March - The North Star Monthly

DANVILLE, VERMONT GOOD FOR THE WHOLE MONTH $1.50MarcH 2006Volume 17, number 11PAGE EIGHTGlassblowingDates Back 2000 Yearsto the Silk RoadThe Octagon House Was BasedUpon Science and SimplicityPAGE TENWill MarketIncentives DeterUse of GeneticallyEngineered Seeds?PAGE SEVENTEENPure Vermont MapleAvailable HereTHere’SGOld inTHOSe TreeSliqUid GOldThe Story of Maple SugarSugaring SeasonMaple syrupmaking (we callit simply sugaring in Vermont)takes place throughout northeasternUnited States and Canada aswinter loosens its icy grip. Mapleproducers (or sugarmakers) waitfor the weather that alternatesbetween freezing and thawing,that combination of cold nightsand warm days, which make thesap flow.In northern Vermont, sugaringseason typically starts aroundthe middle of March, and lastsabout six weeks. Weather conditions,the exact location and orientationto the sun can delay thiswell into April. Snow may bedeep in the woods at the start ofsugaring, but warm sun on highbranches of the maple trees causesthe dormancy of winter to letgo and sugaring season getsunderway.If you are lucky enough tovisit a Vermont sugaring operationthis spring you may see traditionaltechniques or more modernmethods of syrup making.Some sugarmakers rely on a(Please See The Story on Page 16)Monday-Friday 8-5Saturday 8-2 & Sunday 9-1St. Johnsbury Center 802-748-3127Photo By: North Star MonthlyGeorge and Marie Kellogg have lived in the octagon house on Mt. Pleasant Street in St. Johnsbury since 1966. The house is one of themany homes, schools, barns and churches built in the United States following the encouragement and the way of life advocated by OrsonFowler. The octagon represents an efficient use of space and a convenient layout for occupants. As Frank Lloyd Wright would often saylater, let “form follow function.”LOiS (FieLd) WHiTeAbuilding fad swept the United States in the mid-1800’s, andbuilders started constructing octagonal houses. The octagonal(eight sided) style was promoted by Orson S. Fowler, an interestingfellow who attended Amherst College and became known as aphrenologist, marriage counselor, sex scientist, amateur architect andcommunity planner.Fowler studied various configurations of buildings, calculatedsquare footage of each and proved that a circular form enclosed themost space for the area of roof and foundation. He declared that aneight-sided house would most nearly approximate the circle, nature’smost perfect form. He maintained that an octagon would admit themost light and would be the most efficient and convenient floor planfor its occupants. The building was naturally ventilated through acupola, there were few square corners and communication betweenrooms was easy. Fowler’s influence stood in opposition to the elaborateGreek Revival ornamentation of the time and introduced thenotion that “form follows function” well before Frank Lloyd Wrightand his followers made it famous.Fowler concocted the “gravel-wall,” a mixture of lime, sand andstones, which was mixed in wheelbarrows and dumped into woodenforms for foundations and cellar walls. He urged that the top of thefoundation rise several feet above ground so the cellar would be wellventilatedfor laundry rooms and storage of wood, lumber, root vegetables,apples and other foods. This multi-use cellar would eliminateextra buildings and provide much needed storage space. The gravelwallfoundation was cheaper to build than brick and stone foundationscommonly used. There was no cost for bricks, mortar or a mason’slabor.Fowler built a three-story octagonal home with 60 rooms on thebanks of the Hudson River in Fishkill, NY. He wrote and published AHome For All or the Gravel Wall and Octagon Mode of Building in1853. The book contains philosophy and advice for the home builder,all sorts of opinions on housekeeping, hospitality and raising of childrenand describes the building of an octagon.A few of these structures appeared in Vermont. Two octagonalbuildings remain in St. Johnsbury. The Windhorse Commons is abrick commercial building on Eastern Avenue, and a wood-framedhome at 281 Mt. Pleasant Street is owned by George and MarieKellogg.The Kellogg house was built on land that Judge Ephraim Paddockpurchased from the heirs of Lyndon Arnold. Paddock bequeathed theproperty to his son, Horace.(Please See It Was an Efficient on Page 6)P.O. Box 319 w Danville, VT 05828-0319

2 The north Star Monthly March 2006Stop All The WhiningLindsey Kildow can’t claim a perfect childhood. She was born in a suburb of Minneapolis andpushed onto the bunny slope at a community ski area when she was 2. When she began to showpromise on skis her father, a former junior Olympic skier, moved the whole family to Vail, CO andreorganized its schedule around his daughter’s lessons and racing.By the time she was 9, Kildow was flying through slalom gates in Europe, and her family wasfar from normal. Her family, as we like to think of it, was replaced by ski teams and coaches, andher mother had had enough. She moved her four younger children back to Minnesota and filed fordivorce. She admits, “By the time Lindsey was 15, she was gone.”As I read about Kildow’s childhood I am saddened to think of all she missed: a hometown andits affection for the natural pace of childhood, friends from families with multiple interests, jokes andconversations around the family dinner table and the stability that comes only from growing up withan understanding of place. Kildow’s childhood was an international ski race fueled by the pressure tobeat everyone down the hill.At the 2002 winter Olympics in Utah Kildow had the best finish in the combined alpine eventof any of the women on the U.S. ski team. She was sixth overall. Her racing and training pushed on,and this year in Turin, Italy she was viewed as a favorite. She carried much of the hope of the teamon her 21-year-old frame.Then in an afternoon training run on the ice glazed downhill course, Kildow crashed. Shecaught an edge and cartwheeled high into the air and landed hard on her back beyond the fringe ofthe course. In the television replays, we saw again and again what ski instructors call a “yard sale” -an equipment spraying fall that left Kildow motionless. Snow was still settling when the helicopterwas on its way for a medical airlift to the hospital. It could have been the end - the end of Kildow’s2006 Olympics, the end of her ever skiing again or worse, but two days later she was back in thestarting gate, bruised but unbroken and trying not to think about her fall.Kildow was back and showing a determination and a work ethic that I want to celebrate. Shedid race again, and she finished in an incredibly honorable eighth place. Lindsey Kildow went so farbeyond the minimum standard of what’s acceptable that if it were up to me I’d proclaim her anational symbol of outstanding performance. For crying out loud, we would have been thrilled ifshe’d watched the next race from the back window of an ambulance, but no she chose to shuffle outof her hospital room, lock into her ski bindings and redefine our understanding of true grit. At a timewhen so many of our cultural icons (and their agents) seem to whine and want more for the same (ifnot less), Lindsey Kildow might have caved in. Instead she stood tall. She adjusted her goggles onemore time, and she wouldn’t settle for less than heroic determination. That’s my idea of Olympicspirit, and I’m proud she was wearing our flag.Terry HofferA Challenging Recipeingredients: A vulnerable group of people with chronic mental health problems who are perpetuallyin the underdog position when advocating for their needs. Under funding of mental healthservices (a chronic problem of societal proportions). The human tendency to place a disproportionateemphasis on negative consequences. The superior power of fear, particularly close-minded fear,over reason to motivate behavior.directions: Season with a pinch of bias, a soupcon of misperception, and a dab of resistance tochange. Leaven with civility and a willingness to speak out in public.Let the first two ingredients ferment in a sluggish and conflicted bureaucracy, then add remainingingredients and blend in a rapidly moving real estate market.Present this fare to the news hungry through media whose survival depends on sales and findsthat controversy makes for better sales.The recipe metaphor is a succinct way for me to point out some difficulties Northeast KingdomHuman Services (NKHS) faces as this organization strives to improve mental health services in theNortheast Kingdom. NKHS is responsible for providing services to the chronically mentally ill anddevelopmentally disabled in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties. Following the model that theill, whether physically or mentally ill, are better served when they are closer to their support systems- families and community - NKHS has been working for nearly a year to develop a residential treatmentfacility in the habitually underserved Northeast Kingdom. Such a treatment facility is to servepeople with chronic mental illness who are not yet able to live on their own but no longer require theintensity of hospital-based psychiatric care. The facility is intended to be a nurturing environmentwhere people can recover their sense of worth and purpose, become proficient with essential lifeskills and, if appropriate, receive vocational training. Looking at potential properties around theNortheast Kingdom, NKHS thought it might have a viable option in Greensboro. Opposition to thisproposal by some of Greensboro’s residents has been swift and vocal.The need for mental health services in the Northeast Kingdom is acute. I am saddened by theresponse to the NKHS proposal in Greensboro. Although any community can be an active participantin the therapeutic program of a residential treatment facility, it certainly is not a requirement.Simply being neighborly, something that most of us in Vermont pride ourselves upon, is all that isreally needed.People with chronic mental illness should not be cloistered at the end of a dirt road. Theythrive on the same human contacts, albeit of a different pace and intensity at times, that we allrequire. Whether in Greensboro or elsewhere, I support the efforts of NKHS to develop a residentialprogram in a supportive community in the Northeast Kingdom. As so eloquently written by JayNeugeboren in a recent issue of Newsweek, “Let’s find resources to give people afflicted with mentalillness what all of us need: fellow human beings upon whom we can depend to help us throughour dark times and, once through, to emerge into gloriously imperfect lives.”Tim TannerediTOrial OfficeS:P.O. Box 319 ~ 29 Hill StreetDanville, VT 05828-0319(802) 684-1056ediTOr:Terry HofferarT direcTOr:Suzanne TannercOnTriBUTinGediTOr:Tim TannercircUlaTiOn:Kathy HofferadVerTiSinG:Vicki MooreediTOrial adViSOrYBOard:John HaygoodJane LarrabeeSusan LynaughBetsy McKayThe north Star Monthly (ISSN#1043-8041) is produced andpublished monthly by Polestar Publishing, Inc. located at 29 Hill Street,Danville, VT. Subscription Rates are $15.00 per year. Printed in USA.Copyright 2006 by Polestar Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No partof this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced withoutexpressed permission from Polestar Publishing, Inc. Publisher is notresponsible for errors resulting from typographical errors. Acceptance ofadvertising is subject to publisher’s approval and agreement by theadvertiser to indemnify the publisher from loss or expense on claimsbased upon contents of the advertising. Publisher does not assume liabilityfor errors in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupiedby the individual item in which the error appeared.Postmaster: Send address changes to The north Star Monthly,P.O. Box 319, Danville, VT 05828-0319. Periodical postage paid atDanville, VT.contributors to this issue include: Lorna Quimby, JeffGold & Ellen Gold, Lois (Field) White, John Downs, Isobel P.Swartz, Rachel Siegel, Paula LaRochelle, Richard Quimby, VanParker, Reeve Lindbergh, Vanna Guldenschuh, Alice S. Kitchel& Burton Zahler, Bill Christiansen, Dee Palmer, Gail Lawrence,Ann Staffeld, Lynn A. Bonfield, Allison Wilson Waterman, SeanO’Connor, Liz Sargeant and Matt Clancy.e-mail: northstar@kingcon.comwww.northstarmonthly.comWritetoUsLETTERS: Write to The North Star, and let usknow what’s on your mind. Your point of viewor observation is important to us. Letters mustbe signed.ARTicLES: We don’t have a big staff of writers.So we look forward to you sending yourwriting. If you have questions or ideas andwant to ask us first, please call. We’ll send ourguidelines. No fiction, please.PhoToS: We’d like to see your photos andwelcome them with a story or without. Theycan be black-and-white or color, but they mustbe clear.PRESS RELEASES: We prefer press releasesthat are unique to The North Star.DEADLinE: 15th of the month prior to publication.All materials will be considered on a spaceavailable basis.Letters tothe Editor:Beaupre Owned northernVermontDear North Star,I wish to respectfully takeexception to the article “RollieBeaupre Quartet Owned NorthernVermont” by Lois White. I amcertainly not taking anythingaway from the music or the musiciansinvolved as they were terrificmusicians who played greatmusic.However, there were othergroups who also played goodmusic at the same time and playedin the same or even larger areas. Imust start with my group, knownas the TD trio and includedWilfred “Willy” McClure, pianoand organ, Bernie Whitehill, guitarand bass, and myself, Lee“Stony” on drums. Later weadded Bruce Warner, sax, andbecame TD Trio + 1. We playedNorthern Vermont and NewHampshire and Quebec for 25years. We played at Gracie’s Innin Lyndonville for many yearsand on radio station, WTWN,now WSTJ, from Gracies for atime with Don Mullaly at the controls.We played at the manyclubs, restaurants, weddings andthe Lyndon Institute annual alumniball for many yearsAlso to be remembered in thearea at that time were the bandsled by Leo Giguere, Rin Wright,Chet Howard and others who allowned part of the North Country.One other band, up north,The Melody Men, played at theold Red Wing, which became theElks Club, for many years, as well(Please See Letters on Page 4)

The north Star Monthly March 2006 3Great Fire Sweeps Montpelier with Loss of $75,000New Postage Rates Lead to Intense DissatisfactionThe North Star“WheRe LIbeRTy DWeLLS TheRe IS My CouNTRy”1807-1891est. by ebenezer eatonDanville, VermontThe NoRTh STARMarch 5, 1875At the races of the ice-boatclub at Hamburg, NY onSaturday the quickest time madewas twelve miles in 28 minutes.A woman has been electeddirector of a bank in Peoria, Ill.There are two hundred andforty students at the St.Johnsbury Academy this term.A case of shooting occurredon Wednesday afternoon inWalden, near the steam mill. Thetwo men are Henry O’Gannonand Albert Carr both well knownresidents of Walden. It appearsthat O’Gannon and Carr hadsome difficulty a few weeks ago inwhich it is said O’Gannon beatCarr’s mother. Proceedings werecommenced against O’Gannonfor the act and a court was to beholden today to investigate thecase. The day previous to the oneappointed for a hearing on thecharge of beating Mrs. Carr,O’Gannon with some three orfour men, went to Carr’s house totry and settle the matter and preventlegal proceedings. Carr metO’Gannon in the doorway andtold O’Gannon not to enter thehouse, threatening to shoot if headvanced another step.O’Gannon took another step andreceived a pistol ball in his chin.The ball passed around andlodged in O’Gannon’s neck. Hebled profusely and was unable tospeak. Dr. Bullard was called butwe have not heard the results ofthe examination. It was supposed,however, that the shot would notprove fatal. No doubt Carr wasarrested for the offense though atthis writing we do not know thatany arrest has been made.Charles Woodard who recentlybought the store in NorthDanville has renovated and fittedit up in good style. He has addeda large variety of new goods andwill sell them at fair prices. Itwould seem as if one well conductedstore in North Danvilleought to do a good business.March 12, 1875There is more ice in LongIsland Sound than has beenknown before for a lifetime.An estate in Woolwich,England leased to the Crown fornine hundred and ninety nineyears has just been surrendered tothe representatives of the lessors,the lease having expired.Capt. William Dole is nowshipping potatoes from the depotfor the Boston market. He is paying45 and 50 cents per bushel.L.W. Fisher and MarshallMorse of this town have swappedplaces. By this arrangementFisher takes the mill and houseadjacent thereto, while Morsemoves on to the farm recentlyoccupied by Fisher.Walden Shooting Affray -Albert Carr who shot HenryO’Gannon last week at Waldenwas arrested and taken willinglyto jail. On Friday an examinationwas made before justices A.J.Willard and John W. Lewis. Nomaterial facts were elicited differentfrom those published lastweek. The respondent was placedunder $1,000 bonds for trial atCounty Court. The prisoner atonce procured bonds - some twentyresponsible persons signingthem - and he was discharged.Meantime O’Gannon is doingwell, and is likely to recover withthe exception perhaps of retainingthe pistol ball in his body, ithaving not yet been outward.March 19, 1875At about one o’clock last weekFriday morning a fire was discoveredin the hardware store of J.D.Clogston, which consumed threebuildings occupied by stores onMain Street in Montpelier.Between 3 and 4 o’clock anotherfire broke out on State Street, andby 7 o’clock the entire south sideof State Street from the branchbridge to Main Street composingthe finest business portion of thevillage, excepting one block onthe corner of State and Main wasa heap of ruins. Ten blocks wereburned. Loss estimated at$75,000; insured for $36,000.Governor Peck who happened tobe in town worked on the enginesat both fires. Fire companies fromBarre and Northfield renderedvaluable assistance in checkingthe progress of the fire. It is saidthe burnt district will be rebuiltimmediately.Left Town - One Titus whoformerly lived in Lowell married awife. There was some difficultyand they parted. Titus came tothis place and courted and marriedanother wife, by whom hehad two children. A short timeago letters arrived from Lowellmaking inquiries and some ofTitus’ friends advised him he hadbetter leave. Titus thought not, ashe had never come around heragain. But by advice of friends heleft work for the P. & O. road lastweek and took his last family anddusted. He is said to be a steady,well disposed man, but not wellposted in the laws governing marriageand divorce.March 26, 1875New Postage Rates - The dissatisfactionamong people as theydiscover that Congress in the closinghours of the late session doubledthe postage on almost everythingthat persons who are notpublishers have occasion to sendthrough the mails, letters andpostcards excepted is intense.The Cost of a Menagerie -This being the month when thegreat menageries perfect theirarrangements for the summercampaign a New York correspondentvouchsafes some curiousinformation relative to the businessof importing wild animals.Mr. Charles Robe of New York isan extensive dealer in show animalsand has in fact no rival onthe continent. His busy season isnow at hand, and at his establishmentone may find the leadingshowmen of the present day, whoare replenishing their assortmentof animals. Elephants are quotedfrom $2,000 to $6,000 accordingto size and origin. Camels bring$500, giraffes, $3,000, zebras$1,200 while lions range all theway from $1,500 to $2,000.Leopards are quoted at $500 andrhinoceroses between $5,000 and$10,000. White bears are quotedat $2,200 while the hippopotamuscosts the enormous sum of$12,000.Longevity - Died inMorrisville, March 4, Simon Dell,aged 101 years, 4 months andseven days. He was a soldier sevenyears under Napoleon Bonaparteand was among the number whocrossed the Alps; he also servedunder Wellington seven years. Hecould converse with remarkableintelligence to the very last. Hewas a devoted Christian, a lovingfather and a respectable citizen.The demoralizing influence ofcamp life failed to dim the brightnessof his moral and religiouslife. He sleeps where the din ofbattle will wake him no more.Cabot is going to have a$1,500 soldiers’ monument.Haven’t heardfrom yourneighborsin a while?Take ’ema copy ofthe North Star...... or let us send it.The North StarOnly $15.00(17% off the cover price!)$24.00 for foreign subscriptionsOr Send a Year to Yourself.Please! Send a gift subscription to:NameAddressCity State ZipYOUR NAMEYOUR ADDRESSSteve & Bev Allen, South Ryegate VTSig & Bonnie Andersen, St. Johnsbury VTRuth Bailey, Danville VTThomas & Susan Ball, Montpelier VTLillian Dauphin Ballard, St. Johnsbury VTRandall Bashta, Acton MASandra Batchelder, Anna Maria Island FLJeanette H. Bergeron, Keene NHSarah Berrian, Danville VTLyn & Debbie Bixby, St. Johnsbury VTRaymond S. Blanchard, Albany NYMr. & Mrs. Samuel Boyle, Milton VTGeorge D. Cahoon Jr., Danville VTElizabeth G. Carter, Casselberry FLCarlton Chickering, Watertown CTThomas & Sheila Claffey,St. Johnsbury VTDavid T. & Joan B. Clark,St. Johnsbury VTCobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville VTStanley S. & Gladys Collins,Waterford VTStanley Crown, Groton VTKaren Daniels, Danville VTYOUR CITY YOUR STATE ZIPApt. No.APT. NO.New North Star Subscribers and RenewalsJohn & Roz Daniels, Cabot VTPhilip Dawson, New York NYMadeline Dodge, Sun City Center FLMrs. Patricia Douglas, St. Johnsbury VTVirginia Elliott, East Burke VTSandra & Toby Fairbank, Arlington MAHolly Finlay, Franconia NHTom Forster and Dana Kraus, Danville VTJudy Garland, Danville VTBob & Rowena Gibson,White River Junction VTDuane & Sue Gibson, East Montpelier VTDonna L. Gibson, South Pomfret VTCarroll Gorham, Newport VTDave & Jan Houston, Danville VTArlene A. Hubbard, Danville VTJulie & Sam Kempton, Peacham VTJames S. Kendall, Bossier City LADavid & Shelia Kinerson, Orlando FLCaroline Kittredge, Danville VTFrances Ladd, Danville VTJennifer & Benjamin Lam, Barnet VTBeaulah Lawrence, Redington Shores FLAlice M. Lee, Lyndonville VTCheryl M. Linsley, Danville VTEugene D. Lowrey, Williston VTMr. & Mrs. Richard Morehouse,Concord VTRobert Morse, Nashua NHMarilyn L. Moulton, St. Johnsbury VTLloyd P. Munger, Lyndonville VTDonald M. Murray, East Ryegate VTGraham Newell, St. Johnsbury VTNew England Newsclip Agency,Belfast MEGarth & Georgiana Page, Groton VTJim Page, Danville VTRonald & Joanna Pal, Sutton VTPhillip & Lynne Palmer, Groton VTReginald D. Payette, Concord VTHarold & Clarice Pelow, Collinsville CTMr. & Mrs. Ralph G. Perkins,St. Johnsbury VTNorman Powell, Carmel MEJames & Mary Jo Quimby, Brevard NCEleanor B. Ritchie, Sullivan MEMrs. Vera D. Rooker, Greensboro NCNeal & June Sargeant, Marshfield VTYes! Send me The North Star Monthly:NameAddressCity State ZipApt. No.Please let us know if you don’t want your name published asa subscriber of The North Star.Limited number of back issues are available for the previous12 months. Get them for $1.50 per copy at The North Staroffice or send $2.50 each and we’ll send them to you.St. Johnsbury Athenaeum,St. Johnsbury VTMr. & Mrs. Robert Sargent, Danville VTBetty Lou Sherry, Atlanta GABarbara Sicard, Hardwick VTSandra Sicely, Cabot VTEmmett & Jane Sullivan, Matherville ILPhyllis Taylor, Orford NHBarbara L. Taylor, Danville VTSusan & John Vaillancourt, Dover NHMrs. Eleanor Vance, Danville VTVermont Department of Libraries,Montpelier VTKenneth & Florence Ward, Danville VTShirley Warden, Barnet VTMs. Luvia Webster, Chittenden VTJenny Wolfson, Boston MAMary Kay Wood, Concord VTGary & Elizabeth Yoder, Sanford NCSUBSCRIBETODAY!$15 / yearNorth Star MonthlyPO Box 319Danville, VT 05828(802) 684-1056Long Distance(800) 286-1056

