT 05873 (802) 684-1024. 

Lumber & Building Materials 

Caledonia Lumber 

Cedar lumber, a safe, local, natural alternative to pressure 

treated. Rough or surfaced to your specifications. 

Custom sawing available for all your lumber and building 

material needs. Located at 754 Station Road in 

Sutton, (802)-535-8643. 

Maple Syrup 

Sugar Ridge Farm 

Pure Maple Syrup & Maple Products. “Vermont Seal 

of Quality.” Available by mail. MC & Visa accepted. 

Free brochure. Stephen & Diane Jones, 566 Stannard 

Mt. Rd., Danville, VT 05828. (800) 748-0892. 

Broadview Farm Maple 

Pure VT Maple Syrup available in Grade A Fancy, 

Medium Amber, Dark Amber and Grade B. “Vermont 

Seal of Quality.” Maple Cream, Maple Candy and 

Maple Sugar are available. We ship via UPS or Parcel 

Post. Joe Newell, 442 York Street, Lyndonville, VT 

05851. (802) 626-8396. joe@newells.net 

Gadapee Family Sugarhouse 

Pure VT Maple Syrup in a variety of containers. Maple 

cream, candy, sugar, maple jelly and maple granola to 

order. We have the “Vermont Seal of Quality” and we 

ship. See us at the Caledonia County Farmers Market 

(May-October), Saturdays in St. Johnsbury and 

Wednesdays in Danville. 718 Calkins Camp Rd., 

Danville, VT 05828. (802) 684-3323. gadmaple@together.net 

Goodrich’s Maple Farm 

Award-winning maple syrup and products, including 

sugaring equipment & supplies, containers, tanks, 

vacuum pumps and much more. Custom tubing installation 

and consultation. Call us at 802.426.3388, e- 

mail us at goodrichsmaple@yahoo.com or visit 

www.goodrichmaplefarm.com. 

Rowell Sugarhouse 

Visit a real sugarhouse. Open year round. See our sugaring 

equipment. Maple products, gifts, country crafts, 

VT shirts, woodenware, baskets, honey, souvenirs and 

more. We will ship your order. MC/ Visa/DS. Rt. 15, 

Walden, VT 05873. (802) 563-2756. 

Meat 

Lewis Creek Jerseys Badger Brook Meats 

Vince Foy & Deb Yonker. Retailing Certified Organic 

Angus Beef, naturally raised pork and lamb from our 

farm store in North Danville, VT. Call ahead for directions 

and availability. (802) 748-8461. 

Second Chance Farm 

Retailing certified organic pork, beef, turkey, chicken 

and eggs. 100% natural lamb. 36 cuts to choose 

from. North Danville, Vt. (802) 748-1975 

Music Studio 

Vermont Sky Digital Audio 

16-Track Professional Recording Studio for Singers, 

Songwriters, Students and Bands. Advertising Jingles; 

Creative Consulting and Guitar Classes. Barnet, 

VT 05821. (802) 633-2523. 

Natural Foods 

St. Johnsbury Food Co-op 

490 Portland St., St. Johnsbury, VT. A community-based, 

cooperatively owned natural foods store. A great place to 

buy fresh, local and organic foods, gather to meet and 

make friends, take a workshop and be part of a place 

that aspires to meet the needs of our greater community. 

Member or not, anyone can shop! Visit www.stjfoodcoop.com 

or call (802) 748-9498. Open Mon-Wed, Sat 9- 

6, Thurs-Fri 9-7 and Sun. 11-4. 

Old Barns 

The Barn People 

Since 1974 Vintage Vermont barns purchased, dismantled, 

restored & reassembled elsewhere. Great for 

homes, additions, Great Rooms, studios, backyard offices 

and oddly enough …barns. Ken Epworth, 2218 US 

RT 5 N, Windsor, VT 05089. (802) 674-5898. barnman@sover.net 

Opticians 

Optical Expressions 

Your Family Eye-Care Center. Eye Exams, Contact Lenses 

and Consultation for Laser-Eye Surgery. Green Mountain 

Mall, St. Johnsbury Center, VT (802) 748-3536. 

Pain Therapy 

Hands of Experience 

Massage techniques to treat pain, injury, illness, arthritis, 

depression, fatigue, anxiety and more. Specializing in 

treatment of migraines. Will develop a unique treatment 

plan to fit your needs.Paul Whittall, Barnet Tradepost 

Wellness Center, 60 Monument Circle, Barnet, VT, 802- 

633-2700 x6, www.BarnetTradepost.com 

Painting 

Tom’s Painting 

Interior - Exterior - Clean, neat, dependable. quality work 

for over 25 years. Call Tom Perry at (802) 563-2576 for 

all your painting needs. Located at 693 Upper Harrington 

Road, West Danville, VT 05873. 

Fenoff & Hale Painting 

A division of Fenoff & Hale Construction. Interior and exterior 

professional quality work. No job too large or too 

small. Fully Insured. Free estimates. 1085 Route 2 East 

Danville VT 05828 Phone: (802) 684-9955 Fax: 

(802)684-3414. 

A.D. Myers Painting & Drywall 

Interior-exterior. Commercial-residential. Paints, stains, 

clearcoats. Experience in finishing cherry, oak, maple, architectwall 

trim, banisters and hand rails. Formerly from 

the coast of Maine. Good knowledge of prep, materials 

and application. Cold Hill, Lyndonville, VT 05851, (802) 

626-3802. 

Pet Care 

Karen’s Kindred Spirit Pet Care 

Pet sitting care in the comfort of your pet’s home. Vacation 

coverage and daily services provided. Specializing in 

dogs, cats and small animals in Danville, St. Johnsbury, 

Ryegate, Barnet and Peacham. Experience with animals 

that have special needs. Responsible and fully insured 

with references. (802) 461-6790 (cell) or (802) 684- 

3349. 

Photography 

Jenks Studio Photography 

4th generation photographer Robert C. Jenks specializing 

in all your photography needs; portraits (including 

children and high school seniors), weddings & commercial. 

VIew our online gallery from our Web site at 

www.jenksstudio1886.com or E-mail jenksstudio@charterinternet.com. 

PO Box 98, 1204 Main St., St. Johnsbury 

VT. (802 )748-3421 

Plumbing & Heating 

Greenwood’s Plumbing & Heating 

New Construction, repairs, water heaters, bathroom & 

kitchen remodeling. Energy efficient wood or oil-fired 

heating systems, radiant & solar heating-water treatment 

systems, Gould water pump installation. GPDA member, 

fully-insured, free estimates. Contact Tony Greenwood at 

tonygph@live.com, (802) 748-1370, 145 Railroad Street 

St. Johnsbury, Vt. 

Walden Heights Heating 

Providing full-service & installation of propane & oil fired 

units including boilers, hot air systems, radiant heating, 

water heating & cooking. From your heating to cooking 

needs, give Lloyd Rowell a call at (802) 563-2233 or 

(802)-793-6092. Fully insured. 

Real Estate 

Morrill & Guyer Associates 

791 Broad Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851. (802) 626- 

9357. Fax (802) 626-6913. realestate@homeinthekingdom.com, 

www.homeinthekingdom.com 

Century 21 Quatrini Real Estate 

Susan S. Quatrini, GRI, Broker-Owner. 1111 Main Street. 

St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-9543 or (802) 748- 

3873. c21qre@sover.net 

David A. Lussier Real Estate 

Farms, Acreage, Homes and Investment Properties. 540 

Main Street, PO Box 872, Lyndonville, VT 05851. (802) 

626-9541 or (802) 626-8482. Lussier@kingcon.com, 

www.lussierrealestateagency.com 

Begin Realty Associates 

10 VT Route 2, “On the Green.” in Danville. Specializing 

in residential property, vacation homes, land and farms. 

Realtors Ernie, Barb and Debbie, (802) 684-1127, 

www.beginrealty.com. 

MontShire Title & Closing Company, LLC 

Your source for real estate and closing services in Northern 

Vermont and New Hampshire, 1097 Main Street, St. 

Johnsbury, VT 05819 Toll Free (888) 241-6549 or (802) 

748-1300 or www.montshiretitle.com. 

Century 21 Farm & Forest Realty Inc. 

Nicholas Maclure, managing broker. Derby, VT Office: 

(802) 334-1200, Cell: (802) 673-8876, nick@farmandforest.com 

AND Annette Dalley, managing broker, East 

Burke, VT, Office: (802) 626-4222, Cell: (802) 467-3939, 

annette@farmandforest.com. Our goal is to help you find 

your “peace” of the Kingdom. www.farmandforest.com. 

Real Estate Appraisal 

Reynolds Real Estate Appraisal Services 

VT Certified Appraisers, Donald Morrill and Annie Guyer. 

791 Broad Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851. (802) 626- 

9357. reynolds@charterinternet.com 

Sewing and Vacuums 

North Country Vac & Sew 

Home of Defender Vacuum, made locally. Wide choice of 

new vacuums, uprights, canisters and backpacks. Service, 

parts and supplies for most makes. Sewing machine 

dealer for domestic Necchi and commercial Artisan. Parts 

and expert service for most makes. Scissor and knife 

sharpening. 442 Portland St. (next to Sherwin-Williams 

Paint), St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-9190. 