4 The north Star Monthly March 2006Letters tothe Editor:(Continued from Page2)as many other jobs on both sidesof the border. The Melody Menband included two musiciansfrom Lyndonville, Bill Lang,excellent trumpet player, andRussell “Red” Wilson, one of thebest drummers in northernVermont.We all were playing steadyand I’m sure we all felt we owned“part” of Northern Vermont.Thank you.Lee “Stony”Lyndonville, VTState recreation TrailDear North Star,After a letter I wrote appearedin the last issue of The North Star,I had a long conversation withTed Chase, a West Danville memberof the LVRT (Lamoille ValleyRail Trail) committee. He reaffirmedseveral facts that wereamong the reasons I wholeheartedlysupport the project, but healso corrected a misconception Ihad about winter use of the recreationproject that, I must confess,came from a North Star editorialand appeared in my letter as aquotation.Ted explained that winter usewill not in any way be restrictedto snowmobiles - that there is no“right of first use” for VAST, andthat x-c skiers like myself willhave full rights to this trail. Thisfact, along with Mr. Chase’s affirmationthat the plan will create aAppalachian Supply Inc.Wholesale - RetailPlumbing, Heating & Electrical Supplies4581 Memorial DriveSt. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-4513superb, new state park stretchingacross our beautiful state, haswon my unqualified support. Ifthere is any way our legislatorscan move this project along andfind the means to fund or resolveany remaining issues, I encouragethem to do so.For any readers that have concernsabout the co-existenceof snow-machines and nonmotorizedtraffic on this proposedtrail, I can only ask that they considerthe project’s year roundvalue and that those of use whointend to use it for non-motorizeduses will see those issuesresolved. The proposal is for aquality, surfaced, accessible, 4-season trail stretching nearly 100miles.If the project moves ahead, wecan get our new park. If we preventit from being completed, weare so much the poorer for nothaving it.Dan ZuckerDanvilleThanksDear North Star,This is the best fifteen bucks Iever spent.Jan HoustonDanville, VTDear North Star,Thank you for keeping me intouch with my favorite part ofVermont. I look forward to thenews and getting up there again intime for the fall foliage festival.Keep up the good work.Vera D. RookerGreensboro, NC.Rte. 302Littleton, NH 03561(603) 444-6336The Riverside SchoolAn independent school for grades 3-8Take to the StreetsOn the night that President Bush gave his State of the Union address, my wife and I joined about30 other peace demonstrators in Lyndonville’s Bandstand Park. The purpose of the gathering at 8 p.m.(the president spoke at 9 p.m.) was to generate publicity by displaying signs critical of the presidentand generally serving as a much-needed protest of policies of the Bush administration.Television station WCAX hoped this unusual event would be important so they sent over a crew.Later, along with the others, I found myself on TV for the first time in years. The crowd was small,but from the number of people who spoke to me the next day, it was obvious that a large audienceviewed the news. We particularly lamented that the country has to endure the disastrous Bush presidencyfor another two-and-a-half years.The fact that there was only one demonstration in Vermont and one in New Hampshire was asdisappointing as the fact that only 30 people gathered in Lyndonville. The Democrats had publicizedthat demonstrations would take place throughout the country.How much more will we citizens tolerate without publicly protesting as our beloved nation succumbsto the siren song of fascism? In the matter of Judge Ed Cashman’s involvement in State ofVermont v. Hulett case, we witnessed the power of the media and the public when passionatelyaroused. Strident protests resulted in a revision of the sentence so that Hulett will serve at least threeyears in prison instead of the 60 days of his original sentence.My question at this point: Is the fate of our nation less important to Vermonters than the sexualabuse of a young girl? Imagine the results if an aroused citizenry protested loud, clear and repeatedlyabout the wrong roads our president and his crew have taken to get us in the mess we are in now.Looking back over the Bush years, there are many issues that justify protest. For example, it wasclearly a mistake for the president to declare war against Afghanistan as part of his fight against theterrorist Osama bin Laden and the Al Qaeda terrorist network.We should have followed the example of the British and French in their fights against Irish andAlgerian militants. They concentrated on apprehending the individuals involved; there was no declarationof war against a country. Had we pursued bin Laden with the same single-minded approach, hemight well have been in custody years ago. Al Qaeda might have been nipped in the bud, so to speak,and its growth would undoubtedly have been curtailed.The most disastrous mistake (to date) of the president was declaring war against Iraq, a countryin no way involved in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Consequences of that decision, particularly the dramaticincrease in terrorism, will be with us for years to come, along with the death and destruction.The most egregious element of that decision was the deceitful way that the president tried topersuade us that the war was necessary. According to Scott Shane reporting in the February 11 editionof the New York Times, recently retired Paul Pillar, the CIA national intelligence officer for the NearEast and South Asia, accused the Bush administration of ignoring or distorting the prewar intelligenceon a broad range of issues relating to Iraq in its efforts to justify the invasion.He echoed similar criticisms by Richard Clarke, former White House counter-terrorism adviser,and Paul H. O’Neill, former Treasury Secretary. Pillar confirmed other sources when he also said,“The intelligence was misused to justify decisions that had already been made, chiefly to toppleHussein in order to “shake up the sclerotic power structure of the Middle East.”The president ignored the laws and continues to do so. Congress passed a law forbidding tortureof prisoners, consistent with the agreement made by the president and Senator John McCain. Nosooner was it enacted and publicly acclaimed, than the president said he could and would ignore it.Secret surveillance of domestic telephone calls is the latest abuse of his constitutional authority.It is unconscionable to push for further tax cuts when our national debt and trade deficit continueto increase dramatically. The new drug plan, prepared with the connivance of the self-serving drugindustry, is a dismal failure to date. Medicare is not allowed to negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceuticalindustry.We like to think of ourselves as a peace-loving nation, although by many of our allies we areconsidered to be a violent society, as demonstrated by our love of guns and refusal to regulate someof them effectively. Nevertheless, except for several serious instances in the past, we do not indulge inviolent protests. Martin Luther King urged non-violent civil disobedience, and look what he accomplished.So there is no reason to say, as so many do, “There’s nothing I can do about it” Ridiculous!Remember the Judge Cashman bashing here at home, Martin Luther King and the history of MahatmaGandhi’s passive resistance and civil disobedience movement that ousted the British from India.Take to the streets and let the world know that we will not tolerate conditions as they are. Untilwe try, we will never know what miracles could come about as a result of persistent, on-going protesting.John DownsDear North Star,Thanks for another great yearof The North Star.Eleanor & Clint RitchieSullivan, MESenior Meal SiteDear North Star,Sorry I missed the January 17feast at the Danville senior mealsite. Can you reschedule it so Ican attend?Don TescherThomaston, MECelebrating 25 Yearsl Dedicated Teachersl High Academic Standardsl Family Atmospherel Small Class Sizel Personal Attention30 Lily Pond Road Lyndonville, VT 05851(802) 626-8552theriversideschool@charter.netwww.theriversideschool.com

The north Star Monthly March 2006 5Is the USA Becoming a Culture of Fear?When I was a child in England during World War II I should have been afraid, but I wasn’t. Iwas too young to realize the implications of what was going on, though my parents tried to explainsome of it to me. Today, I see clearly our government using fear to manipulate the emotions of misinformedand naive citizens to discourage dissent.There are so many things in our world to be afraid of. Many are natural, related to just beingalive. To mention a few there is fear of giving birth; aging; pain; dying; death itself; disease; separationand loneliness. I have noticed how American life is slowly becoming a culture of fear despitethe promise in the Declaration of Independence of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness...”Fear is an enervating, negative force that occupies the mind in such a way that it makes intelligent,logical thought difficult.Here are a few of the things that I believe are being used to increase fear and anxiety. First ofall is terrorism. I do not mean to belittle the horrific effects and experiences of 9/11, but the devastationof the event loses its impact and dishonors those who were harmed when our president and vicepresident,coast through their “mandate” using 9/11 at every critical moment, deceitfully attributingits origin to Saddam Hussein’s influence. Nevertheless, the fear originating from this particularevent has led many to calmly accept restrictions on their civil liberties, to accept government wiretappingand illegal spying on American citizens and even accept the event as an excuse to go to war.One reason why I was not afraid as a child was that my parents and other British citizens werediscouraged from giving in to fear. This has also been true in recent times with the IRA bombingsand now with the threat and reality of other sources of terrorism. The British refuse to allow fear torule and ruin their lives. So should we. That is how we combat terror and how we make our countryand our government stronger. We don’t do it by allowing the government to take away our civil libertieswhile exaggerating our fears.There are real threats to the safety of the world. Openly antagonistic states, armed with nuclearweapons, such as North Korea, are a very legitimate source of fear. We are also concerned about thecompetition of other countries in the global marketplace; that our jobs will be lost or outsourced; thatcountries such as China and India will compete with us for energy and raw materials. Fearful ofchanging our lifestyles, ironically, we continue to use high-priced oil and gasoline, instead of developingnew energy sources that would reduce some of our need to compete.We are often distrustful of each other when our beliefs are in conflict, Democrats andRepublicans; Christians and Muslims; Muslims and Jews; Red States and Blue States; Pro-Life andPro-Choice; Conservative and Liberal. This distrust, close companion to fear, makes it difficult forsome citizens to work together toward common goals and for our government to work effectively. Iam tired of the use of fear by our government to influence politics. It is an arrogant use of powerthat demeans ordinary citizens. It renders democracy impotent.We need some tools to combat this behavior. A good education is probably the most importantone; awareness, but not fear, of other cultures; confidence in our personal strengths. These give usflexibility to make choices in our lives, and that is the most powerful tool of all.We have seen how little our government did to help the communities of the Gulf coast before,and during, hurricane Katrina. We have seen how little has been done since September 2005 to getthat region back on its feet and functioning. We need to believe in our power to help ourselves. Weare fortunate in Vermont that most of us live in small towns where we know our neighbors. It is asmall state with easy access to local and state government. We need to be aware of our localresources and preparedness. We must learn more about how to help ourselves, and our local communities,in case of emergencies such as an Avian flu epidemic. What we need most is valid informationand a determination to live our lives without allowing fear to control us.Isobel P. SwartzDanville Chamber of Commerce SeeksCitizen of the Year NominationsThe Danville Chamber ofCommerce is seeking nominationsfor the 2006 OutstandingCitizen of the Year.Please write a letter describingwhy your nominee should bethe honoree. Submit your nominationby March 1, 2006 toCitizen of the Year, PO Box 201,Danville VT 05828.Past recipients includeHarold and Catherine Beattie,Paul and Marion Sevigny, Hollisand Mary Prior, Arnold andWinona Gadapee, JanetWakefield, Alice Hafner, FranLamothe, Betty Calkins, JudgeLewis and Margaret Springer,Gordon Bess, Paul Sweeney andDorothy Larabee.The Outstanding Citizen ofthe Year will ride in the DanvilleFair parade on August 5 and behonored at that time.&As the warm sunencouragedthe frost to let gobeneath my already muddy drivewaythe postmanslogged his way upin his little mighty truckto deliver a packageAs he stepped outhis boots madea suction soundwith each stepWe met on the porchas we took in the viewmelting snow and mudI saw a Robin todayhe offeredas he handed over the packagewith a smileWhat service I thoughtand carried his encouragementthrough the restof my dayPaula LaRochelleaUTO rePairComplete Car Care ServicesParts Plus Car Care CenterManufacturer’sBrake SpecialRebates of up to $75. with this adAsk for details (Some restrictions apply)1193 Portland StreetSt. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-3636Backroom Gallery Show“CROSSING JACk BROOk”Paintings and Sculpture by Peter MilesFebruary 25 - March 31Store Hours: 10:30 - 5:30 Monday - SaturdayLET US HELP YOU ENJOY THE SNOW!...everyone deserves to have as much fun outdoors as we do.* Professional Service& Equipment Repair* Friendly, Helpful ServiceWinter equipment andclothing ~ 15 - 50% offSALEOakely t Scott t BoeriKarhu t Atomic t AlpinaTubbs t Salomon t FoxSolstice t ColumbiaTrek t Garmont t SwixService & Tune-upsthat you will not findanywhere else!OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKAll Major Credit Cards AcceptedYour Complete ATOMICDemo CenterRENTALSt Shaped SkiRentals - $17t Telemark - $25t X--Country - $15t Demo Skis - $30t Snowboards - $25t Snowshoes - $15(802) 626-3215Rt. 114, East Burke, VTskibike@sover.netwww.eastburkesports.com

6 The north Star Monthly March 2006it Was an efficient andconvenient floor Plan(Continued from Page 1)Horace Paddock sold a lot onMt. Pleasant Street for $500 toCurtis Kinney, an employee of E.& T. Fairbanks Company, in1875. Construction commencedsoon afterward with $3,500Kinney borrowed from theFairbanks Company onDecember 1, 1876. The loan wassecured by house and land.Orson Fowler’sinfluence introducedthe notionthat “form followsfunction” wellbefore Frank LloydWright and his followersmade itfamous.Kinney became ill, and heand his wife, Almira, conveyedthe property to the FairbanksCompany for $3,500 in 1878.Kinney died six days later ofconsumption at 35.The Fairbanks Company keptthe octagon a few years as aguest house for visiting dignitaries,then conveyed it to MaryPhoto By: Lois (Field) WhiteThe Kellogg house on Mt. Pleasant Street in St. Johnsbury was builtin 1876. it has been used as a private home and briefly as a guesthouse for the Fairbanks Company.Abigail Savage of Montreal in1882. Mrs. Savage, her daughterin-lawand “five Savagefemales” lived in the house until1892, when the Savages thensold the property to Henry andHannah Hudson.The Hudsons sold the propertyto Attorney David Porter in1902, and he, his wife Ameliaand their children lived there formany years. Porter died in 1939.Amelia lived on until 1966, andon July 1, 1966 the executors ofher estate sold the octagon to theKelloggs for $14,000.The Kellogg house contains3,400 square feet. Each of itseight sides is sixteen feet long.The cellar floor is mostly concrete.The foundation is fieldstone,with brick from groundlevelto the sills. The two-storyhouse is wood frame, with lathand plaster, sided with clapboardspainted yellow and withshutters and trim of dark green.The original Italianate frontporch was replaced with a plainentrance porch and an overhangingroof. An octagonal cupola,eight feet in diameter, has anarched window in each side anda bracketed roof. The main housealso has a bracketed roof. A rectangulartwo-story addition, 16feet wide and 32 feet long, wasadded by Mrs. Savage and containsa six-room apartment.The floors on the lower levelare of hardwood; the secondstoryfloors are painted softwoodboards. The first floor has ninefootceilings, the second floorceilings are at eight-and-a-halffeet. The square hallway andstaircase with one landing,balustrades and a railing of natural-finishwood are in the centerof the house at a 45-degree angleto the front door.A stairway to the cellar isbeneath the main part of thestaircase, and an enclosed stairwayto the attic is above. A horizontalwindow in the hall ceilingabove the stairway may beopened for ventilation in summerby means of a pulley and chain.When the window is opened hotair rises and pulls cooler air upthe stairway as a form of naturalair conditioning. The attic has nowindows but the cupola, reachedby a built-in stepladder, has windowsthat open.The front doors are archedand enclose two panes of etchedglass. The house has panel doorsand woodwork with classicmoldings painted white.Windows are double-hung withtwo panes in each section. Thedining room was enlarged whenthe Fairbanks Company ownedthe house, and a dark-stained andvarnished sideboard/china cupboardunit was added. The unitincludes a small sink at the leftand a base cupboard on the right.One may crawl through this cupboard,through another smalldoor and into the secret “hideaway”room. A wall was movedto enlarge the dining room, makingthe hideaway room quitesmall. It has no windows.The living room once containeda fireplace which backedup to the hideaway room; thisand portions of its chimney havebeen removed, but part of thechimney is still visible in anupstairs closet. The parlor containsan operating fireplace. Apartition between two smallchambers on the second floorwas removed to create an infirmaryat the time that the Porterdaughters were ill with influenzaduring the 1918 epidemic.The kitchen originally had awood cookstove, and still has adumbwaiter lift to the basement.That room was modernized bythe Kelloggs and they installedlaundry equipment in an originalpantry. Bathrooms were addedafter the days of outdoor privies.The Mt. Pleasant octagon hashoused many interesting families.Curtis Kinney and his wifelived in their new home less thanthree years before he died. Hewas a mechanic at the Fairbanksplant; the family had come fromAlbany, VT and had at least twochildren. Almira Kinney died in1883 at age 40, also of consumption.Mary Abigail Savage boughtthe house from the FairbanksCompany and lived there nearly10 years. She and two daughterswere still there in the late 1800’s.(Concluded on Next Page)winterclearance50%offDANvIllEHARDWARE 20 Hill StreetRecovered by theSt. Johnsbury Police DepartmentKatie is back, and are we ever happy.Keep your petshappy andhealthy withIams andEukanubaPet FoodsAt the Carpet ConnectionWe employ Flooring Specialists.Each crew in each van has its ownarea of expertise.We have:n A Carpet Crewn A Vinyl Crewn A Ceramic Crewn A Hardwood Flooring CrewWhatever type of floor covering you choose,you can be assured that if you turn to theCarpet Connection, someone trained in thatspecialty will install your new floor.JACk oF All TrAdes?No.We are the Master of One - Floor Covering.We are the Flooring Specialists.OPEN 7 DAYSWinter Hours:Monday-Friday 8-5Saturday 8-3Sunday 9-3684-2538800-287-2538THeCArPeT CoNNeCTIoN“The Flooring Specialists” Wholesale & Retail11 depot street l lyndonville, VT 05851 (802) 626-9026

PantryDWParlorKitchenSClprotectyourfriendsApartmentRHallPorchThis plan of the first floor of the Kellogg house, drawn by Lois(Field) White, illustrates how Orson Fowler’s ideal maximized theuse of the octagonal space. Far from pie-shaped, the rooms gatheredaround a central hall and stairs and offered convenient accessand communication between rooms and between floors. daylightfrom the cupola could shine down through the attic and through awindow in the second floor ceiling all the way to the first floorlevel. The living space was bright and well ventilated.DWHallClDining RoomLivingRoomHide-AwayAround March 20-21 everyyear, we experience somethingcalled the vernal equinox— “spring’s equal night.” Nightfeels equal to day at this time ofyear because we are halfwaybetween the longest night, whichoccurs at the winter solstice andthe longest day, which occurs atthe summer solstice.On a perfect Earth, night andday would be equal at the equinox.But as human calendarmakers and timekeepers havelearned over the centuries, theEarth refuses to be perfect by ourdefinitions. And that’s the problem:our definitions. They causeday to last longer than night onthe equinox.We define the equinox bywhat the center of the sun isdoing and day and night by whatthe top of the sun is doing. OnHenry and Hannah Hudsonbought the octagon house fromMrs. Savage in 1892. They livedthere ten years before selling toDavid Porter in 1902.Porter was a criminal defenselawyer with the firm of Porter,Witters and Longmoore. ThePorters had four daughters, bornin the early 1900’s. Porter likedto sit in the octagonal cupola,smoke and watch the neighbors’activities from the high vantagepoint.Porter died in 1939. His wifelived in the house until the timeRabiesVaccinationClinicsfor Dogs & CatsThe north Star Monthly March 2006 7Naturalist’s AlmanacGale Lawrencethe equinox, the center of the sunis above the horizon for 12 hourseverywhere on Earth. Butbecause day starts when the topof the sun appears above thehorizon, we start counting day afew minutes early.And day doesn’t end until thetop of the sun disappears, so itgets a few extra minutes at theother end too. Therefore thenight of the equinox is doublyshortchanged. It comes closest tobeing equal a few days before thevernal equinox — March 16 or17 where I live at a latitude ofabout 45 degrees north.As if being shortchanged byour human definitions of sunriseand sunset weren’t enough, thenight of the equinox loses yet afew more minutes to somethingcalled refraction. The Earth’satmosphere bends the sun’s raysof her death in 1966. The executorsof her estate sold the propertyto the Kelloggs.George Kellogg served in theU.S. Air Force during World WarII and was stationed in GreatBritain where he met and marriedhis wife, Marie. They raisedthree children in St. Johnsburyand still live in this remarkablePROMIS COMINGARE YOUREADY?TUXEDORENTALSCourteous,ExperiencedStress-free Fittingsin such a way that it appears tobe above the horizon before andafter it actually is. At my latitudethe total loss is nine or ten minutes.But the exact lengths of dayand night as defined by humanbeings are less important thanwhat the Earth and sun themselvesare doing. At the momentof the vernal equinox, the Earthis at a place in its orbit where ittilts neither toward nor awayfrom the sun. But after the equinoxthe Northern Hemispherebegins to point ever so slightlyback toward the sun.The sun rises earlier and earlier,travels higher across the sky,and sets later each day. The resultis yet longer days and shorternights, resulting in more sunlightand warming temperatures, all ofwhich combine to accelerate theseason we define as spring.www.NaturalistsAlmanac.comEach of Its Eight Sides Is Sixteen Feet Longbuilding based upon OrsonFowler’s architectural way oflife.Every building has its uniquehistory, and if only houses couldtalk. Since they can’t, research isnecessary; and one must be adetective but oh, how rewardingit can be.443 Railroad St., Suite 2St. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-1912Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30 Sun. by appt.WaldenDanvilleHardwickJust for CatsSaturday, March 11, 10 a.m. to 12 noonWalden Fire Station. Walden and Cabot Town Clerks will be presentto license dogs.Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. to 12 noonDanville Fire Station. Danville Town Clerk will be present to license dogs.Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.hardwick Fire Station. hardwick, Woodbury and Calais Town Clerks willbe present to license dogs.Other vaccinations availablePlease bring dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.STANLEY J. PEKALA, D.V.M.Saturday, April 1, 12 noon to 2 p.m.Vaccination Clinic at Danville Animal hospital.684-2284LiSA D. WhiTNEY, D.V.M.”Sophisticated and warm atmosphere ... contemporaryAmerican cuisine ... food is delightful.” - Vermont Life Magazine”Comfort food taken upscale ... everything [owner/chef]Adam Coulter creates ... is worth going out of the way for.”- Yankee MagazineDelicious food and fabulous service in a picturesquesetting overlooking the Waits River in Bradford andthe White Mountains of new hampshire.open: Tuesday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunchand 5-8:45 p.m. for dinner.old Mill Building, Main Street,Bradford, VT(802) 222-5912Join us for anotherSpecial Brew Dinner featuringthe Rock Art Brewery of Morrisville.6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 236-course tasting dinner $30