Small Engine Repair 

Harry’s Repair Shop 

Snowmobiles, Snowblowers, Motorcycles, Lawn tractors, 

ATV’s and Rototillers. Harry Gammell, VT RT 15, Walden, 

VT 05873. (802) 563-2288. 

Tires 

Berry Tire Co., Inc. 

New tire sales and automotive repair. Everett Berry, 1545 

Red Village Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851. (802) 626- 

9326. 

Veterinarians 

Northern Equine Veterinary Services 

Steve B. Levine. Practice limited to horses. Saturday appointments 

available. (802) 684-9977. 254 RT 2, 

Danville, VT 05828. www.northernequine.com 

Danville Animal Hospital 

Lisa D. Whitney, D.V.M. Small animal care. Office hours by 

appointment. 549 Route 2 East, Danville, VT, (802) 684- 

2284. 

Volunteers 

R.S.V.P. 

Do you have some free time? Do you want to help an organization 

in the Northeast Kingdom as a volunteer? For 

information call the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 

and the Volunteer Center at (802) 626-5135 or (802) 

334-7047. 

Graphic/Web Design 

TMiller Web Design 

Custom website design for individuals, small businesses 

and organizations. Personal service at reasonable rates. 

Terry Miller, Peacham, VT. (802) 592-3153. terry@tmillerwebdesign.com, 

www.tmillerwebdesign.com. 

AMCK Web & Print Design 

Terrific website, graphic design and integrated marketing 

to spotlight your small business. Web design: handcrafted 

websites, custom images, Flash, search engine 

optimization, and more. Graphic Design: brand identity, 

printed materials, expert image editing. From concept to 

completion, I offer personal service tat a common sense 

price. Visit my website to learn more: www.amckwebandprint.com. 

Anne McKinsey, Passumpsic, VT; (802) 748- 

3322. 

Welding 

Walbridge Welding 

Repairs and new fabrication of steel, stainless steel and 

aluminum. Located under Portland St. Bridge in St. Johnsbury 

or with portable equipment at your location. Dale 

Walbridge. W (802) 748-2901; H (802) 584-4088. 

Yarn 

Wool Away 

The oldest, most complete yarn shop in the Northeast 

Kingdom of Vermont.. Come see Miriam Briggs at 446 

Railroad Street Suite #1 in St. Johnsbury. E-mail: 

miriam@wool-away.com, (802) 748-WOOL (9665), woolaway.com. 

New listings.


>> Page 1 

and songs of the woodland 

gradually give way to songs of 

the pond as the frogs chime in. 

Of all the peeps and beeps and 

trills, the nicest is that of the 

American toad. I’m reminded of 

what folks used to say about 

Willy Nelson; “he’s ugly but he 

sure can sing.” The toad song 

swells and soars above all the 

rest, the Willy Nelson of the 

amphibian world. 

Music goes soul deep. It goes 

even deeper in our own species, 

for it was with music that we 

learned to communicate with 

each other as a race, just as the 

birds and frogs do. We took the 

beat of our own hearts and 

added melody to tell stories, express 

love, and create our own 

distinct cultures. All this probably 

happened as long ago as the 

time when we were still swinging 

in trees, and certainly it had happened 

by the time we had gone 

to ground and lived in caves. 

Bone flutes are among the earliest 

artifacts of mankind. 

Greek philosophers gave 

music cosmic significance. According 

to them, the stars and 

the planets danced with mathematical 

precision to the “music 

of the spheres.” Today, using the 

modern medical techniques of 

brain imaging, scientists can see 

how music resonates in even the 

youngest brains. Music helps infant 

brains to wire themselves 

and prepare for the more complex 

tasks of language. Music 

helps people learn math. Music 

helps people heal, both mentally 

and physically. 

Music continues to help us 

socialize, and I remember well 

those warm Saturday nights 

when the music from Robinson’s 

Pavilion wafted up the valley to 

our ears. There were dance halls 

everywhere in those days. That’s 

what people did on a Saturday 

night, and not just young people 

but whole families. The music 

was made by their friends. People 

danced. When radio had 

come along fifty years before 

that, and families had gathered 

beside the receiver on a Saturday 

night, the dance hall business 

began to fade a bit but it was still 

going strong into the seventies, 

as were the informal gatherings 

Summer Escape 

hidden 

in 

vermont’s 

northest 

kingdom 

of friends with fiddles, guitars 

and banjos. It was a lot of fun. 

Those days aren’t completely 

gone, but they mostly are. Now 

music seems to have become 

more personal, a consumer commodity 

more than a social event. 

In the modern era of digital 

downloads, listening to music is 

all too often a solitary and private 

experience. People with 

headsets dance alone, and that 

may be just as well in some ways 

because the inner city boom box 

or loud car stereo is distinctly 

anti-social, meant to offend. 

Now religion is the last bastion 

of participatory music, much as 

it was in the beginning. 

I am reminded now of a 

farm family in Cabot many years 

ago which had a hermit thrush 

that they had raised. By the time 

I saw it, the bird was ten years 

old or so and I understand it 

lived for a few years more after 

that. It sang, too, but could only 

manage the first few notes. Then 

the tune went astray into nonsense. 

Somehow it had inherited 

the introductory notes but it 

never had the opportunity to 

learn the rest. That’s the thing 

Private sandy beach on Caspian Lake 

Nature programs 

Morning play program for children 

Boating & tennis 

Wedding celebrations & family reunions 

Cozy lodging, cottages 

Vermont Fresh Meals 

about music. It’s still a social 

event for birds and frogs, but it 

is becoming less so for many of 

us. Even in our schools, it is 

often the music program that 

gets cut first when budgets get 

tight. I think of that thrush 

now, and worry that in some 

ways we, too, might be losing the 

tune. 

Book Review 

New Mosher Novel 

Deserves a Toast 

BY MARVIN MINKLER 

It is always a cause for celebration, 

when a new Howard Frank Mosher 

book is published, and with “Walking 

to Gatlinburg, raise high the glasses. 

This rollicking page-turner deserves to 

be toasted. 

In his new novel, the author’s first 

thriller, a young man named Morgan 

Kinneson, begins a journey from Kingdom 

Mountain, in northern Vermont, 

through the heart of darkness in the 

Confederate south, in search of his 

brother, Pilgrim, who has been missing 

since the bloody battle at Gettysburg, 

and to avenge the murder of an escaped slave he was helping get 

north through the Underground Railroad. 

Along the wilderness way, a deranged madman, and his quartet 

of demented villains pursue Morgan. This scary bunch, are in 

search of a mysterious stone, that they suspect the young man of 

having. Morgan’s trek also includes encounters with a teary-eyed 

elephant, a gunsmith who preaches peace, a tree-bound woman, 

and a lovely and intriguing slave girl named Slidell, who is the key 

to the unlocking of the mysterious stone. It is a grand walk 

through the dark land of the Civil War, and Mosher tells his story 

well. 

Vermont’s storyteller of the first order, and a state literary 

treasure, Howard Frank Mosher has written a marvelous tall-tale, 

that sends shivers up the spine, is funny, sad, delightful, and when 

the final page is turned, a truly satisfying read. 

Walking to Gatlinburg can be found at all our area independent 

bookstores. Look close and you might also spot Howard, as 

he is currently on tour with his book and traveling slide show. 

Caspian Lake / Greensboro, Vermont 

802-533-2647 / fax: 802-533-7494 

www.highlandlodge.com / info@highlandlodge.com 

53 Wilson St., Greensboro, VT 

802-533-2531 

Summer Hours: 

Monday 10 am – 4 pm 

Tuesday 10 am – 7 pm 

Wednesday 10 am – 4 pm 

Thursday 10 am – 4 pm 

Friday 10 am – 4 pm 

Saturday 10 am – 2 pm 

Sunday 11:30 am – 12:30 pm 

CLOSEOUT BEDDING 

TRUCKLOAD SALE 

Pocketed Coil Foam Encase 

Bedding Special 

Full • Queen • King 

One Low Price 

$399/Set 

Hurry in because when 

they’re gone, they’re gone. 

Exit 23 Off I-91 • Rt. 5 

Lyndonville, VT 

Mon. - Sat. 8:30-6, Sun. 10-4 

802-626-3273 

UP TO 

50% OFF 

Selected Floor Models 

Modern Furniture 

www.modernfurniturevt.com 

103 Coventry Street 

Newport, VT 

Mon. - Sat. 8:30-6 

802-334-5616 

NORTH 

BOUND 

MOOSE 

CAMPGROUND 

& RV PARK 

GREENSBORO BEND 

VERMONT 

802-533-9981 

www.northboundmoose.com


Journalist Steil at the Athenaeum 

Journalist Jennifer Steil 

abruptly quit her New York 

City job at The Week magazine 

in 2006, and moved to Yemen. 

Soon she became Managing 

Editor of the Yemen Observer, 

an independent English language 

newspaper in the capital, 

Sana’a and it proved to be the 

most challenging year of her 

life. 

This memoir of her first year in 

Yemen entitled, “The Woman Who 

Fell from the Sky,” will be released 

in print and audio versions on May 

11th. Jennifer will share her stories 

and read from her book at the St. 

Johnsbury Athenaeum at 7:00 p.m 

on Thursday, May 27th. Copies of 

the book will be available for sale. 

Steil holds degrees from Oberlin 

College, Sarah Lawrence College 

(creative writing) and the Columbia 

School of Journalism. Since 1997 

she has worked as a reporter, writer, 

and editor for newspapers and magazines 

in the US and abroad. While 

writing the book in Yemen she continued 

to work as a freelance journalist, 

doing pieces for Irish 

National Radio, France 24, and CBS 

radio. 

Jennifer’s deep roots in the 

Northeast Kingdom developed as 

she spent childhood summers and 

vacations in Ryegate and grew 

deeper while attending the Putney 

School. Her parents are Cynthia 

and Gil Steil of Ryegate. Gil is 

presently a trustee of the 

Athenaeum 

Jennifer’s memoir is among the 

first to investigate the pragmatic and 

ideological challenges facing journalists 

in the Arab world, especially 

in a poor, desperate country struggling 

toward democracy. “The 

802-626-5404 802-535-5401 

Woman Who Fell From the Sky” is 

a classic story of culture clash, while 

at the same time a narrative of 

breaking down boundaries and 

finding friendship in unlikely places. 

In her role as new editor, she 

found a newspaper staff often unaware 

of the need to separate opinion 

from news, the ethics of lifting 

stories verbatim from the Internet, 

and of the importance of getting all 

sides of a story. In Jennifer’s words, 

“They were desperately hungry for 

training. One in particular, a pocketsized, 

abaya-clad ball-of-fire named 

Zuhra clung to me like a drowning 

person clings to a passing boater. 

‘Please, tell me how to structure this 

story,’ she pleaded, dragging me 

back to the dingy newsroom at the 

end of a 12-hour day. ‘Tell me how 

to be a real reporter.’ Never before 

in my journalism career had I felt so 

useful every day.” 

The book explores the clash of 

western and Yemeni work ethics; 

the self-censorship imposed to keep 

the building from being bombed; 

and the courtroom drama that unfolded 

after the Yemen Observer 

published the incendiary cartoons 

of the Prophet Mohammed a few 

months before she arrived. 

It offers insight into the challenges 

of living in a traditional Arab 

country as a woman and a westerner. 

Along the way, the book 

brings to life the wonder, mystery, 

and beauty of life in an utterly foreign 

place, as well as the humor inherent 

in being such an outsider. 

Jennifer continues to reside in 

Yemen with Tim Torlot, the British 

Ambassador and their four-monthold 

daughter, Theadora Celeste. 

Craig 

Dreisbach, md 

orthopaedics 

802 748-7488 

Richard 

Gagnon, md 

orthopaedics 

802 748-5361 

James Cahill, md 

obstetrics/ 

gynecology 

802 748-7300 

Karen Kenny, md 

obstetrics/ 

gynecology 

802 748-7300 

Elaine Paul, md 

obstetrics/ 

gynecology 

802 748-7300 

Christopher 

Danielson, do 

general surgery 

802 748-2984 

Kenneth 

Danielson, md 


802 748-2984 

106 Hill St., Lyndonville, VT • M-F 7:30-5, Sat. 7:30-3 • barrettauto@myfairpoint.net 

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL 

Chicken Pie Buffet.................$9.95 

Danville 

Restaurant & Inn 

CASUAL DINING & LODGING 

FULLY LICENSED 

SATURDAY NIGHT 

Smorgasboard......................$11.95 

Seatings are at 5:00 & 6:30 p.m. Dinner Reservations are suggested. 

BREAKFAST 

Tuesday - Saturday 7 - 10:45 a.m. 

LUNCH 

Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Main Street, Danville Vermont 

Steve A. Cobb, Owner & Justice of the Peace / Notary Public 

Weddings / Civil Unions / By appointment or by chance 

802-684-3484 

Martin 

Walko, md 


802 748-7322 

Krista 

Haight, md 

ophthalmology 

802 748-8126 

NVRH continues to 

grow to meet the vast 

majority of the needs 

of people requiring 

surgical procedures in 

our community. 

Stephen 

Phipps, md 

ophthalmology 

802 748-8126 

Russell 

Sarver, md 

urology 

802 748-7382 

Robert 

Jauch, md 

otolaryngology 

802 748-5126 

Deane 

Rankin, md 


603 444-2450 

Denis 

Craig 

Lamontagne, dpm Schein, dpm 

podiatry podiatry 

802 748-1918 802 748-9400 

Our team of surgeons handle over 3200 cases each year. 93% are 

done as outpatient procedures and many are minimally invasive — 

allowing patients to return to the comfort of home more quickly. 

 

»Edge of Darkness/North Face (4/30-5/6) 

»The Ghost Writer/The White Ribbon (5/7-5/13) 

»The Yellow Handkerchief/The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (5/14-5/20) 

»Greenberg/A Town Called Panic (5/21-5/27) 

»Crazy Heart/Kenny (4/23-4/29) 

»The Runaways/A Prophet (5/28-6/3) 

 

»Flower Arranging in Season – Three Thursdays, 6/17, 7/8, Aug. TBA, 

7-8:30 p.m. Instructor: Sandy Lazerick 

»Color Collage for 3-4 Year Olds – Thursdays, 7/8-7/29, 10:30–11:30 

a.m. Instructor: Carolyn Guest 

»Summer Chorus for Families – Tuesdays, 7/6–8/10. 6:40–7:40 p.m. 

Instructor: Esther Holland 

»Art Camp for Kids – Puppets and Song – Monday 7/19 – 6/30 

»Making Marionettes – 7/19-7/23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

Instructor: Jack Stewart 

»Chorus for Kids – 7/26–7/30, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

Instructor – Esther Holland 

To register, or for more information, call 748-2600, ext. 106 

 

»Rose Vear, Frank Landry and Kate Donnelly: 

Artists’ Reception - Friday, May 7, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Surgical services 

at NVRH include: 

orthopaedics 

• Sports injuries 

• Hand surgery, including 

carpal tunnel release 

• Bunion surgery 

• Hammertoe correction 

• Diabetic foot care 

• Congenital & post traumatic 

foot & ankle problems 

• Total joint replacement 

• Revision total joint 

replacement 

gynecology 

• Laparoscopic hysterectomy 

• Endometrial ablation 

• Tubal ligation 

• Prolapse surgery 

• Vaginal hysterectomy 


• Colonoscopy 

• Laparoscopic gall bladder 

& hernia repair 

• Upper endoscopy 

• Breast cancer 

• Colon cancer 

• Skin cancer/melanoma 

ophthalmology 

• Cataracts 

• Retina laser 

• Glaucoma laser 


• Tonsils 

• Sinus surgery 

• Ear tubes 

• Gland surgery 

• Thyroid surgery 

• Ear, head, neck & throat surgery 

urology 

• Kidney stones 

• Enlarged prostate 

• Incontinence 

• Erectile dysfunction 

• Cancer of prostate, bladder, 

kidney & testicles 

• Vasectomy 

• Urinary infections 

podiatry 

• Bunionectomies 

• Hammertoe repair 

• Wound management 

• Foot reconstruction 

• Sports medicine 

• Neuroma excision 

• Plantar fascial release 

HOSPITAL DRIVE, ST. JOHNSBURY | 802 748-8141 | WWW.NVRH.ORG


What’s happening at town hall 

Barnet 

Town Clerk: Benjamin Heisholt 

Selectboard: Ted Faris, Gary Bunnell 

and Jeremy Roberts 

April 12, 2010 

ATV Club – Steven Mosher of the 

Barnet Trailblazers ATV Club appeared 

to discuss using town highways 

to connect ATV trails and 

several matters related to his appearance 

at the previous Selectboard 

meeting. He presented maps 

of current and proposed ATV trails 

in the Town of Barnet. Regarding 

time and speed restrictions, he said 

if the club becomes a member of 

VASA (Vermont All-Terrain Vehicle 

Sportsman’s Association) as it 

is striving to do, the users of its 

trails would be subject to VASA 

rules concerning these restrictions. 

VASA does not allow use of trails 

between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The 

VASA speed limit is 25 miles per 

hour. Shirley Warden said she has 

spoken with the Caledonia County 

Sheriff’s Department regarding enforcement 

of rules governing ATV 

usage on public roads. The Sheriff’s 

Department told her they will 

not enforce any rules that are not 

supported by a municipal ordinance. 

She has also spoken with a 

staff attorney at the Vermont 

League of Cities & Towns (VLCT) 

regarding the matter. This attorney 

strongly suggested that the town 

use an ordinance if it wishes to 

adopt rules governing ATV usage 

of town highways. Susan Robinson 

asked what would be required to 

adopt an ordinance. Faris said at 

the least it would require a public 

hearing. He suggested that the 

adoption of an ordinance is something 

the Board should pursue. 

Mosher stated his concern that the 

Barnet Trailblazers will receive 

criticism for illegal use of Town 

highways that is actually perpetrated 

by ATV users not associated 

with the club. The Board thanked 

the club for their efforts in organization 

and answering of questions 

posed by the Board. 