8 The north Star Monthly March 2006Glassblowing datesBack 2000 Years to theSilk roadTerrY HOFFerHarry Besset is an artist and anhistorian. He’s a glassblower, andworking with his wife, Wendy, intheir studio above the village ofHardwick they make strikingexamples of an ancient art.Glassblowing is an old traditionwith rough studios, as theyare, still marking the 2,000-yearold path of the Silk Road throughthe Middle East into China. TheEgyptians worked with glass inthe 4th Century BC, but somewherebetween the fringes of theRoman Empire and the wayfaringmerchants seeking spices and silk,someone discovered that sand andlime could be heated as moltenglass and blown, or literally inflated,with a thin metal tube. At thatmoment, estimated at about 50BC, the shapes for jars and othervessels became far greater thanthey were with the conventionalmeans of molding glass over aremovable core of mud or dung,and blown glass found applicationsin holding exotic perfumesand ointments or even such ordinarysubstances as tea.For nearly two thousand yearsglassblowing evolved slowlyunder the roofs of factories surroundedby forests for fuelingtheir fires and with designers mostoften giving directions to skilledfactory laborers who made mostof the products. Glass blowingbecame high art, and “glass houses”guarded their secrets of materialsand technique.In 1851 the Great Exhibitionof the Industry of all Nations orthe first World’s Fair in Londonfeatured a gigantic buildingknown as the Crystal Palace,300,000 panes of glass covering20 acres of exhibits. Automationand the industrial process were infull bloom, and glass appeared asdrinking glasses, butter dishes,flower vases and all sorts ofhousehold ornamentation.These layered glass vases and orbs have a inner dreamlike landscapes with pastures and fields leadingto the distant rugged horizon and spectacular sky and cloud formations beyond.Photo By: North Star MonthlyHarry Besset turns and carefully shapes a layered glass vase stillglowing from the high temperature furnace.The market for glass washuge, and industrial glass makingsoared to meet the demand, butthere was no way the art could bea cottage craft. The scale and thecost of the equipment and facilitieswere enormous until a revolutionoccurred in the 1960’s. HarryBesset describes it as an offshootof the space age. The same technologythat gave us ceramic tilesused as heat shields on reenteringspace shuttles allowed for the productionof small scale andportable furnaces. Glass artistswhere suddenly freed from theconfines of a factory and able tocreate studios of their own - “anywhere,”Harry says, “that could bereached by the propane truck andthe UPS.”For the first time in its longhistory glassblowers could jointhe ranks of weavers, potters,woodworkers, jewelry makers,blacksmiths and basket makers. Aglassblower could take the craftalmost anywhere. The designerwas the glassblower and the glassblowercould have a significantsay in the design of the finishedproduct. The studio glass movementwas born, and almostovernight small scale glassblowingstudios were appearing farfrom their traditional settings.And it’s that studio movementthat allowed Harry and WendyBesset to develop their expertiseand today, as he says, “ride itswave.” While the industry wasonce highly secretive, Harry says,there is a powerful sense of communityas individuals and theirtechniques travel the world. Todaythe studio movement, and with itinnovation and creativity, isemerging at a level that couldnever have been imagined whenstandardization and mass productionwere what the marketrequired.The winter cold is upon usonce again. Come on in tothe Coop and we'll warmand cheer you up.We've got the bestORgANIC PRODUCEsection full of freshscrumptious goodies to fillyour needs.Eat Well, Eat Healthy,Feel Better!!Vermont baked breadsdelivered four days aweek! Make it a point tocome in and sign up forour weekly e-mailnewsletter. It’s free!Anyone can shop,member or not.Open: Mon - Wed & Sat 9-6Thurs & Fri 9-7; Sundays 11-4Member or Not, Anybody Can Shop490 Portland StreetSt. Johnsbury VT(802) 748-9498

The north Star Monthly March 2006 9Harry and Wendy Besset have introduced a new line of layeredglass vases that are inspired by their own landscape in Vermont.This vase for example, has a 360° view of the horizon, a magicalview of the outdoors. At right rear is studio assistant Jamie Labbefrom Craftsbury.Harry and Wendy Bessetmoved to Hardwick in1987, and after more than20 years of refining their skillsthey make and sell glass productsto galleries, museum shops andcustomers worldwide. Their outletsinclude the NortheastKingdom Artisan’s Guild in St.Johnsbury, Artisan’s Hand inMontpelier and Frog Hollow inMiddlebury and Burlington.Known by the name VermontGlass Workshop they buy theirglass as pre-consumer waste -that’s broken glass or secondsfrom a factory that makes candlesticks,drinking glasses andrugged tableware for the hotelindustry. “We buy four - five thousandpounds at a time,” Harrysays. “It’s pretty clear, and mostimportantly it’s consistent. Thereare some who make their ownglass from scratch. They love thechemistry, and they tinker with it.But my preference is to tinkerwith the form.”The broken glass is set in ahigh-temperature propane firedfurnace in a crucible, which holdsthree to four gallons of the moltenfluid. There at 2300°, overnight,air bubbles are cooked out, and theliquid is a fine blend of moltenglass.Then through the door of thevery hot furnace Harry reacheswith an iron punty rod, and liketurning honey in a jar on a spoonhe gathers a small quantity of theliquid glass and backs away fromthe opening.Then begins thedelicate “dancewith heat and gravity”as the rod isturned slowly andthe molten glassform is nudgedand trimmed orinflated with ablow pipe toexpand its size.Then, as Wendy describes it,begins the delicate “dance withheat and gravity” as the rod isturned slowly and the molten glassform is nudged and trimmed andshaped with various paddle-likeblades or inflated with a blow pipeto expand its size. If the glassbegins to cool below its workablecondition above 1000°, it isreheated in a empty furnace, andthe process continues. Workingwith care and continuous movementthe glass may be joined to asubsequent color, covered with anouter layer or, as in some of theVermont Glass candlesticks andstemmed glasses, given a spiralingwrap as a wonderful decorativeaddition.Finally as the delicate processreaches its remarkable conclusion,the punty is broken away from thefinished form, and the tiny scar ismelted and sealed with a handtorch. The glass object is carefullyplaced into a final oven where itjoins other completed work andcools slowly, to avoid the fataleffects of thermal shock or rapidtemperature change, at the rate of100° per hour.As the objects cool the finalcolors appear, and Harry andWendy Bessett and their studioassistant, Jamie Labbe fromCraftsbury, enjoy the delight andwonder of the process just as itmust have been enjoyed throughthe last 2,000 years. “It’s fragile,”Harry says. “And that’s part of themystique. Glass can break - inproduction or in its end use in yourhome. On the other hand it justmight last forever - certainlylonger than the all of the wax candlesthat are burned in glass candlesticksor all of the cut flowersthat dry out in glass vases.”Wendy says, “But no one isgoing to pay $60 for a wineglassor $160 for a candlestick whenthey compare them against thosefor $5 unless there is a legitimateconnection - a human story perhaps.”And that’s an important andmeaningful story that is gettingharder to hear in our modern society.Wendy has been very much apart of a new line of unusual productsmade in their studio. Theseare decorative layered vases andsolid orbs, which are made from asmall inner form. She decoratesthe form with colors applied byhand suggesting northern Vermontlandscapes. There are clouds andvarying sky patterns and mountainoushorizons leading forwardthrough colorful foliage andfields. After the applied colorshave dried the inner form is coveredand built up with an outerglass layer and finally shaped as avase or sphere with a 360° view ofthe dreamlike landscape. They aremagical - almost hypnotic - tohold and admire.Wendy says, “They are unusual,and, for a time anyway, theyare unlike anything we have seen.The layering itself is not innovative,but these are pure Vermont,and they suggest the independenceand ingenuity that attractedmany of us here in the first place.“There really is satisfactionfor us knowing that our glass isbeing used in someone’s kitchenor dining room and imagining thatthe wine really does taste better.We can’t be concerned by someonepassing up a hand made glasscandlestick for $160 in a craftStudio photography by Aaron WarkovThese hand blown and handfinished candlesticks and glasses(below) were made at theVermont Glass Workshop inHardwick.guild and settling instead for onefor $13.75 from T.J. Maxx at themall.”Harry says, “Our culture isdriven by the pursuit of the lowestpossible price and the search for anew production process that islower in cost than the last one. Weare comfortable at this level -designing and producing productsone at a time by hand with a story.We hope it survives.”FridayAfternoonTea RoomNorth DanvilleBaptist Church2-4 p.m. on FridaysNovember through MarchBy Donation to ChurchRenovation FundAll Welcome(802) 748-4096

10 The north Star Monthly March 2006$Follow the Money“a carrot (genetically engineeredor organic) is BetterThan a Stick”Farmers who wish to use geneticallyengineered (GE) seedsfeel that ownership of their landgives them the right to use it asthey see fit and to plant on it whatthey will. Those who feel that GEseeds are harmful, or may yet beproved harmful, feel that thatharm cannot be limited to usersand their lands, and thus useshould be curtailed. In otherwords, some think that protectingpassive bystanders from spillovereffects should trump the absoluterights of ownership, and some donot.In economics, the spillovereffect is called an externality, aconsequence of trade that affectsneither buyer nor seller, but someunrelated, third party. The trade isbetween the buyers (farmers) andsellers (seed manufacturers) ofseed. The buyer and seller bothbelieve that the benefits fromtrade are greater than its costs (orthere would be no trade). If the useof the seeds negatively affectsneighboring crops or farms, thoseShellie BeauparlantInvestment Representativeby Rachel Siegelbystanders receive no benefit butbear a cost. The externality isborne by the bystander.Externalities are a tough problemin a market-based economy,because the creation of externalitiestakes place beyond the contextof the usual market incentives.Externalities are costs that areimposed upon those who do notdecide on the trade and who donot benefit from it, and who, ofcourse, want it stopped. There isno market incentive to stop, however,because neither of the tradersis bearing that cost. In fact, bothtraders are benefiting from thetrade and therefore want it to continue.Externalities happenbeyond the reach of Adam Smith’sfamous “invisible hand,” themetaphor for market incentives.Historically, we have wrestledwith externalities – air pollution,water pollution, second-handsmoke, to name a few – in one oftwo ways: legally or economically.Typically, the slighted bearersof the externality seek legalrecourse to stop it (as well as tocollect damages), as there is seeminglyno market incentive to provideassistance. This has been(802) 748-5845576 Railroad StreetSuite 1St. Johnsbury VT 05819 Toll Free: (877) 748-5845MICHAEL K. WALSH & SON, BuildersNew Construction w Remodeling w RenovationsFinish Work w Decks wWallpapering w etc.w Call Now for Spring ProjectsSolid reputation of quality workmanship,reasonable rates and dependabilitydone many times before, but it hasnever been entirely successfulbecause legal remedies are usuallymuch less compelling than marketincentives (which is why we stillhave crimes like theft).If we want manufacturersto sellless and farmers toplant less geneticallyengineeredseed, we need tocreate marketincentives not justpunishments thatare bound to becostly and difficultto enforce.The threat of damages usuallydoes not discourage producers,and the costly process of pursuinga case discourages manyclaimants. Legal remedies areoften impractical and always costly,requiring enforcement andadjudication, which are, necessarilyperhaps, costly and flawedprocesses.More recently, we have triedto approach externalities by creatingeconomic incentives wherethey had not existed. This hasworked well with air pollution, forexample, in the curtailing of sulfurdioxide emissions (the smoke thatis created by coal fired electricgenerators that causes acid rain).Government enforcement of antipollutionlaws proved ineffective– and costly for both the governmentand the generators. So wecreated market incentives, in theform of tradable emissions contracts,that provided an incentive –profit from the trade of the contracts– to individual generators toproduce less pollution.Legal approaches to controllingthe creation of externalitiesrarely work as well as economicapproaches, because markets havea force of their own. If there issupply and demand and profit, amarket will exist within or withoutthe law. It may be costly to evadethe law, but if those costs are lessthan the gains from trade, therewill be a market. If farmers stillwant the seeds, chances are manufacturerswill somehow sell seedsto them.Using a legal remedy to add tothe cost – and so decrease theprofit – of supplying GE seed maynot shrink the market so much asdrive it underground (pun intended),creating the worst outcomefor the opponents of GE seed use:a black market in GE seeds. Thecost of proving legal liability forharm caused by the sale and use ofa product that buyers and sellersdeny would be prohibitive forplaintiffs or for the state and thereforeessentially unenforceable.If we want manufacturers tosell less GE seed, and farmers toplant less GE seed, (which isanother debate for another day)we need to create market incentivesfor them to do so, not justpunishments that are bound to becostly and difficult to enforce.Otherwise, we may simply pushthem beyond the reach of both theinvisible hand of the markets andthe long arm of the law.rachel S. Siegel, CFA, consultson investment portfolio performanceand strategy, and onaccounting and tax dilemmas. Shehas an MBA from Yale; she is aprofessor in the business administrationdepartment at LyndonState College.Peter Miles Exhibits Work at Artisan’s GuildPeter Miles’ exhibition ofpaintings and sculpture, entitled“Crossing Jack Brook,” is on displayat the Northeast KingdomArtisans’ Guild BackroomGallery in St. Johnsbury.Miles’ home and studio are inBurke Hollow. When askedabout his art education, Milescredits his late uncle, TomBostelle, a West Chester, PAartist, describing him as a mentor,friend and confidante. Bothartists’ use of shadow andabstraction point to a shared aesthetic.Jokingly, Miles explainshow his paintings “morph” as hecontinues to work on them, referringto the process of each piecegoing through many stages as heremoves unnecessary elements.He knows it’s finished, he says,“when it meets all of the prioritiesof a painting- a pure symphonyof thought, feeling andidea.”While Bostelle’s works wereinfluenced by war experiences,Miles’ paintings are inspired byfriends. Crossing Jack Brook, alarge canvas, was inspired bywatching his long-time friendand fellow artist, Elin Paulson, asshe crossed a brook on her propertyin East Haven. For Miles itevokes the feeling of “transience.”A Night at the dixie Hotel, atall abstract work of diaphanouspink figures was inspired bymemories of a Wyoming brothelwhen he was 18. Another,deborah’s rock, is so-named foran Indian maiden diving from arock, the notion of a lover’s leap.A small girl jumping in theleaves, Leaf Hopper, is“Bostellian” in style, paint onplywood board, the figures: simple,one-dimensional and powerful.The show will run throughMarch 31. Gallery hours are10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tuesdaythrough Saturday and 11:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. on Monday.Over 25 years of experience (802) 684-3977 Danville, VT198 Eastern Avenue v St. Johnsbury, vT 05819(802) 748-4852 / (800) 838-4327Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9-4

Up on the Farm EarlyLorna QuimbyOn stormy days in winter orduring rainy spells in summer,when Deedee and I tired ofworking in our scrapbooks orplaying paper dolls, we’d look atphotograph albums. There beforeour eyes passed the history of ourfamily.In their wedding picture, Dadand Maw looked soberly at thecamera. How young they lookedand how strangely dressed. Theystood each side of Great-Grandma Helen, who was wearinga long black dress. The picturewas black and white, butsomehow we knew the dress wasblack. There, in a train station,was Dad and another woman,turning to look at the photographer.There was our house withoutany porch swing. There wasa picture of Grampa Field, halfof him showing on one side of aporch pillar and his bearded profileon the other. “You neverknew him,” Maw said. “He diedthe year you came to town.”There were the Big Girls,amazingly little girls, in matchingdresses, matching bloomers,playing with huge pumpkins, and— fie on them — crouched barenaked on the shore of Martin’sPond. These pictures interestedus more than the older albumswe looked at when we were atGar’s.Gar’s albums had brasshooks that locked the coverstogether. People dressed in oldfashioned clothes stared solemnlyat us. One woman had a longcurl thrown over one shoulder.There was a picture of Great-Grandma Helen with her armaround Gar, then a little girl.There were portraits of theSherburnes, who lived “way outwest.”How pretty Aunt Jenny wasas a young woman. No wonderCharlie Williams wanted marryher, though she was only 16. ButThe PhotographAlbums -There before oureyes passed thehistory of ourfamily.these people were too far back intime for us to feel much connection.The photographs in Maw’salbums were about the family weknew: Aunt Bertha and UncleCharlie, Aunt Flora and UncleFred, Aunt Gladys and UncleArthur, Great-aunt Jenny and hersecond husband, Alvin Demmon,at their Florida “cottage,” andGreat-aunt Etta, whose letterscame from California.Maw and Dad’s wedding picture,the photos of Dad andKatherine Hooker, and GreatauntsJenny and Etta were takenby someone else, but many of thephotographs Maw took with herBrownie camera. How, I wondered,could it be a “Brownie”when the case was black? Wegirls mustn’t touch Maw’s camera.She stored it in her room,underneath a pile of mending orbehind the bottles of lotion, perfumeor what-have-you on herbureau. She knew just where toput her hands on her camera.She tried to keep her room freefrom our meddling fingers.For her Brownie cameras,Maw bought a roll of film. Shewould buy only one, Kodak, ofcourse. She would then load thefilm. Maw was “all thumbs”when she dealt with thingsmechanical. Most of the timeshe left any such work to one ofus girls. But she knew how tomanage her camera. Sheunlatched two clips on the bodyof the camera, then took out theinner section. She placed thefilm in its holder, threaded it overthe inner section and through aslot in a reel on the side oppositethe film. She slid the inner sectionback into the outer case,latched the clips, advanced thefilm, and was ready to shoot.There were no f stops, noshutter speed and no flash attachment.When Maw took a pictureof one of her babies, the infant inquestion had to be outside in thesunlight. So there are many photos,taken in winter, of Dad holdinga blanket-wrapped infant,hardly discernable under all thewrappings. After Maw had takenthe proper number of shots, sheturned a little crank and finishedrolling the film.In a dark place (under a blanketor in a closet—“And don’tyou dare interrupt!”) she openedthe case and removed the film.She sent away the film in a thickbuff envelope, check enclosedfor a print of each exposure. In ashort time when you consider wewere on the RFD and the filmhad to be developed and printed,back came the photographs, withthe negatives, ready to be mountedin an album.Maw’s albums, approximatelyseven by ten and three-quarterinches, had imitation leather coversand black pages. Maw putmounting corners on the photographsand licked the adhesivebacking. Then she stuck thephotos on the page. Maw filledshoe or stationery boxes with thebuff envelopes, in which shesaved the negatives. Unmountedphotographs, waiting for Maw to“get around to” them, filled otherboxes.Whether Maw had herBrownie when she married Dador bought it shortly thereafter, noone knows. With her camera, sherecorded house and barn, thegrowth of their herd, the adventand growth of their daughters,houses in the neighborhood thatare gone. The photographs werenot always centered, sometimesthe peak of roof lines were cutThe north Star Monthly March 2006 11off or everything tilted at anangle. But what a story they tell!After Dad’s death, Mawmoved photographs from onealbum to another. Instead of cornerstickers, she glued the pictureon the page. Some pictures shelabeled, but others she did not.And the picture of Dad andKatherine Hooker is missing.ice fishingGet your auger, grab your gear.The time for ice fishing now is here.Out on the ice not far from shoreWith many holes yet to bore,You start in shallow and out to the deepHoping to find some fish to keep.Out on the ice are lots of tracksLeading to many fishing shacks.There’s jig sticks, tip ups and many moreDotting the ice from shore to shore.When there’s a flag and you pull it outOn the end of the line there may be a trout.Others have jig sticks in their hand,Hoping to put fresh fish in the pan.When ’tis over, it’s always a treatTo have a meal of fresh fish to eat.R. M. QuimbyPeacham libraryMonday, Wednesday,friday and Saturday10:00 a.m. - noonTuesday and Thursday1:00 - 7:00 p.m.Dr. Mark A. LeipertDr. Richard LevenDr. Stephen FeltusDr. Rebecca HoganPeter Boyle, OpticianThinkSpringSPECIAL25% off all non-prescriptionsunglasses in-stock (excluding Oakley)WE HAVE IT ALL