Rural Road – A letter from the 

Northeastern Vermont Development 

Association was read describing 

a program designed to 

identify and address areas on local 

roads that pose a high risk for traffic 

accidents. The Board agreed to 

St. Johnsbury Academy 

Spring 2010 Sports Schedule 

BOYS VARSITY LACROSSE 

5/4 Harwood (A) 4:00 

5/7 U-32 (A) 4:00/5:30 

5/11 Sharon (H) 4:00 

5/14 Randolph (H) 4:00 

5/18 Varsity Montpelier (A) 4:00 

5/21 Harwood (H) 4:00 

5/25 U-32 (H) 4:00 

5/28 Sharon (A) 4:00 

* JV Games Will Follow Varsity 

GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE 

5/4 Chelsea (H) 4:30 

5/8 Spaulding (A) 11:00 

5/11 Oxbow (A) 4:30 

5/14 Varsity Harwood (A) 4:30 

5/17 Lamoille (A) 4:30 

5/19 Sharon (H) 4:30 

5/22 Randolph (H) 11:00 

5/25 Montpelier (A) 4:30 

5/28 Lamoille (H) 4:30 

* JV Games Will Follow Varsity 

VARSITY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL 

5/1 MMU (H) 11:00/4:00 

JV @ 11:00 / V @ 4:00 

JV SB @ MMU / JV BB @ Brown River 

5/4 BFA St. Albans (H) 4:30 

5/8 North Country (H) 10:00 

5/11 Milton (A) 4:30 

5/13 CVU (H) 4:30 

5/18 Colchester (A) 4:30 

5/20 Missisquoi (H) 4:30 

5/22 Rice (A) 11:00 

5/25 Vergennes (H) 4:30 

5/28 South Burlington (A) 4:30 

* All dates JV teams will be at opposite sites 

GOLF SCHEDULE 

5/3 Girls Match @ Barre(A) 3:00 

5/3 NC, SB, Spaulding (H) 3:00 

5/6 Girls Match (H) 3:00 

5/6 BFA, CVU, (A) 3:00 

Missisquoi @ WBolton 

5/10 Essex, Mt.Abe, (H) 3:00 

Missisquoi 

5/12 Girls Match (A) 1:00 

@ S.Burlington 

5/14 Mt., CVU, NC (A) 3:00 

@ Newport 

5/17 Girls Invitational (A) 1:00 

@ Newport, NC 

5/17 Rice, MMU (A) 3:00 

@ Champlain 

5/20 Boys Invitational (A) 8:00 

@ Newport, NC 


@ Enosburg Falls, Missisquoi 

5/21 NC, Spaulding, (A) 3:00 

MMU @ WBolton 

5/25 SB, Vergennes (A) 3:00 

@ Barre, Spaulding 


@ Catamount, Burlington 

5/27 NVAC (A) 10:00 

Metro Championship @ Kwiniaska 


@ West Bolton, MMU 


@ Lang Farm, Essex 

6/1 Div. II Boys (H) 9:00 

Sectional Tournament 

6/8 State Tournament (A) 9:30-12:30 

– Girls @ Proctor/Pittsford 

6/9 State Tournament (A) 8:00-12:30 

– Boys @ Middlebury 

BOYS & GIRLS TENNIS 

5/3 Montpelier (Boys) (A) 3:30 

Montpelier (Girls) (H) 3:30 

5/6 North Country (Boys)(A) 3:30 

North Country (Girls)(H) 3:30 

5/8 Spaulding (Boys) (A) 10:00 

Spaulding (Girls) (H) 10:00 

5/10 Lake Region (Girls) (A) 3:30 

5/12 Middlebury (Boys) NL(A) 3:30 

5/15 Harwood (Boys)NL (A) 10:00 

Harwood (Girls)NL (H) 10:00 

5/17 U-32 (Boys) L (H) 3:30 

U-32 (Girls) NL (A) 3:30 

5/19 Montpelier (Boys) L (H) 3:30 

Montpelier (Girls) NL(A) 3:30 

5/24 Stowe (Boys) NL (H) 3:30 

Stowe (Girls) NL (A) 3:30 

5/26 Burlington (Boys) NL(H) 3:30 

Burlington (Girls) NL(A) 3:30 

TRACK SCHEDULE 

5/4 Essex (A) 3:30 

w/ BHS, Midd, NC 

5/7 Burlington Invitational(A) 3:00 

5/8 Burlington Invitational(A) 2:30 

5/12 Missisquoi/Lamoille (H) 3:30 

/Oxbow 

5/14 Bob White Relays – (A) 3:00 

@ BFA St. Albans - Boys 

5/15 Iverson Rebel Relays(A) 10:00 

@ SB Girls 

5/20 Lyndon (A) 3:30 

5/21 Metro Frosh Meet (A) 3:00 

@ Essex 

5/26 Spaulding,NC, (H) 3:30 

Peoples, Ran, Dan, Ox, LR 

5/29 Essex Invitational (A) 10:00 

6/5 State Meet (A) 10:00 

@ Burlington HS 

6/12 New Englands (A) TBA 

@ Veteran’s Stadium, New Britain, CT 

ULTIMATE FRISBEE 

5/1 Amherst Invitational (A) 8:00 

(& Sun. 5/2) Girls & Boys Varsity 

5/8 Greenfield Tournament (A) 8:00 

Girls V, Boys V, JV 

5/15 NE Prep School Champ (A) 8:00 

Girls & Boys Varsity 

5/22 St. J Invitational (H) 8:00 

(& Sun. 5/23)Girls V, Boys V, JV 

5/29 New England Champ (A) 8:00 

Girls & Boys Varsity 

delegate this correspondence to 

Road Commissioner Gary Bunnell 

for further investigation. 

Zoning Administrator - The Planning/Zoning 

Board nominated 

Shirley Warden for a three year 

term as Barnet’s Zoning Administrative 

Officer. The Board approved 

by voice vote. 

Milarepa Center – The Board 

briefly reviewed the comments of 

the Agency of Natural Resources 

regarding the Act 250 permit of 

Milarepa Center. Included in these 

comments were evaluations of the 

water supply and of the effect on 

the wildlife habitat. 

Danville 

Town Clerk: Wendy Somers 

Town Administrator: Merton 

Leonard 

Selectboard: Steve Larrabee, 

Denise Briggs, Doug Pastula, Marvin 

Withers and Michael Walsh 

Eagle Scouts - Ian Blackmore was 

present to explain his Eagle Scout 

Leadership Service Project. He is 

requesting of the Board, permission 

to build an Adirondack Camping 

Shelter in The Pumpkin Hill 

100-acre Forest for the benefit and 

use by hikers and campers, as well 

as the Boy Scouts. Ian presented a 

very detailed, multi paged proposal 

describing not only the proposed 

shelter with materials list and blueprints, 

but the use of the shelter by 

hikers, and the general public. Photos 

of the area showed the general 

location and surroundings. The 

Board was very impressed with his 

project and presentation. Steven 

Larrabee moved to approve Ian 

Blackmore's request to build an 

Adirondack camping shelter in the 

Pumpkin Hill Town Forrest for use 

by the Boy Scouts as well as the 

general public as presented. Douglas 

Pastula seconded the motion 

which was approved. He was requested 

to get a building permit 

from the zoning administrator and 

present his project to the Conservation 

Commission for their approval. 

VIS - Ken Linsley was present representing 

the Village Improvement 

Society (VIS). He requested $500 

from the Sevigny Bequest to be 

used for flowers, mulch, etc for 

planting on the Green as they usually 

do each spring. There was 

some discussion as what the VIS 

usually did each year and how it 

would be done in the future. There 

was also a question of how much 

money the Sevigny funds were 

going to yield in interest this year, 

Wendy estimated it would be 

around $20,000. Marvin Withers 

moved to continue with the VIS as 

in the past, and approve the VIS request 

for the $500.00 for flowers 

and planting materials, for use only 

on the Green. Douglas Pastula, seconded 

the motion that was approved. 

The Board also agreed to 

put the mowing of the Green out 

for bid. 

RCT - David Towle was present 

representing the Rural Community 

Transportation. He wanted to inform 

the Board that they are joining 

with the Green Mountain 

Transit Agency to run a public transit 

commuter service between St 

Johnsbury and Montpelier, with 

available connections to other 

routes across the state. They requested 

to locate a bus stop in 

Danville Village, but when the discussion 

included the probability of 

park and ride space as well, there 

is no suitable location existing. 

There will be a bus stop at the park 

and ride in West Danville, which 

the Danville patrons can utilize 

until a suitable stop can be found 

closer to the Village. 

WDCC - Jill Kelleher and Rita 

Foley of the West Danville Community 

Club (WDCC) were present 

to show the Board their plans 

for the new shelter at Joe's Pond 

Beach. Architect Jules Chatot and 

builder Larry Rossi got together to 

design a shelter that would fit on 

the existing bath house slab, and 

would be affordable with a fair 

amount of volunteer work for the 

WDCC. The Board reviewed the 

drawings and agreed that it looks 

like it would work and the design 

was acceptable. Steven Larrabee 

moved to approve the shelter design 

as presented to fit on the existing 

slab of the old bath house at 

the Joes Pond Beach, Douglas Pastula 

seconded the motion which 

was approved. 

Australian Ballot - Barb Fontaine 

was present to discuss the legal advice 

she received from the State 

Director of Elections. Wendy was 

present to discuss the Australian 

ballot and advise the legal advice 

she had received from the town attorney. 

The advise was basically 

the same; you cannot vote a question 

to adopt Australian Ballot by 

using Australian Ballot. Information 

Barb received also had procedures 

how to establish Australian 

Ballot voting by adopting a Charter. 

Road Report – Kevin Gadapee’s 

written report stated that the road 

crew is fully into spring cleanup 

now, with the grader running daily 

trying to keep ahead of the potholes. 

They add gravel where necessary 

to fill potholes or mud holes, 

and to work some shape into the 

roads. The backhoe also runs most 

days opening up culverts and 

cleaning up any debris along the 

road sides. Some of the crew will 

be starting on the drainage of the 

Hill Street project next week, while 

others will work with the grader 

and backhoe on other projects. A 

May 2010 Menu 

West Barnet 

Senior Meal 

Site 

Meals served at West Barnet 

Church. All meals served with 

a beverage. Reservations not 

required. Suggested donation 

of $3.00 per meal is appreciated. 

Phone (802) 633-4068. 

May 5 - Chipped beef, egg 

gravy, potatoes, buttered 

beets, biscuit and jello. 

May 7 - Buffet 

May 12 - Spaghetti and meatballs, 

tossed salad, garlic bread 

and peached and cream. 

May 14 - Roast pork, apple 

sauce, mashed potatoes, peas 

and rolls. 

May 19 - Build a burger, lettuce 

tomato, onion, pickles, 

mustard, ketchup, macaroni 

salad and brownies. 

May 21 - Baked beans, hot 

dog, cole slaw, brown bread 

and pudding. 

May 26 - Macaroni and 

cheese, sausage, stewed tomatoes, 

dark bread and tropical 

fruit. 

May 28 - Baked fish, oven 

potatoes, fresh carrots, cole 

slaw, rolls and cake with frosting.


May 2010 Menu 

Danville Senior 

Action Center 

Meals at Danville Methodist 

Church. All meals served with 

a beverage, homemade breads 

and desserts. Reservations are 

appreciated by calling (802) 

684-3903 before 9:30 a.m. on 

day of the meal. A donation 

of $4 for guests 60+ (others 

$5) is appreciated. 

May 4 - Grilled chicken fettucini 

alfredo, steamed broccoli, 

homemade bread, 

tropical fruit salad and birthday 

cake. 

May 6 - Spaghetti and meatballs, 

garlic bread, tossed salad 

and carrots. 

May 11 - Cream of broccoli, 

tuna salad on a roll and mixed 

veggies. 

May 13 - Beef stew, biscuits, 

V-8 and apple crisp. 

May 18 - Cheeseburgers on a 

bun, french fries, cole slaw 

and fruit cobbler. 

May 20 - BBQ chicken, rolls, 

pasta salad and sauteed kale. 

May 25 - Sweet and sour 

pork, rice, baked egg rolls and 

juice. 

May 27 - Scalloped potatoes 

with ham, peas and carrots, 

rolls and oatmeal bars. 

second hole has developed in the 

#7 North Danville Bridge deck, the 

first hole was repaired last year, per 

state instructions. Kevin and Mert 

Leonard have been working on a 

grant for re-decking this bridge, 

which seems a little more assured 

with the development of this new 

hole. The bridge will have one lane 

closed until repairs made. Kevin 

was attending a "Narrow-Banding" 

meeting, to get details of upcoming 

FCC requirements for the truck radios. 

There were three applications 

for curb cuts that Kevin had inspected 

and approved: Aaron and 

Patricia Laura on Calkins Camp 

Road, Lauran and Spencer Morse 

on Jamison Road, and Samuel 

Shippe on Penny Lane. The Board 

voted to approve the three curb 

cuts with conditions as noted by 

Kevin, on a motion by Marvin 

Withers that was seconded by 

Denise Briggs. 

Pope Cemetery - Leonard reported 

that Sexton Donald Lamont 

replaced seventy of the broken 

fence posts and reattached the 

fence to the post at the Pope Cemetery, 

and will be onto the Massey 

Cemetery next. The structural engineers 

that are inspecting the old 

town garage stopped by the town 

hall to look at the porch problem. 

They will offer a quote for engineering 

assistance for repairs to the 

porch, as they have experience 

with this type of structure with a 

roof and pillar construction. Merton 

brought up recent requests to 

use the Bandstand for weddings. 

After some discussion the Board 

wishes to continue a no charge policy 

for weddings only on the 

Green. Merton has discussed the 

house at 116 Hill Street with the 

town attorney. Although they are 

not involved with any legal proceedings 

at that property, he confirmed 

that there is not much a 

mortgagee can do with a house 

until the court acts favorably on 

their foreclosure action. Merton 

also discussed the Danville Canadian 

ceremony time with Paul 

Chouinard, Paul believes that most 

people would be in favor of the 

earlier time. 

Peacham 

Town Clerk: Bruce Lafferty 

Selectmen: Richard Browne, Tim 

McKay and Andy Cochran. 

March 17, 2010 

Snowmobile Trails - Ross Page 

explained the Bayley Hazen Snowmobile 

Club’s needs for additional 

trails access. Two sections were 

discussed including access to the 

Roller Barn area and a trail through 

the Town forest. The Selectboard 

allowed the Town forest access but 

tabled the Roller Barn request until 

discussions are held with the Conservation 

Commission regarding 

the impact on existing pathways. 

Memorial Day Organization - 

Cher Monteith announced that the 

Church Fellowship will host a Memorial 

Day luncheon this year. 

Andy Cochran reported that the 

Memorial Day activities are being 

organized by the Stevens School. 

Town Plan Progress - The Chairman 

of the Planning Commission, 

Chuck Gallagher, and commission 

member Paul Evans discussed the 

new Town Plan. They indicated 

that a scheduled completion date of 

June 15, 2010 was not going to be 

met but anticipated a final approval 

date of mid-summer. Flexibility of 

the new Town Plan language was 

discussed, especially in relation to 

the Town’s Zoning Bylaws. Scheduled 

notices for mandated public 

hearings by the Planning Commission 

and the Board were discussed. 

St. Johnsbury 

Town Manager: Michael Welch 

Town Clerk: Sandy Grenier 

Selectboard: Bryon Quatrini, 

Bernard Timson, Daniel Kimbell, 

Jim Rust, and Rodney Lamotte. 

Resignation - Town Manager 

Mike Welch read a letter to the 

Board and to the public, officially 

tendering his resignation from the 

position of Town Manager, effective 

May 7, 2010. Welch received a 

thank you from the Board and a 

standing ovation from the crowd. 

Revote - Quatrini asked the other 

members of the Board to clarify 

their individual assessment of a 

negative vote on the General Fund 

Budget revote. He said he does not 

believe it would mean the voters 

want more cuts, but that they are 

unhappy with cuts. Lamotte said he 

felt that having three questions on 

the ballot would be confusing to 

the voters and he recollected that 

Town Agent Ed Zuccaro had recommended 

just one question on the 

ballot. Rust indicated that a negative 

vote, in his opinion, would 

mean the Board needs to go back 

to the drawing board. Timson 

moved to have only one article on 

the ballot for revote of the General 

Fund Budget. Lamotte seconded 

the motion. Chairman Rust called 

for the vote – Two in favor (Lamotte 

and Timson) two opposed 

(Kimbell and Quatrini); Chairman 

Rust broke the tie with a “yes” 

vote, and the motion was approved. 

Welch reported that the 

Lively Center is available for May 

18 or 25, and either date would accommodate 

the 30-day warning 

period. On a motion by Lamotte, 

seconded by Timson, the Board 

Marty’s 1st Stop 

US Route 2 Danville, VT (802) 684-2574 

Mon.-Thurs. 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 

Fri. & Sat. 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. 

Sun. 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 

Megabucks Tickets 

Mobil Speed Pass 

DELI 

PIZZA served everyday 

DANVILLE SCHOOL 

2010 Schedule 

Athletic Director: Merlyn Courser CAA 

Softball & Baseball 

May 

1 Saturday Danville @ Richford 4:30 

4 Tuesday Enosburg @ Danville 4:30 

6 Thursday Danville @ Hazen 4:30 

8 Saturday Lake Region @ Danville 11:00 

11 Tuesday Danville @ Stowe 4:30 

13 Thursday Blue Mtn. @ Danville 4:30 

16 Sunday People @ Danville 11:00 

18 Tuesday Hazen @ Danville 4:30 

20 Thursday Winooski @ Danville 4:30 

25 Tuesday BFA Fairfax @ Danville 4:30 

27 Thursday Danville @ Peoples 4:30 

Track & Field 


4 Tuesday @ Lamoille 3:30 

12 Wednesday @ North Country 3:30 

18 Tuesday @ Harwood 3:30 

26 Wednesday @ STJA 3:30 

June 

5 Saturday @ Chester, States 

Lacrosse 


14 Friday Danville @ STJA 3:30 

18 Tuesday Danville @ Lamoille 3:30 

21 Friday Danville @ STJA 3:30 

28 Friday Lamoille @ Danville 3:30 

voted in favor of holding the vote 

on May 18, with an informational 

meeting on May 17 at the school, 

and another informational meeting 

on April 26 at 6 p.m., in conjunction 

with the next regularly scheduled 

Board meeting. 

Walden 

Town Clerk: Lina Smith 

Selectboard: Perley Greaves, Dave 

Brown and Peter Clark. 