12 The north Star Monthly March 2006On Town Meeting day wewill display, for the firsttime, our raffle item for 2006 – abeautiful log cabin quilt. Made inthe Barn Raising pattern, thequilt measures 91 x 117 inches,is reversible and will fit either aqueen- or king-size bed. Each ofthe 24 squares has been sewntogether by some of Danville’s(and one from Massachusetts’)most talented quilters.Library trustees CherylLinsley, Debbie Bixby and DianeWebster have assembled thequilt. Names of the quilters, apicture of the Pope Library andthe date are embroidered in thecorner squares on the back of thequilt. This is truly a work of art,n n n n n n n n n n n n n nAunt Dee’sCountry Store & DeliPope NotesDee Palmer,Library Directorand we will proudly show it offand sell tickets at Town Meeting.The Library will also servelunch during the noon break.Our traditional menu of ham,baked beans, coleslaw, rolls andassorted cookies and bars will beserved in the cafeteria. Ticketswill be sold during the meetingand at the entrance to the cafeteria- $8 for adults and $4 for children.Mark your calendars for ourAnnual Novel Dinner to be heldat the Creamery Restaurant onSunday, April 2. This is one ofour best and most fun fundraisingevents. If you would like tohost a table or are looking for atable to be part of contact thePhoto By: Dee PalmerPope Library trustees debbie Bixby, Cheryl Linsley and dianeWebster have assembled this Barn raising pattern quilt to be raffledto benefit the Library.Gas n Groceries n Grinders n Pizza n Megabucks & LotteryHunting & Fishing Licenses n Weigh Station n BaitUPS Agent n Creemees & SundaesCold Beverages & Deli(809) 633-2624 n 113 West Main St. n West Barnet, VTn n n nMinutes n nfrom nHarvey’s n n nLaken n n nLibrary at (802) 684-2256.We would like to acknowledgeand thank the St. JohnsburyLions Club for their generousdonation of $500. This annualcontribution allows us to supplypatrons with a first-rate collectionof large print books andaudio books. We are very gratefulfor the Lions Club support.Our book discussion for thismonth is Canoe Lake by RoyMacGregor. The discussion willtake place on Wednesday, March29 at 7:00 p.m. This discussionwill be led by members of thegroup. Come prepared with afew questions to discuss. Booksand schedules are available at theLibrary. The series is sponsoredby the Vermont HumanitiesCouncil and the Pope Library.Some of our new book acquisitionsare: Brooklyn Follies byAuster, The History of Love byKrauss, The Hostage by Griffin,Prep by Sittenfeld, runaway byMunro, Our endangered Values:America’s Moral Crisis by Carterand Speedbumps: Flooring itThrough Hollywood by Garr.Come in and check them out!Pope LibraryHoursMonday & friday10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Wednesday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturday 9:00 a.m. - noon.david Toll, M.d.Pediatrics1394 Main StreetSt. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-2348Nighthawksby Edward Hopper, 1942Two of America’s greatestartists, Winslow Homer andEdward Hopper, are the subjectsof a free slide lecture by BobManning on Saturday, March 18,2006 from 3-4:30 p.m. atCatamount Arts. Homer andHopper were realists, and bothdepicted the American scene buteach from a different perspective.Homer, 1836-1910, began hiscareer as an artist correspondentcovering our Civil War forHarper’s Weekly. His ability toquickly and accurately draw soldiersand scenes of battle wouldbenefit him greatly when heBreezing Upby Winslow Homer, 1875Bob Manning ComparesAmerican Painters WinslowHomer and Edward Hopperturned his attention to nature andanimals. We know him best forhis many paintings and watercolorsof the sea, fishing, hunting,boating, as well as images fromrural America.Hopper, 1882-1967, was apart time painter and a full timecommercial illustrator until theage of 42. From that point on, hewas able to devote all his effortsto painting. He is best known forimages of stark urban architecture,isolated Cape Cod cottages,city life and the lonelinessof human beings.Manning is an artist, art historianand retired professor of finearts. Since 2001, he has been amember of the speaker’s bureauof the Vermont HumanitiesCouncil. Catamount Arts is locatedon Eastern Avenue in St.Johnsbury. This lecture is one ofa series of history of art programsoffered by Catamount. For furtherinformation, call (802) 748-2600.REID & BALIVETATTORNEYS AT LAW"This is a lovely community!" - Cupertino CA"A pleasant stop on our auto ride through Connecticut RiverValley." - Hudson, NH"Visiting from Middlebury … this was delightful stop! Thanks!"- Middlebury, VT"This is our kind of place." - NYCFind out why St. Johnsbury is a Great American LoveStory. You'll be inspired, learn something and fall in lovewith us, too! Our new, interactive CD is available for $9.95at the following Downtown stores: Through the Woods…,Boxcar & Caboose Bookstore, Uniquity and the FairbanksMuseum Gift Shop.Contact us at St. Johnsbury Worksfor ordering information.(802) 748-7121 or stjworks@kingcon.comERNEST TOBIAS BALIVETJUDITH A. SALAMANDRA CORSODANVILLE GREEN w DANVILLE, VT w (802) 684-3666DaNVIlle SeRVICe CeNteRRoute 2, Danville Village 684-3481Offers you our 12th AnnualSweet Dealfor this Maple SeasonBring your car or light truck in during the month ofMarch and we will change your oil* and filter, lubechassis... plus safety check your brakes, exhaustsystem, lights and drive train. (*up to 5 quarts)Only $19.95HOURS: 7-5 Mon. thru Fri. w 8-1 Sat. w Mechanic on DutyTheCreameryRestaurantLunchTues.-Fri. 11:30-2:00DinnerTues.-Sat. 5:00-closingPubOpens at 4:00(802) 684-3616Closed Sundays & MondaysSt. Patrick’s DayDance onFriday, March 17with Hidden Drive

Dear Shrinks,Soon after we were married Ithought my husband was having anaffair with a woman in his office.After a lot of arguments, fightingand crying he finally convinced meI was wrong. Since then 11 yearshave passed and we’ve been mostlyvery happy. Now I’ve startedthinking he’s having an affairagain. I really don’t want to gothrough all that pain again, but Iwill if you think it’s necessary.The evidence is that “Don” isspending more and more eveninghours at the office. I know this is abusy time for his business, but he isaway more evenings than everbefore and I am pretty well consumedwith terrible fantasies ofDon with different women. ShouldI confront Don with my suspicions?Sick with worryDear Sick with Worry,First, it must be clear to youthat we can’t know from the factsthat you have told us whether ornot Don is having an affair. Itseems to both of us that your evidenceof an affair is very thin,which is not the same as sayingDon is innocent.However, we have some guesseswe’d like to share. We think youprobably need more time and moreGreat BeerGourmet PizzaOpen Friday & Saturday11 am - 9 pmRoute 5, Lyndonville, VT(802) 626-9396Dussault’sHeatingSalesServiceInstallationwThermo Pride FurnaceswPeerless BoilersBox 301St. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-494524 hour serviceAsk the ShrinksAlice S. Kitchel and Burton Zahlerattention from Don. If this is true,we’d like to suggest you sit downwith a pencil and paper and writedown how much more time wouldwork best for you. Be as specific asyou can. Try to be realistic. By thiswe mean let yourself realize thatthere is a limit (for everyone) tohow much time and attention canbe tolerated. There can be toomuch of a good thing!We suggest you speak withDon about your writings. See whatcomes from that discussion beforesharing your fantasies with him.There is something else we’dlike you to think about. It seems tous that you have a tendency to triangulate.By this we mean that youtend to see problems in terms ofthree figures: Eleven years ago thethree figures were you, Don andthe unknown woman. Now onceagain the same three figuresappear. We call this tendency a“set” and think of it as a perceptualpredisposition. Here is an exampleof a set that we are all familiarwith: After someone points out theseven stars and calls them the BigDipper we always formulate thosestars into the Dipper. We haveformed a set. If you grow up in afamily where the grownups tend tosee problems in the form of triangleswe learn to do, to see, thesame.Soon after we weremarried I thoughtmy husband washaving an affairwith a woman inhis office.Another way to understandyour probable tendency to triangulateis to think of it as an unconsciouspattern of perception andbehavior that you learned (throughexample) from your past. Forexample, if your mother alwayscelebrated a family member’sbirthday with a dinner party andcake on the exact date of the birth,without fail, you might “automatically”want to do the same, or itThe north Star Monthly March 2006 13wouldn’t feel as if you had reallycelebrated.We think that you may haveunconsciously learned triangulationas a set or pattern, and thatwhen you experience your circumstancesas a problem, you tend toexpress that problem as a difficulttriangle of some sort.It seems to us that you have anissue with Don - the issue of wantingmore time and attention withhim. It isn’t necessary to have anyintellectual pursuits withouttests, papers or grades!Osher lifelong learning institutein St. Johnsbury OffersSpring 2006 Series Featuring: Communityu Thursday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.LSC, Alexander Twilight TheaterPaleolithic Expression and Social Order: The Meaning Behind the Cave Paintings of Europe, Part 1with Bill Eddyu Thursday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m.LSC, Alexander Twilight TheaterPaleolithic Expression and Social Order: The Meaning Behind the Cave Paintings of Europe, Part 2with Bill Eddyu Thursday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m.Catamount Arts, Eastern AvenueVictorian Vermont: Lectures and slides with Kevin Graffagninou Thursday, March 30 at 1:30 p.m.St. Johnsbury House, Main StreetThe Earliest Vermonters with State Archaeologist Giovanna Peeblesu Thursday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m.Fairbanks Museum, Main StreetHow Artifacts Reflect Life in Early Vermont with Peggy Pearlu Thursday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m. St. Johnsbury Center Grange Hall, US RT 5Vermont Theater Curtain Project: Art By the Yard with Michael Shermanu Thursday, April 20 at 1:30 p.m.St. Johnsbury House, Main StreetTemples and Tigers: Village life in rural India with Charles Woodsu Thursday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE) St. Johnsbury House, Main StreetHumanitarian Work Among Watha Villages Along the Kenyan Coast in Africa with Janet Bennionu Thursday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.St. Johnsbury House, Main StreetShape Note Singing: Elke Schumann, co-founder of the Bread and Puppet Theater, will join withthe Northeast Kingdom Shape Note singers to talk about and sing tunes from this lively anddeeply rooted music.u Thursday, May 11 at 1:30 p.m.St. Johnsbury House, Main StreetReflections on Community:with panelists Charlie Browne, Bill Eddy, Jenny Green and Joan Tyler Mead.other figure in the problem, neitheranother woman nor Don’s job.Being mindful of your possiblepredilection to triangulate, seewhether going through the penciland paper exercise and the discussionwith Don resolves this issuefor you. Good luck, we have ahunch that it will.Alice S. Kitchel and BurtonZahler each have a private practicein St. Johnsbury.another Peacham road PoemOnce in early spring when I was walking the Peacham Road.Faint mutters of barking sounds kept growing louder —Sure enough, far above on my right, the first geeseof the season were flying north.A glance around verified no other humans in sightSo I jumped up and down on the Peacham Road,Waving my arms and hollering“Welcome back! I’m awful glad to see you!”Would you believe, the entire VSuddenly veered to the left and continued their flightRight over my head?They did.Never in all my life have I felt so honored.Ann StaffeldIndividuals pay $40 membership fee, which covers cost of all 10 sessions. Non-members may attend individuallectures for a donation of $5. For membership information or additional information about theOsher Lifelong Learning Institute in St. Johnsbury call (802) 626-5135.discussion will follow each program.Funding is provided by the University of Vermont, the Osher Foundation and the Vermont Council on the Humanities.

14 The north Star Monthly March 2006Master Pianists To Performat Lyndon State CollegeDonn-Alexandre Feder andElisha Gilgore, husband and wifeduo pianists, will perform atLyndon State College’s AlexanderTwilight Theater on Saturday,March 11, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.Their performance will featureAn American in Paris byGeorge Gershwin and theCarnival of the Animals byCamile Saint Saens. The OgdenNash verses will be read byDonna Dalton, dean of the college.The program will includeDavid Noon’s Art deco inspiredby scenes of the 1925 World’sFair in Paris.Feder and Gilgore haveenjoyed notable solo careers.Each has performed to criticalacclaim throughout NorthAmerica, Mexico, Europe,England and the Far East. Eachhas appeared as soloist with majorsymphony orchestras, includingthe Philadelphia Orchestra, NewYork Philhar-monic, BostonSymphony, Berlin Symphony andthe Netherlands National RadioPhilharmonic.As a duo-piano team theymade their New York debut atLincoln Center in May 1982.New York Times critic EdwardRothstein wrote, “The Feder-Gilgore Duo was at its best … atAlice Tully Hall...all emergedwith ease and aplomb. The artistsenjoyed their work and sharedtheir pleasure.”Feder and Gilgore made theirEuropean debut that summer inRome, where their performancesof Bartok’s Sonata for Two Pianosand Percussion were hailed as“breathtaking and memorable”by the Rome Daily American. “Amagnificent Duo...Stravinsky athis most electric...full of fire andpanache” reported the Hamilton(Ontario) Spectator of their performanceof the composer’sConcerto for Two Solo Pianos atMcMaster University. The artistswere immediately re-engaged forthe school’s Celebrity Series thefollowing year.The Duo’s recording forChandos Records ofGeorge Gershwin’s “AnAmerican in Paris” (together withmusic by Samuel Barber andAaron Copland) was a best sellerin England and Europe when firstreleased in 1986.Here in Vermont, Feder andGilgore were featured at the openinggala concert celebrating the40th anniversary of the foundingof the Vermont Arts Council.Currently, Feder and Gilgoredevote their primary time toteaching and presenting masterclasses in Korea, Japan andTaiwan.Photo Courtesy of the Artistsdonn-Alexandre Feder and elisha Gilgore, husband and wife duopianists, will perform at the Alexander Twilight Theater at LyndonState College on Saturday, March 11.Richard P. Barrett Insurance Agency309 Portland Street, Suite 102St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819(802) 748-5224theMarchall month - Paintings andsculpture by Peter Miles ondisplay at Backroom Galleryof Northeast KingdomArtisans Guild, St.Johnsbury.3 Tom Rush, Middle EarthMusic, Bradford.3 Roseann Cash, The Egg,Albany, NY.3-9Brokeback Mountain (2005,U.S.) [R] Director: Ang Lee.Two young, poor-as-dirtcowboys are hired to tendcattle on top of BrokebackMountain, Wyoming’s mostpicturesque grazing slope.The film is ultimately aboutlove of the most evocativekind - impossible, lustful,all-consuming, passionatelove, born in a place of overwhelmingbeauty at a timeof great innocence and hope.Catamount Arts, St.Johnsbury. (802) 748-2600.4 Glengarry Boys, MiddleEarth Music, Bradford.4 World Music PercussionEnsemble, Hopkins Centerfor the Arts, Hanover, NH.7 Mavis Staples with TajMahal, Opera House,Lebanon, NH.8 Taj Mahal with MavisStaples, Flynn Theater,Burlington.10 Ringbone, Middle EarthMusic, Bradford.10 Woods Tea Company, MorseCenter, St. Johnsbury.10-16 Syriana (2005, U.S.)[R] Director: StephenGaghan. A political thrillerthat unfolds against theintrigues and corruption ofthe global oil industry andARTS aroundthe human consequences ofthe fierce pursuit of wealthand power. Catamount Arts,St. Johnsbury.11 Donn-Alexandre Feder andElisha Gilgore, pianists,Alexander Twilight Theater,Lyndon.11 Gandalf Murphy & theSlambovian Circus ofDreams, Middle EarthMusic, Bradford.12 Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon,Catamount Arts, St.Johnsbury.12 Emmylou Harris, The Egg,Albany, NY.17 Bellatrix, Middle EarthMusic, Bradford.17 Barbary Coast JazzEnsemble, Hopkins Centerfor the Arts, Hanover, NH.17 St. Patrick’s Day concertwith Ralph Aldrich, PatSager, Stephen Herreid andWindrose. Celtic vocal andinstrumental music.Alexander Twilight Theaterat Lyndon State College.Noon. (802) 626-644517-23 Capote (2005, U.S.) [R]Director: Bennett Miller.Fascinating story of TrumanCapote’s authoring in ColdBlood with restrained, quietelegance, concentrating onthe writer’s tortured relationshipwith the doomed killer.Catamount Arts, St.Johnsbury.18 Homer and Hopper, Slidesand Lecture by BobManning, Catamount Arts,St. Johnsbury.18 Driftwood Citizens, MiddleEarth Music, Bradford.24 Harvey Reid and JoyceAnderson, Middle EarthMusic, Bradford.24-30 Memoirs of a Geisha(2005, U.S.) [PG-13]Director: Rob Marshall. AJapanese child blossoms intoa beautiful and legendarygeisha and captivates themost powerful men of herday but is haunted by hersecret love for the one manwho is out of her reach.Catamount Arts, St.Johnsbury.25 New Nile Orchestra, LyndonState College.25 Willie Edwards Blues Band,Middle Earth Music,Bradford.25 Northeast KingdomClassical Series presentsViolinist Christina Castelliand Pianist Grant Moffett,South CongregationalChurch, St. Johnsbury.(802) 748-5451.26 Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon,Catamount Arts, St.Johnsbury.30 Los Cojolites & Son DeMadera, Hopkins Center forthe Arts, Hanover, NH.30 Gypsy Swing Quintet,Middle Earth Music,Bradford.31-april 6 The New World(2005, U.S.) [PG]Director: Terrence Malick.When British adventurerJohn Smith meets a nativewoman named Pocahontas, abalance based upon centuriesof intertribal harmony withthe environment is rattledforever. Catamount Arts, St.Johnsbury.31 Limon Dance Companypresents Chiaroscuro Project,Hopkins Center for the Arts,Hanover, NH.31 Session Americana, MiddleEarth Music, Bradford.“We Get The Point! Do You?” 95.7

i learned to WaitVAN PArKerRecently a woman loaned me a copy of her family history, whichtells about both her mother’s and father’s sides of the family. Writtenby her sister, the book goes back several generations, describing thelives of various family members. They were admirable people but,like any extended family, they went through difficult patches. Shetold of children that died young, broken relationships and painfulmemories, as well as happy childhoods, committed marriages and anabundance of love.At the beginning of the book she quotes “A Psalm of Life” byHenry Wadsworth Longfellow. The “Psalm,” which could as easily becalled “A Song of Life,” ends with these words: “Let us then be upand doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing,Learn to labor and to wait.”What’s this about waiting? Americans in general and perhaps NewEnglanders in particular, are used to extolling the value of hard work.Recent surveys indicate that people in the United States work substantiallylonger hours than their counterparts in Europe. Even ourvacations tend to be strenuous.The virtues of hard work, of using time constructively and ofbeing “useful” were certainly part of my Puritan heritage. And thereis much to be said for all of that. But it’s striking that Longfellow, whoI suspect was something of a Puritan himself, closed his “Psalm” withthe words “Learn to labor and to wait.”Waiting isn’t easy, and it doesn’t come naturally to many of us. Ithink we really do have to learn it. Students wait for the results of atest to see if they passed. Hospitals have “waiting rooms” where relativesread magazines or chat while loved ones go through an operation.Waiting means not having instant answers to a problem, notbeing able to “fix” things. It means learning when to speak and whento say nothing, not getting ahead of yourself, letting solutions slowlyemerge.Farmers, or anyone who lives close to the land, learn to wait. Theyhave to. Over time I’ve learned that it doesn’t do any good to puttomato plants in too early. They might get nipped by a frost. If you doput them out in chilly weather, frost or not, they won’t grow. Plantingis a seasonal thing. You have to wait for the right time.As I thought about the frantic ads for beer or cars or whatever thatpunctuated the recent Super Bowl, it all sounded in Shakespeare’swords like “sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Then to hear oldHenry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem seemed strangely grounding:“Learn to labor and to wait.”It’s as though he were saying, “Do that and you’ll be okay.”Cobleigh Public LibraryLyndonvilleMonday: Noon - 5 p.m.Tuesday: Noon - 7 p.m.Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Thursday: Noon - 7 p.m.Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.The north Star Monthly March 2006 15DANVILLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM ROCKSPhotos Courtesy of Matt ClancyUnder the direction of music director Matt Clancy, these danville School music students haveauditioned and been accepted to perform in competitive music festivals, which highlight accomplishedmusicians from across the state.TOP Front (L-r) Alicia Mundinger (tenor sax), Holly Greenleaf (alto sax), Patrick rainville (altosax), Hannah Lazerick (alto sax) and Michael Newman (clarinet). Second row: Molly Moran(voice), Wes Armstrong-Laird (trumpet), Jordan Goss-Snow (percussion), Jenell Green (flute) andMorgan Gray (flute). These seventh and eighth grade music students were accepted to participate inthe Northeast district Middle School Music Festival at North Country Union High School inNewport on March 10. This festival includes the top middle school band and chorus students fromnortheastern Vermont.lOWer lefT Hannah Kitchel (euphonium) is a danville School freshman. Kitchel was acceptedto participate in the Vermont All State Music Festival Concert Band. The All State Festivalincludes top high school music students from throughout the state and will take place at Mt.Anthony Union High School in Brattleboro from May 10 through May 13. Kitchel was also acceptedto participate in the Northeast district High School Music Festival Wind ensemble at NorthCountry Union High School from March 30 through April 1.lOWer riGHT (L-r): Christina Machell (flute), Gabrielle Potts (tenor sax) and Adrianduckett (trumpet). These band students from danville were accepted to perform in the Northeastdistrict High School Music Festival Concert Band. This festival includes the top high school musicstudents from northeastern Vermont and will take place at North Country Union High School fromMarch 30 through April 1.Rest Assured -Sawyer & Ritchie offers:All lines of Insurance Coverage,Professional Prompt Service,Convenient Location andConvenient ParkingOpen 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through FridayWeekends and Evenings by appointmentPO Box 196Danville, VT 05828(802) 684-3411(800) 734-2203 (VT toll free)From left: Cindy White, Donna Percy, John Blackmore, Joan Field, George Coppenrath,Betsy McKay, Sam Kempton, Darlene Pilbin, Sue Coppenrath and Cindy Hastings.

16 The north Star Monthly March 2006The Story of Maple:There’s Gold in Those Trees(Continued from Page 1)combination of the two. Yet, regardlessof the method, the basic principleis the same. Sap is collected fromtrees, and water is removed, primarilyby boiling, to concentrate the sapinto syrup. Nothing is added, andnothing is removed but water.Maple SapIt all starts with sap from the tree.In the spring, sap from the sugarmaple contains a small quantity ofthe sugar, sucrose. The concentrationof sucrose in sap is usually about twopercent by weight, although thisvaries from tree to tree and rangesfrom one to more than four percent.Enzymes and other materials fromthe tree are present in small quantities,and it is these that will give ourmaple syrup its distinctive flavor.Sap is collected by drilling tapholesthrough the outer bark into thetrunk of the tree. Tapholes are usually5/16” in diameter and about 2”deep. The sugarmaker takes care todrill the holes sparingly so the treesare not damaged and will continue tothrive for generations. Trees that areabout 10 inches in diameter (ahealthy sugar maple takes 40 years toreach this size) to 18 inches in diameterwill have a single taphole. Largertrees may have two or three.Each hole is fitted with a metal orplastic spout so the sap doesn’t rundown the side of the tree. The spoutis placed (literally tapped) into thehole, and it conveys the sap into abucket or plastic tubing. Sap will dripfrom the hole when the weather conditionsare right. A nighttime freezedraws water into the roots from thesurrounding soil and causes a slightsuction within the tree. As the woodthaws, the sap is under pressure for awhile and emerges from the hole andruns from the spout.collecting Sap with BucketsIn Vermont, sugarmakers maycollect sap from a few taps providingjust family with syrup and or from asmany as 40,000 taps. The tappedtrees together, however few or many,are described as the sugarbush.The traditional method of sapcollecting is to hang a bucket fromthe hook on the spout. Sap fills thebucket, and each day, or even morefrequently, someone must empty thebucket into a gathering tank on a tractor-drawnwagon or perhaps a horsedrawnsleigh. This traditional methodis still used in many sugarbushes,especially those with sufficient laboravailable to handle the buckets, orwhere land is very flat, or where treesare too spread out to make plastictubing practical. It is a rare treat tofind horses in the woods at sugaringtime.collecting Sap with TubingThe more common means ofcollection today is to collect sap witha network of plastic tubing, whichbrings the sap to a storage tank at acentral and accessible location.Tubing eliminates the need to gofrom tree to tree. Small diameter tubingruns from each tree, joining largertubes called the pipeline or mainline,which conducts the sap by theforce of gravity down to the tank.Many sugarmakers increase thenatural flow of sap by attaching avacuum pump to the tubing. Thevacuum pump draws the sap andkeeps it moving, so that it arrivespromptly - cold and clear at the sugarhouse.Compared to buckets, vacuumtubing increases the sap yieldfrom each taphole and tree.Installing and maintaining a tubingsystem can be a considerableundertaking even for experiencedindividuals. Most tubing is left in thewoods year round, and the sugarmakerwill spend hours maintainingthe system during the summer andfall, clearing fallen limbs and lookingfor animal damage. The task ofmaintenance continues through thewinter and deep snow and well intothe actual sugaring season, when it isnecessary to regularly check the systemfor leaks.The SugarhouseWhether by tubing, horse drawnsleigh or by other means, the sapends up at the sugarhouse. It is therethat sap meats the heat and the boilingdown and the condensation of thesap takes place. The evaporator is inthe sugarhouse, as may be otherequipment used for converting sap tosyrup. Some sugarhouses are smalland quite primitive while others arelarge and modern and may contain,in addition to the syrup makingequipment a large facility for canningsyrup or for making candy and othermaple products.Every sugarhouse will have avent or stainless steel chimney toexhaust the vast quantities of steamproduced in boiling the sap. It is thesight of this steam that alerts you toan evaporator operating and the sugarmakerboiling maple sap intosyrup.Boiling the SapOnce the sap arrives at the sugarhouse,it must be boiled promptly.Warm sap will break down, whichwill make darker, stronger tastingsyrup. If not boiled soon enough, thesap will spoil.Boiling takes place in the evaporator,which is a series of rectangularmetal pans mounted on a large basecalled an arch. The heat is located inthe arch. The evaporator may be assmall as 2 feet by 4 feet, or as large as6 feet by 20 feet, depending on thesize of the sugarbush and the volumeof sap to be boiled. Traditionally, sugarmakersburned wood in their archto generate heat for boiling, buttoday, many use oil for its convenienceand control. In any case, a hotfire is necessary to drive the waterfrom the sap.In the evaporator, the sap followsa circuitous path through the pans asit boils and becomes thicker as itnears the stage of finished syrup.First the sap enters the back or “flue”pan, which has deep channels orflues to maximize contact betweensap and heat. The boiling is vigorousand clouds of steam are produced.Float valves allow additional sap toenter the flue pan as water is continuallyboiled out of the sap, and thismaintains the sap level for efficientboiling.Then the sap enters the front, or“syrup” pan, which is divided by partitionsinto three or more compartments,open at each end. As the sapmoves through the syrup pan, itincreases in density as more andmore water is boiled off. When itreaches the end of the pathway,approximately 40 gallons of waterhave been boiled away for eachremaining gallon of syrup, and theliquid is at the right temperature (7.1°above the boiling point of water) anddensity (66.9% sugar), and the liquidhas reached the point that we recognizeas maple syrup. At that momentthe sugarmaker opens a valve anddraws off a batch of the liquid beforeit gets even more dense and burns.finishing the SyrupOnce a batch of syrup has beendrawn off, there are several moresteps before it is stored. First, it ischecked for density (sugar content)with an hydrometer. The hydrometeris a pre-calibrated float which balancesin syrup at its ideal density.Then the syrup is filtered toremove the gritty substance calledniter. Niter is a natural, harmlessmaterial, which is from minerals inthe tree that separate from the sap asit is boiled. To remove the niter, thehot syrup is passed through a woolcone filter or pushed by a pumpthrough a filter press.The filtered syrup is clear andgolden and ready to be packed orconsumed.Finally the syrup is taste- andcolor-graded, to determine which ofthe Vermont grades (Fancy, MediumAmber, Dark Amber or B) will beplaced on the label. At this point thesugarmaker will draw the syrup intosmall containers for retail sale or intolarge steel drums to be stored andopened later for repacking into smallcontainers.new TechnologyIn a modern sugarhouse youmay see some of the new technologythat helps make syrup productionmore efficient. One of the most interestingpieces of equipment is thereverse osmosis machine. Thisworks like a water purifier in reverse,pushing the sap through a fine membraneto separate pure water from thesugar, and thereby concentrates thesap before boiling. Reverse osmosiscan remove as much as three quartersof the water from sap, saving a greatdeal of time and fuel in boiling.Another innovation is the steamrecovery device, which is a largemetal box that sits over the flue panand uses steam energy rising fromthe pan to preheat incoming sap andstart the process of evaporation. Inaddition, this becomes a source ofclean hot water.Some sugarmakers use an electronicdevice that automaticallyopens the draw off valve to releasethe syrup at the moment it reachesthe proper density.“liquid Gold”Whether you visit a sugarhousewith traditional methods or modernstate of the art systems, you will seehard work while the sap is running.Like farmers in general, sugarmakersare proud of their operations andpleased to describe the unique features,even those of their own invention,that are involved in the processof making syrup. While visiting, youwill have a chance to taste and buysyrup or other maple treats, made allthe more meaningful by your conversationand understanding of whatit takes to create Vermont’s “liquidgold.”The North Star appreciates considerablehelp in the description ofthis annual process from the VermontMaple Sugar Makers’ Association.(See www.vermontmaple.org)Vermont sugar makers are thereason that Vermont offers the largestproduction of maple syrup in theUnited States providing about 37percent of the total U.S. crop. Thereare approximately 2,000 maple producersin Vermont, who in 2000made an estimated 460,000 gallonsof maple syrup with a value ofapproximately $13.3 million. Datasince 1975 provided by the NewEngland Agricultural StatisticsService shows an annual variationbetween a low of 275,000 gallons in1987 and 2001 and a high of 570,000gallons in 1992.There are four grades of RealVermont Maple Syrup, and thedebate as to which is better is arguedyear round. It’s a personal preference,but there is little debate about the useof Vermont pure maple syrup on pancakesor waffles. We also offer theseproven recipes for those of you wonderingwhat to do with syrup afterbreakfast. Try these and you’ll wonderno more.Maple roasted PecansNew England Culinary Institute4 cup pecan halves1 cup powdered sugar2 oz. maple syrupHeat pecans and powdered sugarin a saute pan over low-medium heatuntil caramelized, folding constantly.When the sugar has almost completelycaramelized, stir in the maplesyrup. Cook for 3 more minutes, stirringconstantly. Spread evenly on asheet pan lined with parchment paperand separate the pecans. Let cool andrefrigerate.Maple Teriyaki SalmonCatherine Stevens, Jericho, VT1/3 cup apple juice1/3 cup maple syrup3 tbsp. soy sauce2 tbsp. finely chopped onion1-2 minced garlic cloves4 salmon filletsIn a bowl, combine the first fiveingredients; remove 1/2 cup for bast-Acupuncturein the Northeast KingdomAncient Wisdom. Modern Medicine.Dedicated to your health and well beingAmy Wheeler & Barry FudimLicensed & National Board CertifiedGoodrich’s Maple Farm2427 US Rt. 2, Cabot, VT 05647(802) 426-3388goodrichsmaple@yahoo.com www.goodrichmaplefarm.comAWARD-WINNING MAPLE SYRUP & PRODUCTSRetail Wholesale Mail OrderSugarhill SMA XL JugsRO Filters, Sap Filters &Other Sugaring Suppliesoffices:Barnet, VT and Hanover, NHBy appointment: (802) 633-2876Custom Tubing Installation & ConsultationOpen Monday-Saturday 9-5, Closed Sundays & Holidays

The north Star Monthly March 2006 17Pure Vermont MapleProducts available Here:Bragg Farm Sugarhouse, Douglas Bragg1005 VT RT 14 North, East Montpelier, VT 05651. (802) 223-5757.Located 1 mile north of East Montpelier Village on RT 14 N five milesfrom Barre or Montpelier. Traditional family-operated sugarhouse. Taste maplesyrup and walk through the woods where we hang 2,000 buckets. Award winningmaple products, Vermont foods and gifts. Sugar-on-snow. Open to thepublic every weekend (Noon - 5 o’clock) in March and April or by appointment.Live Music on Maple Open House Weekend, March 24-26. Try ourmaple creemees daily.Broadview Farm Maple, Joe Newell442 York Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851. (802) 626-8396. Pure Vermontmaple syrup available in Grade A Fancy, Medium Amber, DarkAmber and Grade B. Awarded Vermont Seal of Quality. Packed in glass andplastic from 1.7 ounces to one gallon. Maple cream and maple candy also available.We will ship your request via UPS or parcel post.email: joe@newells.netPhoto By: Jeff GoldMaple sugaring is no casual task. The work stretches across the calendar aslines are checked, taps are set and fuel is gathered in anticipation of those earlydays in the spring when night temperaures are below freezing and the daytimesun warms the landscape. Finally the maple sap pours out of the trees into bucketsor pipelines, and the business of boiling gets serious. Sugarmakers welcomevisitors and look forward to their questions about the experience of making PureVermont Maple Syrup.Vermont Maple Story leads tofine cooking far beyondpancakes and waffles for breakfasting (cover and refrigerate). Pour remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Addsalmon, seal bag and turn to coat both sides. Refrigerate for 1-3 hours.Drain and discard marinade. Grill salmon over medium indirect heat with skin side up for 6minutes and skin side down for 6 minutes. Otherwise, broil 4” from heat for 5 minutes. Bastewith reserved marinade and broil 10 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork, bastingfrequently.Maple Syrup PuddingGinger Isham, Williston, VT1 cup flour½ tsp. salt1½ tsp. baking powder¼ cup dark brown sugar½ cup milk1 tsp. vanilla¼ cup melted butterMix all ingredients and place batter in 1-quart casserole. Sprinkle with raisins or chopped nuts.In a saucepan, bring 3/4 cup maple syrup and 1/3 cup water to a boil. Pour this over the batter andbake in 350° oven for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with light cream.Maple cream SauceVanna Guldenschuh, Danville VT¼ lb butter1 cup dark brown sugar1 cup maple syrup1 quart heavy creamMelt the butter slowly in a large saucepan. Add the brown sugar and cook until the butter andsugar are totally incorporated. Stir the entire time. Add the maple syrup and cook for another fewminutes. Keep stirring so the sauce does not burn. Add the heavy cream and bring to a rolling boil.Do not leave the stove at this point because the rolling boil will roll up and over the sides of eventhe deepest saucepan and make a great mess on your stove. I speak from experience.As soon as it begins to boil up, stir it down and turn the heat down. Let it kind of “simmer boil”for about 5 minutes. Let the sauce cool, and it is ready to use. You may keep this in the refrigeratorfor about 2 weeks. You will have to stir it and heat slightly to use it.Maple Pumpkin BreadKaren Fortin, Swanton, VT1½ cup grade B maple syrup1½ cup sugar4 eggs1 cup oil3 cup mashed pumpkin (or squash)3/4 tsp. salt3/4 tsp. baking powder1½ tsp. cinnamon4½ cup flour1½ tsp. baking soda1½ tsp. cloves1½ tsp. nutmegBeat maple syrup, sugar, eggs and oil together; add pumpkin. Add dry ingredients. Bake at300° for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Test with cake tester.Yields 3 standard loaves or 5 - 6 small loaves.This freezes very well.Cabot Hills Maple, Marcia Maynard, Ken Denton &Daughters977 Thistle Hill Road, PO Box 68, Cabot, VT 05647. (802) 426-3463.Certified Organic Vermont Maple Syrup packed in jugs or glass, plus othermaple products including maple nuts and granola. Available at the sugarhouse(call ahead) or by mail order. VISA and Mastercard accepted. email:syrup@cabothillsmaple.comCenter Hill Maples, Alan Fogg505 Barnet Center Road, Barnet VT 05821. (802) 633-4491Visitors always welcome. All grades of Vermont Maple Syrup, candyand sugar for sale. Take exit 18 off I-91, go 1.9 miles west toward Peacham,then right on Barnet Center Road. Farm is 1/2 mile up hill on the left.Gadapee Family Sugarhouse, Larry, Kevin & KeithGadapee. 718 Calkins Camp Road, Danville, VT 05828.(802) 684-3323. Pure Vermont maple syrup in a variety of containersfrom gallon to 1.7 ounce nips. Plastic jugs and glass. Also maple cream, maplesugar, maple jelly and (special order) maple candy. Vermont Seal of Quality.We ship. Visitors always welcome when we are boiling.email:gadmaple@together.net. Stop by the Caledonia Farmers’ Market in St.Johnsbury and Danville to visit us May through October.Goodrich’s Maple Farm, Ruth Goodrich2427 US RT 2, Cabot, VT 05647. (802) 426-3388. Now tapping 20,000.Award winning Pure Vermont Maple Syrup in glass and plastic containers.Maple cream, candy, fudge, bricks, sugar, maple coated walnuts andmore. Vermont Seal of Quality. Nation-wide mail order. Open 9-5 Monday -Saturday or whenever we are boiling. Large assortment of sugaring supplies,syrup containers - glass, plastic and metal. New and used equipment available.Email us at goodrichsmaple@yahoo.com or visit www.Goodrichmaplefarm.comGoss’ Sugarhouse, Gordon, Pat, Chris & Annette101 Maple Lane, Barnet, VT 05821. (802) 633-4743.Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, all grades are available in a wide varietyof containers including tin, plastic or glass. Also maple sugar, maple cream,maple jelly and maple-covered walnuts, peanuts and cashews. Visitors alwayswelcome. Please call ahead for boiling information and road conditions.Products available at the sugarhouse or by mail. We ship anywhere. Pleasevisit us on the Vermont Maple Open House Weekend, March 24-26, 2006.email:gossmaple@kingcon.com.Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Burr Morse1168 County Road (Main Street) Montpelier, VT 05602. (802) 223-2740.Montpelier’s got steam especially just three miles up Main Street at theMorse Farm. Sweet things are happening on Maple Open House Weekendincluding fiddlers. See the boiling and have sugar-on-snow every weekendafternoon. Mail order, large gift shop, maple kettle corn and maple creemees.www.morsefarm.comRowell Sugarhouse, Norbert & Gloria RowellRT 15 Walden, VT 05873. (802) 563-2756. We have maple syrup,maple cream, maple candy, maple sugar, Vermont arts & craftsincluding unique wooden bowls, antiques, gifts and more. Visitors welcome towatch us boil.Sugar Ridge Farm, Stephen & Diane Jones566 Stannard Mountain Road, Danville, VT 05828. (800) 748-0892.Pure maple syrup, maple sugar, maple cream, Vermont Seal ofQuality. Available at the farm or by mail. VISA & Mastercard accepted. FreeBrochure.Fancy Medium Amber Dark Amber Grade B

18 The north Star Monthly March 2006BarnetTown Clerk: William HoarSelectboard: Ted Faris, StanleyRobinson and Gary BunnellFebruary 13, 2006What’s Happening at the Town Hall?Town Ball field – Steven Mills,Matt Kiley and Tim Casa advisedBoard of their plans to upgrade theball field at school recreation fieldfor use this summer by a team in aCal Ripken League with teamsfrom Peacham and Monroe.Group asked town for help primarilyin hauling some of the materialfrom the Pike plant inWaterford. Board approvedrequest to place a table at townmeeting to hand out informationand to raise funds.Tax Sale – Tax Collector DonaldNelson requested permission toexpend funds for a tax sale, ifneeded, this spring. Nelson gaveBoard four names that he will becontacting about a sale if they donot clean up taxes that go back atleast 3 years. Board approved therequest.School Board – School Boardmember Robert Zita met withBoard to discuss funds the townset aside a few years ago to establisha site at the school for use inthe event of an emergency. Townhas approximately $4,400 inreserve intended for setting upapparatus to run a generator. Zitawill contact at least 3 area contractorsfor prices on installing thehookups for a generator.east Barnet Bridge – Boardreceived draft plans from engineersfor new deck on bridge overPassumpsic River in East Barnet.Proposed repairs are limited toreplacing bridge deck and repairingand painting the floor system.Bridge would be closed for a periodof 60 days with traffic detouredover bridge in Passumpsic Village.Estimated total cost would be$190,000.Overweight Permits – Boardapproved several overweight permits.Beach committee – Boardaccepted resignation of CathyMcLam from beach committeewith much regret.Town Hall – Ted Faris reportedwork has been done on the systemat town hall and will need to spendanother $500-600 for wiring.legal Matter – After executivesession to discuss a legal matter noaction was taken.cabotTown Clerk: Chris KaldorSelectboard: Larry Gochey, CalebPitkin and William WaltersJanuary 25, 2006Paving Bond – After discussion ofthe town meeting warning Boardvoted to add an article seekingauthorization for bond financingMayo’sPaint Dept.20% offall California Paints & Stainsof up to $300,000 for repair andrepaving of town roads.liquor license – Board approvedliquor license for Cabot VillageStore.annual audit – Board voted toaccept proposal from FothergillSegale & Valley for 2006 townaudit for $6,000.Budget review – Board notedappropriation requests from CabotPublic Library for $38,348, CabotSenior Citizens for $500, CabotEmergency Ambulance Service for$7,000, Cabot Fire Department for$35,000 and other agencies. Boardagreed to include $50,000 for proposedland purchase on appropriationsline of the general fundbudget.State education funding – Boardagreed to include non binding articleproposed by VT League ofCities & Towns, regarding use ofstate education funds for purposesother than education, on the warningfor town meeting.Town report – Board revieweddraft Board report for publicationin annual town report.February 1, 2006UdaG fund – Board discussedmeetings with representatives ofUnion Bank and CommunityNational Bank as to administrationof the UDAG fund. Board discusseddelinquent loans. AndyLeinoff will seek out the interestof other commercial institutions asto the feasibility of their managementof the fund.Bridge report – Board voted tosign 2005 bridge inspection reportsubmitted by VTrans.Town Meeting – Board agreed tosign warning for 2006 town meeting.Public Use of Willey Building –Chris Kaldor asked about eventscheduling and fees for private andpublic functions in the WilleyBuilding. Board will discuss thiswith Connie Koeller; Cabot librarian.February 15, 2006Paving Schedule – Board discussedproposed work schedule forroad repairs and proposed$300,000 paving bond to be consideredat town meeting.Wastewater Treatment – Boardappointed Mike Hogan, ChadBradshaw and Larry Thibault(alternate) to wastewater committeeand voted to set annual user feeat $660 per equivalent residentialuser.Sheriff contract – Board signed2006 contract for services fromWashington County Sheriff.Bulk Mailing – Board voted toauthorize expense of printing andmailing a pamphlet called “AllThose in Favor” as requested bytown’s democracy committee.library – Town clerk expressedconcern for noise from second andthird floors of Willey Buildingduring library hours when townclerk’s office is open.. Board willask Connie Koeller, librarian, toattend next meeting.danvilleTown Clerk: Virginia MorseSelectboard: Marion Sevigny,Larry Gadapee, Rick Sevigny,Marvin Withers and MichaelWalshJanuary 26, 2006Grant Hearing – Board discussedthe completion of the grant fundedproject to make the town hall compliantwith building codes and regulationsassociated with handicapaccessibility. All agreed that thework was time and money wellspent.Budget committee – Budgetcommittee met with Board andreviewed proposed 2006 budget.Personnel – After executive sessionto review a personnel matterBoard voted to approve a jobdescription and creation of theposition of lead highway workerwith an hourly pay increase of 50cents and an additional 50 centsper hour during the absence of theroad foreman for more than 48hours, and further appointed ScottPalmer to the position.Town Meeting – Board approvedwarning for town meeting as written.Town auditor – Board acceptedresignation of Dawn Pastula astown auditor because of heremployment in the town clerk’soffice.February 2, 2006Personnel – Following executivesession to discuss a personnel matter,no action was taken.Sewer Plant – Board voted toauthorize purchase of alarm notificationfor sewer treatment facility.north danville School – MertonLeonard reported that after a sitevisit to the North Danville Schoolwith a representative of theVermont Preservation Trust it washis understanding that a grantapplication for renovations wouldnot be considered because the windowshad been changed. Boardagreed there was no sense in submittingan application.Budget review – After review ofthe budgets for 2006, Board votedto accept general fund, highwayand water treatment budgets aspresented to budget committee onJanuary 26.February 16, 2006road report – Road foremanreported road crew is trying tokeep up with changing road conditions.Wood boiler has beeninstalled at town garage and oilhas been shut off. As weather conditionsallow they will work onreducing leaks in old garage roofand cutting brush.Hill Street fuel Tank – MertonLeonard reported soil tests haveshown no fuel dissipation from thelocation of the buried fuel tank onHill Street and the state has calledthe monitoring complete.Joe’s Pond Beach – Joe’s PondBeach Area has received $16,500for improvements as part of a settlementwith Green MountainPower for unauthorized dam alterations.reappraisal – Listers Tim Ide andBill Ottinger are making goodprogress on property reappraisal.equipment Trailer – On recommendationof Kevin GadapeeBoard approved purchase of a 22½ton equipment trailer for up to$20,000.Town Hall – On recommendationof Merton Leonard Board authorizedhiring Joe Hallowell to makealterations to upstairs railings andshields for stage windows in thetown hall as required by fire marshallat an estimated cost of $600.Board authorized purchase of 36chairs from donations to the townhall fund.curb cut – Board approved curbcut for Kevin Williams on OneidaRoad.letter of credit – Boardapproved $700,000 line of creditfrom Passumpsic Bank at 3.09%.Board candidates – MarionSevigny announced she will runfor a one year seat on the Board attown meeting. Rick Sevigny willrun for one year position andMarvin Withers will run for threeyear position.lyndonTown Clerk - Lisa BarrettSelectmen: Martha Feltus, BruceJames and Rob ElmesJanuary 23, 2006Military Personnel – Boardadopted resolution recognizingand honoring men and women ofVermont Air and Army NationalGuard and members of the armedforces and thanked them for selflessdedication to the state andcountry.lyndon institute Bonding – Onrequest of LI for its need to borrowfunds for its expanding boardingprogram, Board authorized allocationof up to $5.4 million of town’s$10 million bonding authority toLyndon Institute.fireworks – Board approved permissionfor Caledonia County FairAssociation to hold fireworks dis-OPEN7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.8 a.m.-Noon Sat.Paints& StainsA great“Spring Pick-Me-Up”802 Railroad StreetSt. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-8826DANvIllESElFSTORAGE26 unitsfrom 5X10 to 10X30Route 2 West,Danville, VTClean, Dry, Inside StorageYour Own Lock & KeyCarmen CalkinsPO Box 96Danville, VT 05828(802) 684-3865MAGNUS & ASSOCIATESTaX PlanninG&PreParaTiOn459 Portland St., St. Johnsbury, VT(802) 748-5555