March 30, 2010 

Senate - Charles Bucknam introduced 

himself and noted that he 

was running for a seat in the Vermont 

Senate. 

Fire Warden - Greaves noted that 

the board had acted incorrectly at 

the last meeting by appointing a 

forest fire warden without input 

from the Fire Department. The 

Fire Department has now met and 

WHEELER 

True Value 

Building Materials 

29 Church Street 

Lyndonville, VT 05851 

(802) 626-5102 

or 626-5040 

voted to recommend Jon Augeri as 

Fire Warden. The board agreed to 

this and will submit his name to the 

state for approval. 

Town Garage - An update on the 

town garage was given. The board 

is continuing to gather information. 

After discussion, it was decided to 

go ahead and apply for necessary 

wastewater permits now. Also, the 

board decided that they are all in 

favor of a 60 x 100 foot building. 

They will continue to research materials. 

Salt Shed - Brown reported that 

the salt shed is still pending and 

waiting for information from the 

State of Vermont. 

Work Camp – Brown asked the 

Board to consider hiring the Caledonia 

County work camp for two 

weeks at $1,000 per week to do 

brushing. This will include 10 men 

and the town would rent a chipper. 

The board voted to do this. 

Wheeler Sports 

Team Sports Products 

Images Of Vermont 

Silkscreening and Embroidery 



(802) 626-8235 

Fax: (802) 626-6180 

Email: wheel56@together.net 

Lyndon Institute 

Spring Athletics 2010 

Varsity Baseball 

Tues., May 4 (H) NORTHFIELD 4:30 

Thurs., May 6 at Montpelier 4:30 

Sat., May 8 (H) LAMOILLE 11:00 

Tues., May 11 at Randolph 4:30 

Thurs., May 13 (H) U-32 4:30 

Sat., May 15 (H) MONTPELIER 11:00 

Tues., May 18 at Lamoille 4:30 

Fr., May 21 (H) HARWOOD 4:30 

Tues., May 25 at Northfield 4:30 

Thurs., May 27 at Thetford 4:30 

Sat., May 29 (H) OXBOW 11:00 

Varsity Softball 

Tues., May 4 (H) NORTHFIELD 4:30 

Sat., May 8 (H) LAMOILLE 11:00 

Tues., May 11 at Randolph 4:30 

Thurs., May 13 (H) U-32 4:30 

Tues., May 18 at Lamoille 4:30 

Friday, May 21 (H) HARWOOD 4:30 

Tues., May 25 at Northfield 4:30 

Thurs., May 27 at Thetford 4:30 

Sat., May 29 (H) OXBOW 11:00 

Track & Field 

Sat., May 1 at Fair Haven Invite 10:00 

Mon., May 3 (H) LYNDON 3:15 

Fri., May 7 at Milton 3:15 

Fri., May 7 at BHS Invitational 3:00 

Sat., May 8 at BHS Invitational 10:00 

Thurs., May 13 at Milton 3:15 

Sat., May 15 at Rebel Relays (Girls) 10:00 

Wed., May 19 at U-32 (Frosh/Soph) 3:00 

Thurs., May 20 (H) LYNDON 3:15 

Tues., May 25 at BFA-St. Albans 3:15 

Sat., May 29 at Essex Invitational 10:00 

Sat., June 5 at Fair Haven (State) 10:00 

Track & Field 

Mon., May 3 at Peoples (Copley CC) 3:00 

Wed., May 5 at Montpelier (Elks GC) 3:00 

Mon., May 10 at Harwood (CC of VT) 3:00 

Wed., May 12 at Hazen (Mt. View CC) 3:00 

Mon., May 17 (H) STJCC 3:00 

Wed., May 19 at Enosburg CC 3:00 

Thurs., May 20 at N. Country Invite 8:00 

Mon., May 24 at Randolph (Montague) 3:00 

Wed., May 26 at Lamoille (Farm Resort) 3:00 

Tues., June 1 at CC of Barre (Boy's Sec.) 9:00 

Wed., June 9 at Middlebury (Boy's State) 11:00


Danville 

MLS #2739640 

This nearly new home in a convenient location. This home has 2 bedrooms and 2 

baths, 1664 sq ft and fully handicap accessible. There is currently a 24 X 24 workshop 

that could be converted to additional rooms if desired. Privately located 

nicely off the road. VAST trail is close by. 

Listed at $200,000 

791 Broad Street 


(802) 626-9357 

Fax (802) 626-6913 

MLS# 2789774 

Peacham 

Outstanding village cape on a large level lot has been completely refurbished with 

all new replacement windows, insulation, sheetrock, interior and exterior paint, refinished 

floors, updated electric, and plumbing. Home is certified "Lead Safe", 

There is nothing left to do but move in! 

$279,000 

Ongoing 

Events 

Mondays: Story Time, St. Johnsbury 

Athenaeum Youth Library, 10:30 a.m. 

(802) 748-8291. 

Mondays: Story Time, Pope Library, 

Danville, 10 a.m. (802) 684-2256. 

Mondays: Just Parents meet with concerns 

for drugs and kids, Parent Child 

Center, St. Johnsbury, 7 p.m. (802) 748- 

6040. 

1st Monday: North Danville Community 

Club, Meeting, 6 p.m. North Danville 

Community Center. (802) 748-9415. 

1st & 3rd Mondays: "Six O'clock 

Prompt," Writers' Support Group, 6:30 

p.m. Catamount Arts. (802) 633-2617. 

2nd Monday: Cancer Support Group, 

NVRH Conference Room A, 4 p.m. (802) 

748-8116. 

Last Monday: Alzheimer's Support 

Group, Caledonia Home Health, Sherman 

Drive, St. Johnsbury. 7 p.m. (802) 748- 

8116. 

Tuesdays: Baby & Toddler Story Hour, 

Cobleigh Library, Lyndonville. 10 a.m. 

(802) 626-5475. 

Tuesdays: Cribbage Tournaments, 6 p.m. 

Lake View Grange Hall, West Barnet. (802) 

684-3386. 

Tuesdays: Argentine Tango, 4:30-5:30 p.m. 

(beginners) 5:30-6:30 p.m. (intermediate) 

Teacher: Isabel Costa (603) 823-8163. 

2nd Tuesdays: Caledonia Right to Life 

will meet at St John's Catholic Church 

Parish Hall, 1375 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 

at 7:30 pm. All are welcome. 

2nd & 4th Tuesday: Bereavement Support 

Group, Caledonia Home Health, 

Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury. 5:30 p.m. 

(802) 748-8116. 

2nd & 4th Tuesday: Drop-in quilting at 1 

p.m. at the Cobleigh Public Library, (802) 

626-5475. 

Wednesdays: Read 'n' Stuff, Cobleigh Library, 

Lyndonville. 3:30 p.m. (802) 626- 

5475. 

Wednesdays: Ordinary Magic. Meditation 

for Life, St. Johnsbury Shambhala 

Center, 17 Eastern Avenue, 6-7 p.m. 

3rd Wednesday: Cardiac Support 

Group, NVRH, 6:30 p.m. (802) 748-7401. 

Thursdays: Introduction to Computers, 

Cobleigh Library, Lyndonville. 10 a.m. 

(802) 626-5475. 

Thursdays: Live Music at Parker Pie in 

Glover. Call (802) 525-3366 for details. 

2nd Thursday: Film discussion following 

7 p.m. film at Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury. 

(802) 748-8813. 

FOR SALE: 1988 Coachman Coventry Mobile Home 

2 Bedroom -14’ x 64’ - Good Condition 

Call 802-748-9072 

Selling Price $20,900 19,500 

3rd Thursday: Caregivers Support 

Group, Riverside Life Enrichment Center, 

10 a.m. (802) 626-3900. 

Thursdays: Read and Weed Book Club, 

Cobleigh Library, Lyndonville. 3:30 p.m. 

(802) 626-5475. 

Thursdays: Tutoring for GED and Adult 

Learning Programs, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 

Cobleigh Public Library. 

1st Fridays: Contra Dance, 8 p.m. at 

Danville Town Hall. All levels welcome. 

(802) 563-3225 or samlyman@myfairpoint.net. 

4th Fridays: Public readings at Green 

Mountain Books in Lyndonville. Call (802) 

626-5051 or E-mail greenmountainbooks@myfairpoint.net. 

Saturday & Sunday: Planetarium Show 

1:30 p.m. Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury. 

(802) 748-2372. 

Saturdays: Bridge Club for all experience 

levels, Cobleigh Library, Lyndonville, 

12:30 p.m. (802) 626-5475. 

Saturdays: Winter Farmers Market in 

Lyndonville at the Breslin Community 

Center on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 

p.m. 

1st Saturday: Men's Ecumenical Breakfast, 

Methodist Church, Danville, 7 a.m. 

(802) 684-3666. 

Saturdays: St. Johnsbury Farmers Market 

behind TD Banknorth from 9 a.m. to 1 

p.m. 

1st Saturday: Scrabble Club, St. Johnsbury 

Athenaeum, Noon - 4 p.m. (802) 

748-8291. 

1st & 2nd Saturdays: Dance in the 

Kingdom at the Good Shephard School - 

Latin & Ballroom dance: Lessons at 7 p.m. 

followed by open dance, 8 to 10 p.m. 