Excerpts from Selectboard Minutes from Area TownsSee your Town Clerk for complete minutes of the meetingsThe north Star Monthly March 2006 19play on July 2, 2006.Banner Pole installation – Boardagreed to equally share cost ofreplacing banner poles withVillage of Lyndonville.2006 Budgets – Board approved2006 budgets for general fund,$2,038,792; highway fund,$1,273,061; wastewater fund,$1,021,616; and sanitation fund,$323,065.Town Meeting – Board approvedwarning for annual town and highwaydistrict meetings.February 6, 2006Highway report – At 8% throughyear, the entire budget is 9%expended.Memorial day Parade – Boardapproved request of AmericanLegion to use town streets forMemorial Day Parade on May 29.Public Safety Building – Boardwill review policy for public useof the public safety facility.route 114 Bridge – Board votedto acknowledge review ofVTRANS plans for work on bridge2 on VT 114.coin drop – Board approvedrequest from Make-a-WishFoundation for coin drop onFebruary 18.Perpetual care agreement –Board approved perpetual careagreement with Carroll and MarciaBishop.Mobil Home Park license –Board approved mobil home parklicense for Maple Ridge MobileHome Park.PeachamTown Clerk: Patrick DownesSelectmen: Gary Swenson,Richard Browne and Tim McKayJanuary 18, 2006fire Warden – Fred Stevensondiscussed fire warden matters. Hewould like $1,000 in budget forpumps and radios.Old Town Office – Board discussedold town office. JerrySenturia, on behalf of PeachamCommunity Housing, a 501-3(c)non-profit organization, offered aproposal for acquiring the buildingfrom the town.Transfer Station – Board discussedtransfer station matters.Beth McCabe asked how to dealwith an accumulation of brush invillage since transfer station canno longer accept brush. Board willpursue options.road conditions – Phil Jejerreported that terrible and inconsistentweather has made roads interesting.Swenson reported concernfrom Pat Blackmore regardingwork on Foster Pond Road. Boardreceived letter from Maurine andBuilding & RemodelingPainting & WallpaperingSnowplowing & SandingEMMONS & YOUNGCONSTRUCTIONJohn Rosenberg commenting onproposed replacement of guardrails on HaPenny Road.Town fees – Town clerk discussedraising the fees for zoning, ZBAand access permits. Board agreedto pursue this at next regular meeting.Budget review – Board discussed2006 budget.Town Garage Water quality –Board voted to sign grant awardfor work to be performed on waterquality at town garage.Subdivisions – Board discussedcorrespondence from zoning boardof adjustment regarding subdivisionpermits, one for KemptonFarms and one for Deborah Davis.Board concluded it had no authorityto grant the request of ZBA toapprove the subdivisions.Town clerk – Town clerk andtreasurer announced his decisionto not run for reelection after oneyear. Patrick Downes thanked theBoard for a year of good work andendless hilarity.February 1, 2006Personnel – Following executivesession to discuss a personnel matterno action was taken.Town administration – Boarddiscussed town’s administrativestructure and concluded it had noappetite for adding a bookkeeper.Board discussed compensation fortown clerk and treasurer and othertown employees and appointees.Town Meeting – Board signedwarning for town meeting.road crew – Phil Jejer reportedroad maintenance is a challengewith inconsistent weather. Jejeralso reported number of hours ofservice for plow truck #2.Town Speed limits – Board discussedtown speed ordinance andwill discuss further at next meeting.fees for Permits – Board discussedfees for zoning and otherpermits. Board voted to set cost ofaccess fee including recording feeat $27. Board voted to set fee forzoning permit at $30 plus a $7recording fee. Changes are effectiveimmediately.Brush disposal – Board discussedletter from Beth McCabe regardingbrush disposal in the villageand agreed to consider options forthis further.Town Garage – Board notedrevised grant award for work onwater quality surrounding towngarage. Board voted to sign theagreement.Transfer Station – Board discussednon-weekend access totransfer station and town gym andagreed people interested in doingso should contact Dick Blair first.Town Gym – Town clerk will considerimprovements to gym accesspolicy.Jim (802) 684-3856 1154 Bruce Badger Memorial Hwy.Dana (802) 633-3844 Danville, VT 05828St. JohnsburyTown Manager: Michael WelchTown Clerk: Sandy GrenierSelectboard: Bryon Quatrini, DaleUrie, Reg Wakeham, Jerry Roweand Gary ReisJanuary 29, 2006Budget review – Town Managerreviewed final draft of proposedbudget with Board. After considerablediscussion Board voted to usea total of $58,835 from generalfund surplus to reduce taxes for2006 and approve proposed generalfund, special services fund andhighway fund budgets as presentedby town manager. Budgets wereapproved as follows: general fund:$2,046,503; highway fund:$1,836,381; and special servicesfund: $976,355.January 30, 2006amendments to Municipalcharter – Board convened a publichearing on proposed amendmentsto St. Johnsbury municipalcharter including a section on settingcompensation and fees, a sectionon abolishing certain municipaloffices, a section on a departmentof assessment and a reservefund. After discussion Board votedto approve the revised copy of thecharter amendments and warn asecond hearing on February 13.Town Meeting – Board voted toapprove warning for annual Marchtown meeting.reserve funds – After review ofreserve fund balances as providedby town manager Board voted toapprove an appropriation ofreserve fund balances for 2005 aspresented.estimated Property Tax impact– Board reviewed estimated budgetand tax summery as prepared bytown manager.Parking Meters – Board agreed todiscuss parking meter rates withrepresentatives from St JohnsburyWorks.cat Services – Town Managernoted that proposed budget doesnot include services currently providedfor cats. Board asked thatthis be reviewed with animal controlofficer Jo Guertin andChristina Young to determine ifcosts can be reduced without eliminatingprogram.loan agreement – After executivesession to discuss an existingbusiness loan agreement no actionwas taken.February 13, 2006Proposed amendments to Towncharter – Board convened thesecond public hearing on the proposedcharter amendments.Animal AbuseHot Line748 - 2315to report animal abuse orneglect forCaledonia County,southern Essex andeastern WashingtonCountiesnorthern counties Health care– After considerable discussionwith representatives fromNorthern Counties Health Careand their request that a cul-de-sacoff Sherman Drive be discontinuedto allow NCHC to construct a newbuilding and use the current culde-sacfor parking and internaltraffic flow Board voted to provideconceptual approval for movingforward with the discontinuance ofthe cul-de-sac subject to developmentreview board approving asite plan.employer Support for nationalGuard and reserve – Followingpresentation by John MacLeod ofa program to recognize employerswho support Guard and Reserveemployees Board voted to participatein the employer support forthe guard and reserve program.cat Shelter – Board met withJosephine Guertin, animal controlofficer, and Christina Young, operatorof the cat shelter, andreviewed costs of operating programfor cats.Town Plan – avenue to thefuture 2006 – Mike Welch providedBoard with copies of summariesof recommendations from1996, 2001 and 2006 proposedtown plan. Board voted to holdpublic hearing on the proposedplan on March 13 and April 10.Pension Plan Trust agreement –Board discussed request fromUnion Bank for a written trustagreement for administration oftown pension plan assets in trust.Board tabled action until agreementis reviewed by town attorney.current expense note – Boardvoted to ratify approval of currentexpense loan of $500,000 fromLyndonville Savings Bank andTrust.carol Brill Humanitarian award– Board signed letter of congratulationsfor Carol Brill recentlyselected to receive a humanitarianaward from Vermont Campaign toEnd Childhood Hunger.Surplus Balances – Manager providedBoard final numbers forproperty tax requirements basedon the audited fund balances formunicipal funds.agency of natural resourcesViolations – Manager providedBoard with notice from the ANRenforcement officer relative toenforcement against town for 2005incidents related to the sewer onRiver Road and alum sludge dischargeat water treatment plant.Town Attorney Ed Zuccaro willmake contact with the officerbefore February 17.catamount arts – Board signedcorrespondence supporting renovationof historic Masonic Templeby Catamount Arts.WaldenTown Clerk: Lina SmithSelectboard: Perley Greaves,Daniel Lamont and DouglasLutherUngava WinterSlides and PresentationFriday, March 10, 7 p.m.Danville School AuditoriumJoin Garrrett and Alexandra Conoverand five friends as they travelfrom Schefferville, Quebec toUngava Bay onsnowshoes and tobaggons.Sponsored by Danville School Adventuring ClubAdmission by Donation

20 The north Star Monthly March 2006The Irish reign supreme inMarch. We celebrate their heritageby watching parades, wearinggreen and eating corned beef andcabbage. It is not a day that usuallyreaches great culinary heights. And,while I love a good boiled dinner,there is more to Irish cuisine thanthis predictable fare. There aresome new chefs in Ireland preparingdishes that are worthy of anytable.Capon flamed in Irish whiskey,Irish rack of lamb and herbed goatcheese dumplings are just a fewexamples of the new Irish food.But I would go for tradition thisSt. Patrick’s Day with some Irishstandards that are simple to makeand worthy of a toast on this festiveday.irish Brown BreadA very simple and quick nonyeastedbread. You can serve thisbread with a good jam in the morning,as an accompaniment to soupat noon or with a hearty Irish stewin the evening. There are differentrecipes for this bread, but don’t confuseit with Boston brown bread,which is usually cooked in a can.¾ cup all purpose flourPinch of salt2½ cups whole wheat flour(high quality)No Small PotatoesVanna Guldenschuh1 cup oat bran1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon baking powder4 tablespoons dark brown sugar1 large egg (2 small ones)¼ cup vegetable oil1¾ cup buttermilkPreheat the oven to 400°.Combine the flours, oat bran,baking soda, baking powder, brownsugar and salt in a large mixingbowl. In another bowl mix togetherthe egg, oil and buttermilk. Make awell in the middle of the dry ingredients,and gradually mix in liquidingredients with a fork. Mix untilthe dough can be shaped into a ball,and turn onto a well floured surface.Shape the dough on the floured surfaceinto a smooth ball and divideinto 6 pieces. Reshape the piecesinto round mini loaves. This is avery soft dough and you have tohandle it with care. Do not reallyknead this dough – just softly shapeit.Put the rounds on a lightlygreased baking sheet and slash an Xon the top of each mini-loaf with asharp knife.Bake in the preheated oven, andcheck after 20 minutes. The loavesshould be golden brown on top andsound hollow when tapped. If youare not sure you can pierce the loafwith a knife and see if it comes outclean.PAUL’S FARM SERVICESales l Service l PartsPaul D. BergeronPhone (802) 695-2500 l Fax (802) 695-2900514 West Main Street (US RT 2) l Concord, Vermont 05824Serving Agricultural Needs with Integrity Since 1976Are You Having Trouble Affordingthe Prescription Drugs You Need?Our Health Centers May Be Able to HelpOur Concord Health Center and Danville Health Center offer discounts on manyof the most common prescription drugs. This discount is available to all patientsof the health centers. In addition, for those with limited incomes, we apply an additionaldiscount if you qualify for our sliding fee program. For more information, callfor an appointment.The following practitioners are accepting new patients:Concord Health Center (802) 695-2512Sarah Berrian, MD (Pediatric, Adult and Obstetrical Care)Mary Ready, M.D. (Family Medicine and Obstetrical Care)Susan Taney, Nurse Practitioner (Adult Care)Donna Ransmeier, BHS, Behavioral Health CounselingJeniane R. Langmaid, PA-CDanville Health Center (802) 684-2275Tim Tanner, MD (Pediatric and Adult Care)Sharon Fine, MD (Pediatric and Adult Care)Mariel Hess, Nurse Practitioner (Pediatric and Adult Care)Concord and Danville Health Centers are units ofNorthern Counties Health Care, Inc. - established in 1976to bring health services to those in need in theNortheast Kingdom.Cool on a rack.irish Lamb andGuinness StewA very classic Irish stew ismade with mutton and needs to becooked for what seems like ever.This version, made with a bonelessleg of lamb, does not take as longbut maintains the depth of flavor ofa longer cooked stew. You can alsouse beef if you wish. Whatever cutyou use remember to cook it theproper amount to make it tender.3 lb. boneless leg of lamb –substitute beef or lesser cutof lamb1 cup flourOlive or vegetable oil2 cloves garlic - chopped2 celery stalks – finely diced1 large onion – thinly sliced1 leek – chopped (optional)1 bunch scallions – chopped4 carrots – peeled and cut intobite size pieces1 bag frozen pearl onions1 tablespoon sugarSalt and pepper3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon parsley2 bay leavesPinch of nutmeg andcinnamon (optional but tasty)2-3 cups of beef broth (boxedbroth is fine)1 bottle of Guinness stout orother very dark beerCut the meat into cubes. Whenusing a boneless leg of lamb cut allthe fat and sinew out of the leg andthen cut into pieces. Put the meatinto a large bowl and add the flour.Toss the meat in the flour to coateach piece.Heat about 4 tablespoons of oilin a large sauté pan and brown themeat on fairly high heat. Don’tcook the meat through – just brownthe outside. Do not put too manypieces in at once. This step is veryimportant – the flour serves tothicken the stew later on and thebrowning locks in the flavor of themeat. So don’t skip it.When you have finishedbrowning the meat set it aside andpour the stout into the pan todeglaze it. Reduce the stout in thepan a little, and then pour it over thebrowned meat you have set aside.Note: If the pan has a lot of reallyburnt residue in it don’t deglaze thepan but just reduce the stout in aclean pan and pour it over the meat.Put the carrots, pearl onions andscallions in a bowl. Drizzle 2-3tablespoons of oil on them and addthe sugar, scallions, salt and pepper.Turn them out on a baking tray androast them in a 400° oven for about30 minutes. When you are roastingvegetables make sure that they arenot heaped up on the tray – theyshould one layer deep. Take themout when they are done and setaside.Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoonsof oil in a large frying orsauté pan and sauté the garlic tilljust colored. Add the celery, onionand leek and cook on medium heatuntil they are soft. Add 2 cups ofbeef broth, thyme, bay leaves andsmall pinches of nutmeg and cinnamon.Cook about 5 more minutes.Let sit while the vegetables areroasting.Put the meat into the celery andbeef broth mix and heat to bubbling.If you are using a leg of lambyou will not need to cook it morethan 5 or 10 minutes – if you areusing a lesser cut or a beef cut youwill need to simmer it around 1 to 1½ hours or until tender.When the meat is done add theroasted carrots mix and parsley.Make sure the vegetables are hotand serve this delicious stew withIrish brown bread and baked potatoesand a salad.irish Apple cakeThis is really more of a pie thana cake. I think that the Irish considerpie a savory rather than sweetitem and are forced to call this acake. Whatever the name it is areally simple and interesting recipethat also tastes great.2 cups all purpose flourTuesdayisSenior Day10% off for55 & overNow Accepting EBT Cards!SEAN B’SQuality DiscountCome see us up on the hill,at the corner of Route 5and Red Village Road in Lyndonville626-7200Open everyday 10-6Discount GroceriesWESTERN AVENUE STATION“your friendly full service station”1 cup butter - softened to roomtemperature½ cup sugarPinch of salt1 teaspoon grated lemon peel2 eggs – lightly beatenSmall amount of milk ifneeded for the dough3 cups of applesauce½ teaspoon cinnamonBlend together the flour, butter,sugar, lemon peel and eggs. Thiswill make a sticky dough – if itseems too stiff to roll out add milkby the tablespoon until it reacheswhat you think is the right consistencyto roll out. Divide the doughin half and form into two balls.Gently roll out a ½ inch thick roundon a heavily floured surface.Carefully transfer this to the bottomof an 8 inch pie plate. I say carefullybecause this is a soft dough andneeds loving care.Combine the applesauce withthe cinnamon and spread it over thislayer of dough. A pear sauce alsoworks well. It just has to be the consistencyof applesauce - not toowatery.Roll the other round out (½ inchthick) and lay it over the fruit layer.Gently pinch the edges shut.Bake 1 hour in a 385° oven.When the top is golden brown andthe middle of the cake is not soft tothe touch it is done. This takes along time to cook – so make sure itis done. I find that this cake is betterthe next day – just heat it a little inthe oven (not the microwave) andserve with whipped cream or icecream.Black and TanMy one piece of advice on St.Patrick’s Day – DON’T DRINKGREEN BEER! Instead make aBlack and Tan. I personally havenot had much luck getting the stoutto stay on the top – but it is alwaysfun trying and you get to drink yourmistakes.Fill a pint glass half way with alager beer. Then, using a spoon anda slow and very controlled pour,layer the Stout on top of the lagerbeer. Enjoy!WednesdayisCollege Day10% off withcollege IDSpecializing inw Exhaust systemsw Brakes“See Danthe Muffler Man”Danny Lapierre,Mechanic13 Western Ave. w St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 w (802) 748-2339

22 The north Star Monthly March 2006“complimentary” Healthclinic Opens in BarnetTerrY HOFFerHarleigh Somers used to livehere on top of this granite knoboverlooking the veteran’s memorialin Barnet Village. Somersweathered the Great Depressionusing a corner of his kitchen as theBarnet Post Office, but he diedwith no instructions for his fewmaterial goods, and the BarnetChurch bought the place for $350.The Ladies Society used it as athrift shop.Forty-five years later, theLadies concluded that their TradePost had reached the end of itsuseful life. They agreed to findanother source for their longstandingannual pledge of $500 tothe church and for donations tocountless other organizations inthe community, and on a sad dayin the fall of 2000 managersRECYCLING IN THE NORTHEAST KINGDOMWASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICTRecycling centers in NEKWMD towns accept the following materials:NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, OFFICE PAPER & JUNK MAIL: Any color ortype of paper can be in this category except brown Kraft bags and boxboard.CORRUGATED CARDBOARD & BROWN KRAFT BAGS & BOXBOARDTIN CANSALUMINUM CANS, FOIL AND FOOD TRAYSGLASS (ALL COLORS AND TYPES)Sylvia Evans and Jeanne McLarenclosed its door.The Trade Post was history,and more than a few wonderedwhat would become of the propertyperched literally on top of therock.Recently Laurajean Stewartgave us a tour of the answer.Stewart (she goes by “LJ”) andher husband, Jack, live next door,and they razed the former buildingand constructed in its place, a newbuilding, a health clinic acrossfrom the present Post Office andthe Barnet Village Store.Stewart is a massage therapistwho lived in North Danville for atime and works with Dan Wyandin St. Johnsbury as part of hisphysical therapy practice nearNortheastern Vermont RegionalHospital. Now, she says, she willbe a part of a “complimentarypractice” in which referrals toservices like acupuncture, chiropracticand naturopathy need notbe sent to some other clinic.Stewart and her husband hadhopes of restoring the old Somersbuilding on the rock in Barnet butfinally determined it was beyondreconstruction. They have justopened the completely new buildingwith room for her massagetherapy practice and for acupuncturistsAmy Wheeler and BarryFudim.Wheeler says, “This is a firstfor Barnet,” and she’s right. Citinga Chinese proverb, Wheelersmiles softly and says, “This daywill never happen again - in creation.”Between Stewart, Wheelerand Fudim, there is much discussionabout terms like holistic,alternative, complimentary and#1 PETE and #2 HDPE PLASTICS: Look for the #1 or #2 stamped on thebottom of the container.PLASTIC BAGS: Any plastic bag that is labeled #2 or #4, or has been identifiedas such. Call for the current list of acceptable bags.SPECIAL WASTES:Special wastes are accepted at the NEKWMD office in Lyndonville, andsome wastes are accepted at some town recycling centers. Please checkwith your town clerk or the NEKWMD for specific information for your town.Oil, Oil Filters, Automotive Batteries, Rechargeable Batteries, Aerosol Cans,Hard and Soft Covered Books, Printer Cartridges, Lead fishing Sinkers,Propane tanks, Cellular Phones, Electronics (TV's & Computers) (fees applyfor electronics), and Fluorescent Bulbs.Clothing and Textiles - Drop and Swaps are held in the spring and fall inDerby and Lyndonville.Scrap Metal, White Goods, and Tires - Snow-free months, Monday - Friday8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fees apply for tires.Household Hazardous Waste - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Monday - Friday,June through the end of September in Lyndonville, and special eventsthroughout the District June - September. Call for details.SWAP SHOP:In Lyndonville - Pick-up or drop-off any small, clean household item in goodworking condition.Lyndonville walk-in is open to residents of all NEKWMD TownsWednesday 8am - 4pm & Saturday 8am - 3pmTown recycling hours vary - check with your town clerk, the NEKWMD, or theschedule online at www.nekwmd.orgIF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS - PLEASE CONTACT THE NORTHEASTKINGDOM WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AT(802) 626-3532 or (800) 734-4602On the web at www.nekwmd.org, e-mail progmgr@nekwmd.orgPhoto By: North Star Monthly:(L-r) Acupuncturists Barry Fudim and Amy Wheeler and MassageTherapist Laurajean Stewart are available for appointments at thecomplimentary health clinic in Barnet.even Western and mainstreammedical practices, but theydescribe their clinic as “complimentary.”That is, its services areintended as part of bridging thegap between Western and Easternmedicine - part of the array ofchoices for people in need.Wheeler says, “We don’t thinkof it as alternative to mainstreammedicine.“Fudim says, “There is a lot oftalk about integrative care in medicine,and for those of us who havewitnessed the benefits of naturalhealth care this is mainstreammedical practice.”“Natural healing arts are veryold,” Stewart says, “and in manyplaces they are normal. There aremany who have familiarity withand understanding of complimentarymedicine, and they aresearching for it to use with allopathy- the traditional treatment ofeffects.”Stewart says, “I think healthcare has come full circle from themost basic approaches to hightech solutions to where people arestepping back and choosing to notsurrender their care to physicians.As a massage therapist, I try toshow people how to feel well andempower them to care for themselves.A lot of people are returningto the natural, and it’s not inour interest or theirs to make thatdifficult.”Stewart is a graduate of theSwedish Institute for Massage andAllied Sciences and a licensedNew York massage therapist.(Vermont has no such standard orTune in forHigh School Gameslive on WSTJ.PO Box 249 St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 (802) 748-2345n Save on your heating costsn Control your humidityn Air condition your homen Get hot water freeContact Jim Ashley atGreen Mountain Geothermalfor a free analysis of the costs and benefits for your home.Green Mountain Geothermal(802) 684-3491

The north Star Monthly March 2006 23certification.) She has been practicingmassage therapy for 26years. “I try to address the wholestructure - the physical being,” shesays. “ I work with the physiological- I’m trying to normalize thesoft tissues and allow them to getback into balance.”Its services areintended as part ofbridging the gapbetween Westernand Eastern medicine- part of thearray of choices forpeople in need.Wheeler and Fudim havejoined the clinic as acupuncturists.Both are graduates and formerfaculty members of the Tai SophiaInstitute for the Healing Arts inLaurel, MD. Now affiliated withthe University of PennsylvaniaSchool of Medicine, the schoolwas the first in the United States tobe accredited by the Commissionfor Acupuncture and OrientalMedicine. They are licensedacupuncturists in Vermont, NewHampshire and Maryland andhave practices in Hanover andBaltimore as well as this, their latest,in Barnet.Fudim says, “The basis ofacupuncture is getting at what’sbehind the symptoms. The effectof acupuncture is reviewable,measurable and reproducible, butlike many of the Chinese philosophiessome of it is still describedas a mystery. Acupuncture isbased upon 360 points spreadfrom your finger tips to your toes.The points follow a meridian systemor 12 main energy lines,which determine all the levels ofthe being - the body, the mind andthe spirit - or the essence of thebody itself.”Fudim says, “Humankind hasbecome separated from the naturalcycles of life. The Chinese (exceptfor the scholars) were farmers,and they understood the light, thesounds and the odors of the naturalworld. They looked at individualsas composed of five elements(wood, fire, earth, metal andwater) and compared them to thefive natural seasons (fall, winter,spring, summer and late summer).The Chinese described their 5-elementacupuncture as a means tounderstand the human body energeticallyas a representation of theoutside world. Once separatedfrom that connection and out ofbalance with nature, energy patternsof the body can be frozen orblocked and internal organs fallout of alignment.“Some call acupuncturistsfarmers of chi (chi or Qi being theenergy, the life force or the thingsyou just can’t see). And what wedo is use needles, herbs and othertherapies to create a shift for thatperson so harmony and balancecan reappear. When harmony andbalance occur, our belief systemsays, the body is the ‘perfect healinggarden,’ and the body will healitself.”Wheeler says, “When thehuman body is shut down physically,emotionally or spirituallythere is room for improvement. Ihelp the patients I treat to be opento every possibility their lives canbe.”Fudim says, “People getfocused on what’s wrong, butthere is really a lot that’s right.And there is the potential for evengreaterpossibility.Complimentary health care can beeffective and not by any meansjust as the treatment of last resort.It’s the least invasive and it offershope that is absolutely meaningful.”Massage therapy andacupuncture are available byappointment in this new additionto Barnet Village. There will be anopen house in April.Laurajean Stewart, AmyWheeler and Barry Fudim areavailable by appointment at theclinic. For further information callStewart at (802) 633-2700 orWheeler and Fudim at (802) 633-2876.Animal AbuseHot Line748 - 2315to report animal abuse orneglect forCaledonia County,southern Essex andeastern WashingtonCountiesLetters from the PastWhen writing was a necessity and an artLynn A BonfieldIn spring 1868, JacobBlanchard, a prominentPeacham citizen, wrote to a formerclassmate from PeachamAcademy, Thaddeus Stevens.Stevens was serving in the U.S.House of Representatives inWashington, DC. from his adoptedhome in Lancaster, PA.Thaddeus Stevens hadbecome the most powerful legislatorduring the Civil War and adominant member of the jointcommittee on Reconstruction.Born in Danville in 1792, he wasraised in Peacham, graduatedfrom Dartmouth and set up lawpractice in Pennsylvania. Hismother spent her last days on anEast Hill farm in Peacham,which her son bought for her,now owned by the Cloughs. Athis mother’s death, Stevens gavePeacham money for a monumentto be placed at her grave. Today,a new plaque adorns the obelisk,donated by the PeachamHistorical Association; it reads:Sarah Morrill Stevens 1766 -1854.In 1854 Stevens offered togive $50 to Peacham for thelibrary if the townspeople wouldcontribute $150. Soon more than$500 was raised, and “TheJuvenile Library Association”was incorporated with JacobBlanchard, the writer of this letter,as president. The Libraryflourishes today.PeachamApril 3 1868Friend StevensDear SirI found after paying the billsfor your Mother’s monumentthere was about twenty dollarsleft in my hands which I hereenclose. I had hoped to see youhere but your public duties hasprevented. We have watchedyour public course with no littleinterest I believe that nine tenthsof the republicans of Vermontnow endorse your policythroughout we think as you andAndrew Johnson do that treasonshould be made odious and crimepunished.It is reported that you are anative of Peacham but even theCopperhead town of Danvilleclaim the honor but we claim thatit here you were bred and trainedand formed your principles I amsorry to hear that your health isso precarious & earnestly wishthat you had my physical powerand endurance it might beemployed to some purpose Weare watching your dealing withthe President with most intenseinterest the people of Vermontare a great deal more Radicalthan their representativesI should be happy to receive aline from you but dont expectwhile you are employed in soimportant a service.You have my best wishes foryour health and prosperity inyour present serviceJacob BlanchardOur Academy is in a prosperouscondition at present we havenearly an hundred students andunder good discipline. TheLibrary which you patronized soliberally is in good condition andgenerally readJ. B.This letter has been publishedin The Thaddeus StevensPapers, a microfilm collectionedited by Beverly Wilson Palmer,1994. Letters in this series aretranscribed as written with nochanges to spelling, punctuation,or capitalization.Wrap your feet in comfort ... WeHave Hard›to›Find Sizes, Widthsand Brands.Spring is on its Way.Fresh New Styles Arriving Daily!Coming Soon:Keene for Men and WomenFinal Call for Winter Boot Savings418 Railroad Street, Suite 1 St. Johnsbury, VT(802) 748-4500

24 The north Star Monthly March 2006String Worth SavingIhave in my possession, a seriesof books titled Walton’sVermont register and FarmersAlmanac from the early years ofthe nineteenth century. Thesebooks were printed inMontpelier.While syrup wasone step in theprocess, sugar wasthe reward at theend.Bill ChristiansenMlcThe astronomical data was“calculated for the meridian ofMontpelier, in latitude 44 degrees17 minutes North and longitude 4degrees 25 minutes East from thecapital of the United States atWashington.” Note that this referencepredates the establishmentof a universal means of calculatinglongitude. Time zones were athing of the future.Of interest in each of theMarch entries is advice on how tomake maple syrup, or morespecifically, maple sugar. In1828, the following advice wasgiven. “As this is the season inwhich every farmer, who has it inhis power, should manufacture asupply of maple sugar, the followingdirections may serve toprevent much of that article beingspoiled in the making.” Longsentences seem to be the rule.The text goes on. “Your bucketsfor catching the sap should bewell cleaned and scalded beforethe trees are tapped. Your sapshould be kept clean during theprocess of boiling. Avoid lettingyour sap or syrup stand long in aniron kettle, as the rust will give ita dark colour. When boiled nearlydown to syrup a little limeshould be thrown into the kettle.”There is no explanation for thisP.O. Box 308Danville, VT 05828(802) 684-2506Schedule plowing & sanding now.last piece of advice. This was inthe days prior to modern sugaringequipment, when syrup wasmade by boiling sap in an openiron kettle over a wood fire outside.Sugar houses, if at all, werenot as we think of them today.While syrup was one step in theprocess, sugar was the reward atthe end.There are some directionsgiven that I have never heardabout, such as, “ When the syruphas boiled down turn it while stillhot into a clean wooden vesseland let it stand for two or threedays to settle; then turn it carefullyfrom the dirt and strain it.Hang it over a gentle fire andwhen warm, stir in one pint ofmilk to four or five gallons ofsyrup, which will rise as it beginsto boil and must be taken off witha skimmer.” No explanation isgiven about what the step withthe milk is to accomplish.The article ends with the following,“Let these plain directionsbe carefully followed and Iwill insure you as beautiful andas palatable sugar as the bestMuscovado; and I can assure youthat its sweetness will not be atall diminished by the reflection,that it contains the tears of nopoor slaves mingled in its composition.”This last information istypical for these almanacs.In 1825, the advice is,“Seneca says, the way to behappy, is, to make vice not onlyodious, but ridiculous, and everyone to mind his own business.”Further on, “If you want your fingersin every man’s pie, ten toone if you do not get them confoundedlyburned now and then.”In 1827 the advice is, “Howhard the times are, and howscarce money is. But, what is theground of this complaint? It isnecessary that we should knowthe cause of the evil, if we wish toremedy it.” And “running headlonginto debt, is the sin which soeasily besets us, and it is this forwhich we smart, and some of usso severely that I hope we shallprofit by our bitter experience.”These examples show thatalmanacs were about more thanthe weather. These books arefilled with advice on how to leada moral and productive life.In 1827, after railing on aboutdebt, the last bit of advice is, “Ifyou would be always under suspicion,be a drunkard, for little asyou think it, all agree that thosewho steal from themselves andfamily will rob others.” I thinkthis passage was written to becontemplated over through severallong winter nights.The 1812 edition of theVermont register and Almanacwas printed in Burlington. Thereis no sage advice, just data withno comments. The governor ofthe State Of Vermont is listed asJonas Galusha of Shaftsbury,Governor, Captain, General andCommander in Chief. Even in1812, Danville had five “practicingattorneys” and St. Johnsburyhad four, one of whom is identifiedsimply by last name,“Foster.”The 1817 edition lists thepopulation of Vermont from the1800 census as 154,465. By1810 the state had grown to217,973. The total population ofthe United States and its territorieswas 5,298,726 in 1800 and7,238,421 in 1810. Maine andMassachusetts are listed as a singleentity as are East and WestTennessee. Orleans, Mississippi,Columbia, Illinois and Michiganare were territorial governments.Before the days of mass communications,this kind of informationwas essential for ruralpopulations. The concept of“news” was quite different fromwhat we think of as news today.News of the 19th century waswhat we might call “gossip”today. News was what was goingon the neighborhood. In the early1800’s, by the time news reachedmost communities, it was historyand of little interest to anyone.Today, news is flashed across theworld within moments of happening.In order to fill the timeavailable for news, every littleincident has to get reported.A last piece of advice fromMarch, 1822. “Be not afraid tohave the sound of your flaxbreakheard over the whole neighborhood.Let the women have nooccasion to complain for the wantof flax. All means should beemployed to keep them in goodhumor.”And finally, “I must exhortyou once more not to neglect themanufacture of maple sugar. It isa shame for us to import suchquantities of sugar and molasses,while our forests afford the saccharinejuice in such abundance.”The only independent pharmacy in St. Johnsbury“Dedicated to your good health”March is Poison Prevention MonthSOME IMPORTANT TIPS TO REMEMBERl Have the number of your physician or local poison controlcenter near your telephone at all times.l Have syrup of ipecac on hand and only administer when yourphysician or poison control center has instructed you to do so.l Get rid of old medicines periodically by flushing them downthe drain.l Rinse containers and discard them.l Always turn the light on before giving or taking medicine.415 Railroad St. w St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 w (802) 748-3122Peter Hopkins13 Raymond StreetLyndonville, VT05851Phone (802) 626-5555Night (802) 626-8042SUPPLIESst. JohnsburyAthenaeumMon. & Wed.10 a.m - 8 p.m.Tues., Thurs. & Fri.10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.sat.9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.NORTHERN PETROLEUM CO.189 RAILROAD ST. - ST. JOHNSBURY, VT 05819 (802) 748-8934 OR 1(800) 222-9276FRIGIDAIREWasher Model GLWS1339CS $399. 0013 cycle / Sure Spin Suspension SystemDryer Model GLE/R341AS $399. 005.7 cu. ft. capacity drumCash & CarryNORTHERN PETROLEUM...We make your home a better place.“SERVICE”“Friendly, Dependable, Caring for You”