(802) 748-3044 

2nd Saturdays: West Barnet Grange 

community breakfasts from 8-10 a.m. 

3rd Saturday: Breast Cancer Support 

Group, Caledonia Home Health, Sherman 

Drive, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m. (802) 748- 

8116. 

E-Mail us your 

event at: 

info@northstarmonthly.com 

MLS# 2816255 

Barnet 

This stone cape is only 1 of 2 in VT known as a Scottish Croftor Cottage. Built in 

1796, the 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home retains the original character such as wide 

board floors, 5 fireplaces, ceiling beams and more. 19.7 acres with view, garage, 

care-taker's apt. and several out-buildings. 

$595,000 

QUATRINI Real Estate 

1111 Main St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 email: c21qre@sover.net 

website: quatrini.com realtor.com 

(802) 748-9543 

ML#2815543 

Enjoy all the necessities on one floor. This home has a convenient kitchen with an 

adjoining dining room, a living room with a fireplace, two bedrooms and a full bath 

all on the main floor. The lower level has a large family room with a hearth and 

woodstove, a large den or office as well as a 3/4 bath/laundry room for even more 

space and convenience. A screened back porch, an oversized lot and a great 

neighborhood make this an ideal in town home. 

Priced Right at $150,000 

75 MT. PLEASANT ST. 

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT 05819 

802-748-8169 802-748-8855 

223 MAIN ST. 

LYNDONVILLE, VT 05851 

802-626-8333 802-626-9342 

www.parkwayrealtyassociates.com 

Open 

Monday - Saturday 

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. 

Planetarium shows: 

Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 

W 802.745.1165 


St. Johnsbury VT 05819 

www.pointsnorthrealestategroup.com 

info@pnreg.com 

Connie 

Sleath 

Kelly 

Donaghy 

Patti 

Leduc 

Wendy 

Stimets- 

Henderson 

MLS# N2828186 

Recently renovated 3 Bdrm 

Mansard home has original woodwork, 

updated systems, large covered 

porch, well insulated, 

darkroom. Convenient in town location. 

HS Choice. $128,000 

N 

MLS# N2827104 

Very private home on 22+/-Acres with 

open floor plan, exposed beams, double 

fireplace and kitchen island. Large 

fenced garden area, flower beds and 

stone walls. 

$199,000 

S 

MLS# N2828556 

Updated and well kept 1850’s cape 

home. Eat-in kitchen, large pantry, 

family room with VT Castings gas 

stove, 4 Bdrms, 1.75 Baths and 

walk-in attic. Gardens and a 

barn/garage. HS Choice. 

$219,000 

E 

Danville 

Congregational 

Church 

United Church of Christ 

An Open and Affirming Congregation 

Rev. Douglas Carter 

Pastor 

Please Join Us 

for Worship at 10 a.m. 

Bring your family. 

Child care provided. 

(802) 684-1151 

www.danville-ucc.org


Pope Notes 

with Dee Palmer, Library Director 

We are already gearing 

up for our Memorial 

Day Plant, Book and Bake 

Sale. The sale is on Monday, 

May 31 from 9am to noon 

on the library lawn. Again 

we ask for your help to remember 

the library and donate 

your perennials. We will 

take plant donations on 

Monday morning – before 

8:30. Please label your plants 

with the type and color. 

Anyone wishing to donate 

books for the sale may do so the 

week before: May 24 – 29. We 

ask that all donated books are 

clean and in good shape. We cannot 

take text books. We will have 

books for all ages at great prices. 

We will also be selling coffee, 

lemonade and delicious baked 

goods from some of Danville’s 

best bakers. We hope to see you 

there! 

Have you noticed the easel in 

front of the library under the 

tree? This summer we will be 

part of “The Easel Project”. 

Easels will be set up in various locations 

in neighboring towns for 

anyone who would like to paint. 

Just bring your canvas and paint 

and create! Maps will be available 

for the locations of other easels. 

Some of our latest book acquisitions 

are: Alice I Have Been 

by Benjamin, The Farmer’s 

Daughter by Harrison (short stories), 

Roses by Meacham, Miss 

Julia Renews Her Vows by Ross, 

Hope for the Animals and Their 

World: How Endangered Species 

are Being Rescued From the 

Brink by Goodall and Women, 

Food and God: An Unexpected 

Path to Almost Everything by 

Roth. New books on CD are: 

The Reliable Wife by Goolrick 

and The Girl with the Dragon 

Tattoo and The Girl Who Played 

with Fire by Larsson. 

Don’t forget to check out our 

on-going book sale. We have 

many great new titles – paperbacks 

for $2.00 and Hardcovers 

for $3.00. 

From the Children’s Room 

Story hour continues until 

Monday, June 7 and will resume 

in September. Our summer reading 

program “Splash into Reading” 

will take place in the 

meantime. We will have lots 

water related activities, games and 

books for all ages. Every child 

who participates will receive a 

summer reading journal and a 

certificate. More details to follow. 

#2780735 

The Grange Hall in St Johnsbury Center is still 

available. There are about 150 antique chairs 

included. It has a great meeting hall with stage 

and hardwood floors. Down stairs includes a 

social area with kitchen, passthru, eating or 

meeting area and washrooms. The Green 

Mountain Grange #1 wants you to make an 

offer. 

It's listed at $80,000 

• domain name registration 

• website design 

• search engine optimization 

RENTAL 

This Grand Victorian two flat is located in downtown 

St Johnsbury's commercial area. Plenty 

of parking. Each 1,600-square foot apartment 

may be rented separately. Hardwood floors, 

fancy wood work, separate entrances, 

screened porches. Have your office downstairs 

and live upstairs. The rents for the apartments 

or for the whole building are negotiable. Broker 

owned. 

BEGIN REALTY ASSOCIATES 

• website hosting 

• website traffic statistics 

• website management 

custom website design at 

reasonable rates... 

terry miller • po box 280 • peacham vt 

(802) 592-3153 • tmillerwebdesign.com 

Visit our new office! 

101 Depot Street, Lyndonville, VT 

802-626-4790 phone info@stonecrestpropertiesvt.com 

www.Ston eCrestPropertiesVT.com 

#2814481 

This is a starter home in St Johnsbury. Very 

nicely kept, fenced back yard, Covered porch 

and patio, 2-3 Bedrooms, 2 baths, room for expansion 

in the big attic. Right at the edge of 

the village. 

$95,000 


RESIDENTIAL - LAND - RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES 

Call me at (802) 748-1145 

E-mail me at susan@aikencrest.com 

or visit www.aikencrest.com 

Hi friends, keep in mind Aikencrest 

can care for your property. As a rental, 

as a vacant property while you're 

away. If you have moved to another 

area and need property management, 

Aikencrest is available for your 

property's needs. We tailor our care 

to fit your purposes. Call us and we'll 

tell you all about it. 

PHOTO 

REPRINTS 

are at 

YOUR FINGERTIPS... 

TWO STORY CAMP 

ML2826640 Live off the grid and enjoy million dollar views of the White 

Mountains. Sited on 43 acres in Danville, this camp gives you complete 

privacy. Great area for hunting and snowmobiling. Wood stove hook up 

and propane appliances. 

$259,000 

DANVILLE HOME 

ML2759454 Built Circa 1908 by local craftsman is basically untouched, 

not spoiled and retains it's original warmth and charm. The exterior is 

highlighted by a wrap-around porch, the interior is spacious w/10 

rooms including 4BRs and 2 baths. The nearly 1-acre lot allows ample 

room to garden and play including access to the VAST trail. Get a 

piece of local history today. 

$164,900 

Visit 

northstarmonthly.com 

Main Street 


(802) 684-1127 

Start your 

search here. 

309 Portland St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 

(802) 748-2045 

Providing Professional and Courteous Service 

www.beginrealty.com 

to order online 

and have the print 

SHIPPED TO 

YOUR DOOR 

Many different 

print sizes are 

available. 

PHOTOS FROM: 

Danville Fair 

Caledonia 

County Fair 

Fourth of July 

Celebrations 

SHOP ONLINE 

TODAY!! 

NICE LITTLE COTTAGE 

ML2829641 Looking for that summer home or maybe you're a first-time 

home buyer looking for an affordable home? Consider this 2BR, 1-bath 

home on 2+ acres. Small pond on property, front porch, just 4 miles to 

Peacham. 


$145,000 

WATERFRONT HOME 

ML2825706 Year round waterfront home on the 3rd pond at Joe's Pond on 

a town maintained road. 6 rooms, 3 BRs, 2 baths, large enclosed porch, 

boat house, deck, 50 feet of frontage -- all in topnotch condition and 

ready for you to enjoy this year. 


$349,900


Events in 

theNEK 

MAY 

SAT.1: 

Spring into Summer Celebration, pie breakfast 

and silent auction, 8:30 a.m. Christ 

Church, State Street, Montpelier. 

Vermont Vaudeville at the Hardwick Townhouse, 

6-8 p.m. Vermont Vaudeville is back 

again with a laughter-filled evening for the 

whole family. Brent McCoy, Maya Curvelo, 

Rose Friedman and Justin Lander bring internationally 

touring musicians, circus performers, 

comedians, and eccentrics to the historic 

Hardwick Town House stage for a community 

event you don’t want to miss. Call (802) 472- 

5920 or visit www.nekarts.org for more info. 

WED.5: 

Vermont Youth Orchestra and Chorus auditions 

by appointment. Elley-Long Music Center 

Saint Michael's College, Colchester. For 

additional information, please contact 

Lisamarie Charlesworth at (802) 655.5030 

or lisamarie@vyo.org. 

The Truth about Happiness. What is happiness, 

and why is it so elusive? Are Americans 

particularly hungry for happiness? Analyst 

and author Dr. Polly Young-Eisendrath examines 

the cultural and psychological context of 

happiness at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 7 

p.m. 

Quilt a Star at the Old Stone House Museum, 

10-2 p.m. Instructor Diana Lopez turns a 

unique family pattern for a repeating star into 

a design for today. Registration required by 

May 3. Call (802) 754-2022 or E-mail education@oldstonehousemuseum.org 

for more 

info. 

WED.12: 

West Danville Community Club Annual 

Meeting at the W. Danville Methodist 

Church, 6:15 p.m. potluck, 7p.m. business 

meeting. 

FRI.14: 

Bob Amos Band - Special CD Release Concert, 

7:30-9:30 p.m. The Bob Amos Band, 

one of the Northeast Kingdom's most popular 

musical acts, will present a special 

concert of new original material from Bob's 

new CD Wide Open Blue. All ticket proceeds 

will be donated to Catamount Arts. 

(802) 748-2600. North Congregational 

Church, 1325 Main St. St. Johnsbury. 

SAT.15: 

Songwriting Success Workshop, 9 a.m. - 

4:30 p.m. 115 Eastern Ave, St. Johnsbury, 

VT (Catamount Arts building downstairs). 

This day long class will cover the fundamentals 

of how to write songs designed for 

the commerical market. More info (802) 

633-2204, email: john@heartson.com. 

Annual St. Johnsbury Athenaeum Spring 

Gala, 6:30-8:30 p.m. An array of delectable 

hors d'oeuvres and an auction of 

works of art by well-known Vermont artists. 

The Derby Line Barbershop Quartet will 

provide musical entertainment. Tickets are 

available at the Athenaeum or call for 

more information. Phone: (802) 748-8291. 

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St. 

St. Johnsbury, VT. Web: www.stjathenaeum.org. 

Back in the Saddle Kingdom Trails 

fundraiser concert at the Tamarack Grille 

at Burke Mountain, 7-9 p.m. Visit 

www.kingdomtrails.org for more info. 

SUN.16: 

NEK Audubon Conte Wildlife Refuge field 

trip. Bring your cameras. We'll try to take 

some pictures of warblers and migrating 

passerines before the trees leaf out. 

FRI.21: 

Opening Day of the Peacham Corner Guild. 

Antiques, handcrafted gifts, specialty 

foods and plant sale. Open through mid- 

October 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. 

to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays. 592-3332, located 

in the heart of Peacham Village. 

Woodworkers Symposium and Trade Show 

in St. Johnsbury, 4-8 p.m. The Vermont 

Woodnet Organization hosts the most important 

conference and trade show for the 

woodworking industry in Vermont. The 

Woodworkers Symposium and Trade Show 

is a vital part of the networking, sales and 

marketing strategy of successful and up 

and coming woodworkers. At St. Johnsbury 

Academy, 1000 Main St. St. Johnsbury, VT. 

Visit www.vtwoodnet.org for more info. 

400 Miles Down the Connecticut River - 

Michael Tougias offers a slide presentation 

down the entire river, discussing its history, 

7-9 p.m. New England's longest river, the 

Connecticut, is rich in history and natural 

history. Michael Tougias, author of 14 

books about New England, offers a narrated 

slide presentation. Call (802) 626- 

9828 for more info. Sheffield Town Hall, 

Route 122, Sheffield, VT. 

SAT.22: 

The 2nd Annual Kingdom Dandelion Run - 

A relay marathon along rows of dandelions. 

The Dandelion Run is a competitive and 

recreational half marathon relay event for 

runners of all ages and all abilities along 

roads passing through the Northeast Kingdom's 

world famous fields of dandelions. 

E-mail run@orleansrecreation.org, visit 

www.dandelionrun.org or call Pete or Julie 

at (802) 334-8511 for more info. 

SUN.23: 

NEK Audubon Birdathon. Travel the NEKs 

birding hotspots and try to break 100 

species. Last year we had 106 including a 

Ruddy Turnstone. 

Long time Joe’s Ponder John Moore takes a break near Gonaives, 

Haiti to catch up on the news in Danville. He was volunteering with 

"Engineers without Borders" to provide technical assistance on agricultural 

water supply issues as part of the reconstruction efforts following 

the earthquake. 

Better Hearing Health Month 

Give your 

Mother 

the gift of 

better 

hearing. 

FRI.7: 

Highland Express - ideRide bus travels from 

East Burke for a day of ripping world class 

downhill, freeride, slopestyle and dirt jump 

lines at Highland Mountain Bike Park, 7:30 

a.m. to 7:30 p.m.Call (802) 777-5778 or 

(802) 745-7112 for more info. 

First Friday Art Talks at the Art House in 

Craftsbury, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Judy Dales 

- Quiltmaker. Call (802) 586-2545or E-mail: 

vtarthouse@gmail.com for more information. 

SAT.8: 

NEK Audubon Blue Mountain School Trails: 

Larry Clarfeld of the North Branch Nature 

Center will lead a youth birding field trip in the 

morning. To register, call Laura at 751-7671 

or email stonesandstars@myfairpoint.net. 

Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen at the 

Music Box, 7:30 p.m. The Music Box, 147 

Creek Rd, Craftsbury. Two of the best in the 

folk music world. You can get more info at 

586-7533 or www.themusicboxvt.org. 

TUES.18: 

Reading & Book Signing: William Alexander, 

The Galaxy Bookshop in Hardwick. He 

chronicles his year of breadmaking in the 

new book, 52 Loaves. Alexander's journey 

takes the reader from ancient Egypt to a 

modern day yeast mill to an abandoned 

bakery at a French monastery. Call (802) 

472-5533 or visit 

www.galaxybookshop.com for more information. 

Howard Frank Mosher at the Cobleigh Library, 

7-9 p.m. Please join Green Mountain 

Books and Prints and the Cobleigh Library 

in welcoming Howard Frank Mosher for a 

book signing and slideshow highlighting 

and discussing his newest novel Walking to 

Gatlinburg. Cobleigh Library, 14 Depot St. 

Lyndonville. 

THURS.27: 

Book Signing with Jennifer Steil at the St. 

Johnsbury Athenaeum, 7 p.m.. Her new 

book, “The Woman Who Fell from the Sky,” 

is an intimate and surprising look at the 

role of the media in the Muslin country of 

Yemen from an American female journalist 

living and working (and falling in love) in 

this little known place. 

SAT.29: 

NEK Audubon trip to Victory Basin and 

Miles Pond. Bring your binoculars and 

cameras. We'll try for 20 species of warblers 

and maybe a few moose. 

SUN.30: 

Old North Church Memorial Day Lamplight 

Service; worship leader, the Rev. Bob Sargent, 

7 PM. 

198 Eastern Avenue St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 

(802) 748-4852 (800) 838-4327 

Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9-4 

America’s Largest Hearing 

Instrument Manufacturer 

To learn more, visit 

www.starkey.com 

Sandra Day, BC-HIS 

Call for a 

FREE 

Hearing 

Screening 

Sandra Day, BC-HIS 

Rebecca Armstrong 

Isabelle Armstrong 

Spring Worker Bee at the Old Stone House 

Museum, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friends of the museum 

help spruce up the buildings and 

grounds in preparation for the museum opening 

on May 15. Call (802) 754-2022 for more 

info. 

Ballet Wolcott’s Third Annual Spring Performance 

at the Hardwick Townhouse, 6:30-8:30 

p.m. Enjoy diverse dance performances–including 

ballet, West African, lyrical, jazz, hiphop, 

and tap–by Ballet Wolcott students. 

Phone: (802) 472-5920. The Hardwick Town 

House, 127 Church Street, Hardwick, VT. 

Web: www.nekarts.org 

Lyndon Community Chorus and St. Johnsbury 

Band Concert, 7-8 p.m. Phone:(802) 626- 

6459. Alexander Twilight Theatre, Lyndon 

State College, 1001 College Rd. Lyndonville, 

VT. Email: susan.gallagher@lyndonstate.edu. 

SUN.9: 

Bike Ride in Peacham with the Green Mountain 

Club. Ottauquechee Section. Mother's 

Day Loop from Wells River to Peacham via 

Ticklenaked Pond, back on Peacham Rd. and 

Rte 302. About 25 miles. Road or hybrid bike. 

Moderate to strenous. Call to register. Phone: 

(802) 785-2129. Web: www.greenmountainclub.org 

Mothers Day 10K/ 5K Fun Run at Burke 

Mountain, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Traversing the 

ruggedly beautiful countryside at the base of 

Burke Mountain in East Burke, the course offers 

unsurpassed views of Willoughby Gap 

and Burke Mountain. Walkers are welcome. 

Call (802) 748-5880 or visit www.umbrellanek.org 

for more info.

May - The North Star Monthly

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