Liliana Cubero Celebrates15 Years of Dance in VermontALLiSON WiLSON WATerMANThis winter, Costa Ricannative Liliana Cubero is celebrating15 years as a teacher of classicalballet in northeasternVermont. How did this unlikelymixture of cultures come about?“She’s this tropicalflower whodropped out of thesky for us.”In 1987, Joel Currier ofDanville attended a Partners ofAmerica convention in BatonRouge, LA, representingVermont, the sister state ofHonduras in Central America.Liliana Cubero, representingCosta Rica, was there to participatein a workshop where shespoke about developing danceprograms for children in hernative country. Currier spoke noSpanish, Cubero spoke noEnglish, but obviously some kindof communication was going on,since eventually it led to marriageand Cubero’s move to Danville in1990.Free AARP/IRSTax Counselingfor the Elderly 2006Please call the desired counselor for an appointmentAll Assistance Is By Appointment OnlyDays AvailableST. JOHNSBURY S12055819Rodger Boyle, 748-4476 Wed. & Thurs. YesKathleen Mayhew, 748-8267 Wed. & Thurs. YesLloyd Rainey, 748-9094 All Evenings &(leave message) Saturdays YesLYNDONVILLE Senior Action Center S12055851Marion Mohri, 626-4544 All Days YesBill Mohri, 626-4544 All Days YesFebruary 1 - April 18, 2006She opened her first dancestudio in what is now the officeof The North Star on Hill Streetin Danville. Three years later shemoved to larger quarters in St.Johnsbury and renamed herschool the St. Johnsbury BalletStudio.Cubero thinks she was bornwith a love of ballet even thoughthere was no classical dancing tospeak of in the Costa Rica of herchildhood. “It was always just inmy head,” she says.Although she was alwaysinvolved with some kind ofdance, she only began to studyclassical technique seriouslywhen she was 21 at theUniversidad Nacional de CostaRica, where the first such danceprogram in Latin America hadbeen started by a woman fromMassachusetts. A few years aftergraduation, Cubero started herown dance company. Findingaffordable ballet shoes was aproblem, as they were all importedfrom the United States andcostly. Never one to be dauntedby a challenge, Cubero startedher own successful dance slipperbusiness. She and the companymade the shoes themselves, evendown to sewing on ribbons andelastics by hand.Danville Restaurant & InnCasual Dining l Lodging l Fully LicensedFRIDAy NIGHT SPECIALChicken Pie Buffet $8.95SATuRDAy NIGHT BuFFET: $10.95Breakfast: Tuesday - Saturday 7:00 - 11:00 a.m.Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Dinner Reservations are a must.Main Street, Danville VT(802) 684-3484Steve A. Cobb, ownerJustice of the Peace & Notary PublicWeddings/Civil UnionsBy appointment or by chanceShut-InsCubero’s dedication to teachingdance is evident as she talksabout goals for her students.“They are rough diamonds,” shesays. “I want to give them theopportunity to reach a high levelwith good technique as dancers -if that is what they want.” Butknowing that, realistically, mostof her students will not go on todance as professionals, she stillfeels strongly that dance educationhas great value for girls andboys. “Everybody can use dancefor so many things - discipline,consistency and self-knowledge,”she says. “They learn what theycan do with their bodies and whattheir possibilities are.”Cubero recommends startingclasses around age 6, but she alsois glad to work with beginners ofany age. In fact, she has an adultbeginner class, as well as an adultintermediate class for men andwomen, with an age range whichincludes teenagers to some intheir 60’s.Cubero is particularly proudof her Junior Company, the studentsof high school age whohave been studying with her thelongest. She calls it the JuniorCompany because she doesn’thave a professional level company.Every couple of years shetakes the group to Costa Ricaduring summer vacation, seeingit as a good opportunity for themto learn about another culture.Fairbanks Museum LaunchesInstitute for Traditional CraftsWant to learn the secrets of awhiskbroom maker? Or the techniquesof a brown ash basketweaver? Or the fun involved withfelting? A new series of workshopsand classes will be comingto the Fairbanks Museum &Planetarium starting in April.Look for the calendar this month.The Institute for TraditionalCrafts is an extension of the annualfestival of traditional crafts,which brings experts and artisanstogether to demonstrate andexplain their skill each September.In partnership with theNortheast Kingdom ArtisansGuild, the Museum will offercourses that allow skilled artisansto share their knowledge with awider audience. Rug braiding,beekeeping, fly tying, chair caning,soap making, quilting, splitrail fence building and wood turningare a few of the skills thatwere common in the rural northeasta century ago. Many are asrelevant today as forms of creativeexpression or a way to forgea direct link with the culture andheritage of our past.Many of the tools and techniquesused by generations of artisans,have been handed fromfather to son, grandmother togranddaughter, neighbors andfriends. The Institute forTraditional Crafts offers a newplace to tap into ways of livingthat have grown through theresources, needs, and ingenuity ofthe people who live in this area.To learn more about weekendor one-day workshops and longercourses, call the FairbanksMuseum at (802) 748-2372.H HAWKINSDENTAL GROUPHubert Hawkins, ddSBonnie Johnson, RdHBrenda Lane, RdHSheila amadon, RdH(802) 748-2325New Patients WelcomedThe north Star Monthly March 2006 25Photo By: Sean O’ConnorLiliana Cubero (kneeling in front) joined the St. Johnsbury BalletStudio 2006 Junior Company at its February 4 performance atLyndon State College.While in Central America theyperform in different venuesincluding schools, communitycenters and festivals. “I wantthem to have the feeling of beingprofessional,” she says. And inVermont her students performfrequently as well, up to six timesa year, including First Night in St.Johnsbury.The discipline has paid off inunexpected ways. A couple ofyears ago, with a performanceonly days away, the two dancerswho had the most important rolesbecame sick. Another of Liliana’swell-trained students was able tolearn both parts in six hours. Sheperformed without a hitch andwas the star of the evening.“But,” says Cubero, “It was verystressful!”A lively, effusive Latina,“Your Clear Choice in Auto Glass Replacement”Windshield World“We Come to You”wFREE COURTESY CAR OR MOBILE SERVICEwINSURANCE APPROVED FOR DIRECT BILLINGwWRITTEN WARRANTYwORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY GLASSwLOCALLY OWNED & OPERATEDBARRE 479-0666HARDWICK 472-5554WHITE RIVER JCT. 295-9903NEWPORT 334-1348GORHAM, NH 752-1414Cubero’s biggest culture shock inmoving here was not so much thereserved Vermonters as it wasencountering winter. “It took awhile,” she says, “but now itdoesn’t bother me. I loveVermont. It’s a beautiful place toraise my children. I love thefarm.” She and Currier live ontheir diversified farm in Danvillewith their children, Marissa, 14,and Joaquin, 12.One of her adult studentscommented, “She’s this tropicalflower who dropped out of thesky for us,” expressing conciselyhow Liliana Cubero adds bothartistically and culturally to thecommunity.The final performance of theseason of the St. Johnsbury BalletStudio will be on June 10.BERKSHIREPAINTINg CORPORATIONl Painting & Stainingl Interior & Exteriorl Power Washingl Sheet Rock Repairl Quality Workl Free Estimatesl Fully InsuredDIAL TOLL FREE800-639-0666“PROMPT FRIENDLY SERVICE”ST. 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26 The north Star Monthly March 2006danville’sThurber Hotel:Part of theleisurely PastThis article, written byTennie Toussaint, appeared substantiallyas it is here in TheBurlington Free Press onFebruary 4, 1969. JustinaWelch, a senior at danvilleSchool is working on a seniorproject preparing historicalbrochures for the town and submittedthe article after readingour recent description ofdanville, as it appeared in the1906 Vermonter.TeNNie TOUSSAiNTThe train whistled for thecrossing and animated actionbegan in the carriage barn of theold Thurber Hotel where the“depot hoss” was hitched to thetwo-seated fringed surrey.The hostler snatched thelight blanket off the horse. Thedriver leaped to his seat,unwound the reins from thewhip-socket and picked up thewhip – someone unsnapped thehitch-cord from the bit, rolledback the barn doors – and awaythey went Hell bent for thedepot. They hit on two wheelsas they made the right turnthrough the Green and on to thedepot a quarter of a mile away.Upon his arrival the driverturned the surrey around with aflourish and backed up to thedepot platform. The train pulledin and came to a noisy stop. Thewell-trained “depot hoss” nevermoved an eyelash.Hotel guests and hand luggagewere loaded into the surreyfor a more leisurely return to thehotel.Many a nickel or cigarchanged hands between the villageregulars who were on handto see the trains come in. Theywatched to see the winner of thefirst and coveted spot on thedepot platform. Was it theThurber Hotel rig or the onefrom the Elm House. There wasa strong rivalry between the twohotels near the Danville Green.Fuel Oil and KeroseneCash DiscountsAutomaticDeliveries(802) 748-3011Serving this area for over 60 yearsPhotos Courtesy of Danville Historical SocietyThurber’s Hotel was one of the popular places for vacationers and traveling “drummers” to stay nearthe danville Green. Charles Thurber moved to danville in 1879 and leased and operated the elmHouse (where the post office is now). At the time, the elm House and the eagle Hotel (at the corner ofHill Street and US 2) vied for visitors and their need for overnight accomodation. in the great danvillefire of 1889, the eagle was destroyed, and Thurber left the elm House to operate a new place known asThurber’s. The site today is covered by tennis courts.Transient and regular tradewas at an all time high half acentury and more ago beforeautomobiles changed the livesof so many people.Four St. J. & L.C. Railroadpassenger trains stopped atDanville each day. There weretwo up and two down. The firstup train was due in at 7:30 a.m.The down train stopped at 11:00a.m. Another up train arrived at4 o’clock in the afternoon andthe last one, heading back,pulled in at 9:00 p.m.Both hotel rigs met all trains.Because it was a little nearer,The Elm House had an edge onStuart V. Corso, D.M.D.nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnG E N E R A L A N D F A M I LY D E N T I S T R Y31 Mountain View DriveDanville, VT(802) 684-1133Set your dial to Vermont Public RadioWVPA 88.5 FM St. JohnsburyWVPR 89.5 FM Windsor; WRVT 88.7 FM Rutland;WBTN 94.3 FM Bennington orWVPS 107.9 FM BurlingtonSaturday Afternoon at the OperaSaturdays at 12:14 p.m.Jazz In The Evening with George ThomasTuesdays - Thursdays 8 - 10 p.m.Fridays 8 p.m. - MidnightThurber’s.The up trains probably whistledat the McDonald crossingbelow the village, and the downtrain whistled at the Osgoodcrossing above the village, givingthe rigs scant time to reachthe depot before the trainsarrived.Teams were hitched a fewminutes before whistle time, andthe driver who had to meet the7:30 a.m. train grumbledbecause he had to get up soearly.People who came to stay atthe hotel for any length of timebrought trunks and other baggage,which was delivered to thehotels later with an expresswagon.In winter the drivers mettrains with a three-seated sleighequipped with buffalo robes tokeep their passengers warm.Charles W. Thurber came toDanville in 1879 and rented theElm House from Dr. CalvinWoodard for three years.Thurber introduced a new ideain hotel business, that is cateringto summer boarders. Businessincreased so much that an additionwas added to the hotel.Thurber continued to operatethe Elm House alone for anotherthree years. He was a hotel manand had operated several otherhotels in Vermont and NewHampshire in the past.In 1888 Thurber bought theproperty to be known as theThurber Hotel (where the tenniscourts are today) and began thejob of fitting it up. The Hotelwas opened to the public in1890. Business was so good hewas unable to accommodate allthe summer guests who applied.Thurber continued to expandand finished off bedrooms inanother building farther westalong the road and called it the“annex.” It was formerly used asa men’s lounge.Thurber kept a livery ofabout 10 horses for hire.Drummers (traveling salesmen)Camel’s Hump Radio airs Sundaysat 7:00 p.m.March 5The Wee Free Menby Terry PratchettMarch 12 Black Beautyby Anna SewellMarch 19 I Rode a Horse of Milk WhiteJade by Diane Lee WilsonMarch 26 Kokopelli's Fluteby Will HobbsdanvilleCongregationalChurchUnited Church of ChristAn Open and Affirming Congregationrev. James d. llewellynPlease Join Usfor Worshipat 10:00 a.m.,and bring your family.Just north of the Danville Greenon Hill Street(802) 684-2176

After Thurber’s death in the early 1920’s, his hotel was run by his relatives, Wilbur and Frank Worthen.it was a comfortable place and the food was “very good” and there was “plenty of it.” On this nightthe chicken dinner was available for a dollar. The hotel ceased operation in 1938.were frequent guests at thehotel, and they engaged teamsand drivers to take them to nearbystores not reached by the railroad.Regulars or summer boardersusually came in the springand stayed all summer. Manywere older people who camefrom big cities, even as far awayas Chicago. The hotel couldaccommodate 20 or more regularswho paid $20 per week forboard and room.A large garden and three orfour cows on the hotel propertysupplied the hotel table with anabundance of fresh vegetablesand dairy products.Guests found simple countryentertainment available. Theyoften hired the hotel rigs anddrivers to take them on sightseeingtrips over the countryside.Favorite routes were upthe Walden Hill Road, on theOneida Road or down on theWater Andric. And then, therewas always croquet.Most any day the ladiescould be seen rocking on thehotel porch. One neighbor saidshe hoped to live long enough tosit on her own porch withoutbeing watched by summerboarders across the road at thehotel.Mrs. Maggie Smith ofDanville worked at Thurber’sHotel when she was girl. Sherecalls, “At the height of thesummer season there was a fullwork staff, two or three kitchengirls to help Mrs. Thurber, twodining-room girls and usuallytwo chambermaids.“The laundry was done onscrubboards. There were twodining rooms, each with a longtable seating 12. White linentablecloths and napkins wereused. I’ve ironed many a tableclothwith the old irons heatedon the cook stove.“Waitress and chambermaidtips were fairly good, if wecould get them before Mrs.Thurber pocketed them.“Food served to guests wasvery good and plenty of it. Thesteaks were cooked on the hotrimmers of the big kitchenstove, and did they smell good!“Our food was good, but itusually rattled some by the timewe got it. Sometimes one of thegirls would sneak fresh doughnutsdown cellar for us to eat.Occasionally they cooked us asteak.“The perishable food waskept cold in a huge icebox. Icewas stored in an ice bin underthe office building between thehotel and the annex. We weretold the office had once been thelaw office of Judge Davis. Thebedrooms were heated withsmall wood burning stoves.”Beverly Bacon of Danvilleremembers the hotel rigs racingto meet the trains. He sayswhen he was a small boy hisWhen you think insurance...663 Old Center Road, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819(802) 748-8797 Fax (802) 748-8609Residential l CommercialProviding all aspects of electrical work includingexcavation for underground wiring and services.Matt Pettigrew (802) 751-8201Danville, VermontThe north Star Monthly March 2006 27father sold dressed poultry andbeef to Thurber. He saidThurber was pretty particularabout the meat, wanting only thebest cuts. Bacon said, “Onetime I remember hearing himtell my father that his boardersdidn’t like that damn cat meat.”After Thurber’s death in theearly 1920’s, the hotel was runby relatives of Mrs. Thurber,Wilbur and Frank Worthen. Thehotel ceased operation in about1938.For more than 25 years theold landmark remained besidethe road in Danville, a reminderof the bygone days when lifeprogressed at a slower pace andwhen amusement was simple.Finally, the price was madeso attractive that in May 1965the Danville school board wasauthorized by town voters tobuy the buildings and theaccompanying 16 acres. Thebuildings were demolished.The acreage is adjacent tothe present Danville Highschool buildings, and the schoolboard has plans for a long termexpansion program of buildingand land use.Listen to Josh thomasweekdays from 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.and hear great music,LocaL news, sports andtons of chances to win prizes.NortheastMedical SuppliesMobility Check:If you can answer “yes” to all of the following,you may be eligible for funding assistance tohelp pay for a power chair or scooter throughMedicare, Medicaid or your private insurance.o I can not use a cane or a walker to complete myactivities of daily living.o I can not use a manual wheelchair to complete myactivities of daily living.o I need a power wheelchair or scooter to completemy daily activities in my homeand to maintain some level ofindependence.o I have the capability to safelyoperate a power wheelchairor scooter.o My home environment issuitable for a power wheelchairor scooter.If you answered “yes” to theabove, talk to your doctor.Ask your doctor:Your physician is familiar with the diagnosesthat may entitle you to funding assistancethrough Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance.Only he or she can make the medicalassessment required to ensure eligibility.Insured and licensed inVermont and New Hampshire. Amber L. LasnierCustomer Service ManagerFor prompt professional service call: Phone (802) 748-2455Fax (802) 748-2110818 Old Back Center RoadSt. Johnsbury, VT 05819At a special town meeting inJuly 1968 voters authorized theschool board to procure a bondissue of $468,300 as the town’sshare for construction of anaddition to the school.Regulars or summerboarders usuallycame in thespring and stayedall summer.Plans for the new buildingcontain such facilities as arerequired for an accredited secondaryschool, such as homeeconomics room, additionalclassrooms, teacher’s accommodations,shop facilities, sciencelaboratories, more adequatecafeteria and library space.Construction is planned tostart in the near future.

28 The north Star Monthly March 2006BUSINESS DIRECTORYBusiness Identification at a Reasonable Price $75.00/ year Price Includes Free SubscriptionaccountantsKenneth M. Biathrow, cPaTax preparation services -Personal,business, estate. Accounting services,financial statements review andcompilation. P.O. Box 528, 364Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, VT05819. (802) 748-2200.Mccormick & company P.c.Barry A. McCormick, CPA; DwightE. Lakey, CPA; Robin C. Gauthier,CPA. 1360 Main Street, St.Johnsbury, VT 05819-2285.(802) 748-4914. (800) 516-CPAS.a.M. Peisch & company llcA 5 office Vermont based accountingfirm specializing in individualand business tax services, financialand retirement planning, accounting,auditing and estate planning.We provide technology servicesincluding network security, operationalreviews and accounting support.1020 Memorial Drive, St.Johnsbury, VT. 05819(802) 748-5654.air conditioningPlumbing & HeatingTrombly Plumbing & HeatingCommercial & ResidentialPlumbing, Heating, AirConditioning, Propane Service andSupply. 77 Concord Ave., St.Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-1953. FAX (802)748-3848.e-mail:dant@kingcon.comGreen Mountain GeothermalUse a ground source heat pump andsave up to a third over the cost ofoil heat. Jim Ashley, West Danville.(802) 684-3491.appliance repairlewis applianceFactory Authorized Service andRepair for Maytag, JennAir, Asko,Viking, Bosch, Sub-Zero andFrigidairre. Wayne Lewis,Waterford, VT. (802) 748-6561.attorneyslaw Office ofcharles d. Hickey, PlcGeneral Practice of Law.69 Winter St., PO Box 127,St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-0127.(802) 748-3919.auctioneerseaton auction ServiceSpecializing in Antiques,Collectibles and Estate Sales.Personal and knowledgeable service.Auctioneers: Chuck Eaton (802)333-9717 or Chris Welsheas@sover.net. Fairlee, VT 05045.www.eatonauctionservice.comWest danville auction co.Buying antiques, collectables, furniture,tools and musical instruments.Retail space opening in February.Call Mark Fixter. (802) 684-1081 or(866) 684-1081.autobody repairfive Star autobodyCertified collision repair center;Complete autobody repairs fromglass to frame. George C. Mudge,Jr. Located off I-91, Exit 22, 604Lapierre Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT05819. (802) 748-5321.automobile repairallards auto ServiceLarry Willey, 572 Portland Street,St. Johnbsury, VT 05819.(802) 748-4452.Burke View Garage, inc.Larry Lefaivre, Owner. Domestic &Import Repair; Brakes, Exhaust,Tune-Ups. We Do It All! Tire SalesAlso. M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. RT114, Lyndonville, VT 05851.(802) 626-3282.Mark’s automotiveForeign and domestic repairs.Cooper, Hankook and Remingtontires. Brakes, exhaust, oil change,VT State inspection, computerwheel balancing and computer diagnostics.ASE certified. MarkJefferson, West Barnet Road, BarnetCenter, VT. (802) 633-3863.Wes Ward automotive repairand Tire centerComprehensive automobile repairfor domestic and foreign vehicles,RV’s and school buses. ASE certified.1193 Portland Street, St.Johnsbury, VT 05819.(802) 748-3636.BooksKingdom BooksNorthern New England’s poetry,mystery and fine press bookshop.KingdomBks@aol.com and (802)748-5488. See our reviews atwww.KingdomBks.com Call for anappointment. Beth & Dave Kannell.lyders fine BooksBuying and selling 19th and 20thcentury first editions in fine condition.www.lyders.com (802) 592-3086. Josette & Richard Lyders,P.O. Box 250, Peacham, VT 05862.Bricklayerc.T. cushman MasonryChimneys, Fireplaces, Patios,Stonewalls, Slate & FlagstoneWalkways, Steps, Chimney andFoundation Repairs, Brick & StoneVeneer. 35 Years Experience.Chimney Cleaning. (802) 748-2221.cabinetrycalendar Brook cabinetrySince 1979 – Custom KitchenCabinetry, Bathroom Vanities,Entertainment Centers, Tables,Doors, Architectural Millwork andMouldings, Hardwoods andHardwood Plywoods, HardwoodFlooring, Stone and Solid Surfaceand Laminate Tops. David Patoine,Master Craftsman. 4863 MemorialDrive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-5658.cabins & campgroundsHarvey’s lake cabins andcampgroundMay 15-Oct 15. Lakefront furnishedcabins set in wooded private 53-sitecampground. Large private campsiteswith W ES suitable for tentspopups, RV’s. Group Area,Refurbished Recreation Hall,Reunions, Retreats and Receptions.Boats, Kayaks and Bicycle Rentals.190 Campers Lane, West Barnet,VT 05821. (802) 633-2213.www.harveyslakecabins.comchimney Sweepdavid allen, chimney SweepPrompt ServiceReasonable Rate.4287 Bayley Hazen RoadWest Danville, VT 05873.(802) 684-2268.nelson enterprise, inc. &clean Sweep chimney ServiceFull Service Masonry - NewConstruction and Repair: chimneys,fireplaces and stainless relining.Chimney Sweeping Service: inspections,caps and hearth products.Gary & Shari Nelson, CSIA certifiedand VT licensed; Fully insured.PO Box 53, Sheffield, VT 05866.(802) 626-8320.clocksclock repairAntique clock repair by appointment.Richard Diefenbach, 1148Jamieson Rd., Danville, VT.(802) 748-2193.computersnortheast computer SystemsHome & Business ComputerSystems. Networking, Hardware,Service, Support and Software. 37Depot Street, PO Box 1059,Lyndonville, VT 05851.(802) 626-1050. FAX (802) 626-5012. www.necomp.comYankee electronic SolutionsFully reconditioned computer systemsand upgrades for all PCs. Fast,professional on-site service andrepair. 623 Concord Avenue, St.Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-4544. E-mail:yes@kingcon.comdPG ServicesHome & Business ComputerSystems & Networks, Hardware &Software Upgrades. ProfessionalNo-Attitude On-Site Service &Repairs. Free Pick-Up & Delivery.99 Forest Avenue, St. Johnsbury,VT 05819. www.dpgservices.netsales@dpgservices.net(802) 748-5033.constructiona.c. TradesFoundation and Sill Repair. WinterSelective Cut Logging (S.F.I. certified).Andy Cochran, 1104 GreatRoad, Groton, VT 05046.(802) 584-3828.Building-recreationsCrafting residential renovations andadditions in the Northeast Kingdomfor seven years. Specializing in theuse of glass to let natural lightenhance the warmth of your renovatedroom, kitchen or bath. I welcomeyour renovations for design.John T. Bruckner. 3316 West BarnetRoad, Barnet, VT 05821. (802) 633-4182 or FAX (802) 633 4908.email: vtbruckner@kingcon.comc&c Bunnell excavatingExcavation, Site Work, SepticSystems, Bulldozing, Roads, Pondsand Trucking Sand, Topsoil, Gravel& Stone Deliveries. Calvin Bunnell,Joe’s Brook Rd., Barnet, VT 05821.(802) 633-3413.calkins rock Products, inc.Sale of Sand, Gravel and All Sizesof Ledge Products. PortableCrushing. Route 5, PO Box 82,Lyndonville, VT 05851.(802) 626-5636.Gil’s constructionFoundations & Floors. New RapidForms. Free Estimates. GilmanLaCourse. (802) 748-9476.William Graves BuildersWorking throughout CaledoniaCounty for 28 years, serving as anew-building and also renovationcontractor for residences, barns,businesses and public facilities. Wealso offer project management services.We appreciate your calls andinterest. PO Box 128, 329 CloudBrook Road, Barnet, VT 05821.(802) 633-2579 FAX (802) 633-4631.email: gravesbuild@kingcon.comMark Greaves, BuilderNew construction and remodelingincluding Custom Houses start tofinish. 335 Red Barn Road,Danville, VT 05828. (802) 748-9659.iron HorseStanding Seam roofingOn-site machine pan forming.Colors, Copper and Galv. Alum.35-year material warranty on colors.20-year material warranty on Galv.Alum. Certified Englert installer.Don Bettis, 1486 West Hill Road,Hardwick, VT. (802) 472-3400.KM carpentryRemodeling, painting, decks, vinylsiding, roofs, sheetrock; 10+ yearsof experience, fully insured, freeestimates, VT/NH. Kevin McKeon(802) 626-3983.laferriere construction, inc.New construction, remodeling, customwork, residential & commercial.Dennis Laferriere, 525Wightman Rd, Danville, VT 05828.(802) 684-3606.FAX (802) 684-3628.dave legendre and SonsBuilders, inc.49 years of quality craftsmanship. Ifit pertains to building, we do it fromdesign to finished product with yourneeds in mind. Certified PellaContractor. Residential &Commercial. St. Johnsbury, VT05819. (802) 748-4068.ross c. Page foundationsConcrete foundations & slabs.Residential, Agricultural &Commercial. Ross C. Page, 368Thaddeus Stevens Road, Peacham,VT 05862. (802) 592-3382.FAX (802) 592-3382.ruggles roofingWe offer steel roofing in 23 colorscustom made to 40 ft. long to eliminateseems in your roof. Many colorsand designs available with ourshingles also. And for low sloperoofs our high performance rubberis cost efficient. Residential andCommercial. (802) 467-1189.VT Home Specialties, inc.Builder/Dealer of REAL LOGHOMES. PLAIN & FANCY andMEDALLION Cabinetry, HomeFurnishings. Route 2, WestDanville, VT 05873.(802) 684-1024.www.vthomespecialties.comMichael K. Walsh & Son,BuildersCustom new construction: Houses,decks, remodeling, renovations,restorations, additions, finish work,wallpapering. High quality workmanshipfor over 30 years. Solidreputation. 349 Calkins Camp Rd.,Danville, VT 05828.(802) 684-3977.custom SawingOn-Site lumbermill WorkI will come to your land and cutyour logs with my Wood-Mizerportable sawmill. Less sawdust,more lumber! Jeff Hale, Ryegate,VT. (802) 584-3972.custom WorkMichael J. Southworth & SonsLight Trucking, Snow Plowing,Bush Hogging, Driveways andLandscaping. 324 Cahoon FarmRoad, Walden, VT 05873. (802)563-2162 or (pager) (802)742-3362.dentistsronald e. ducham, d.d.S.Family dentistry. 501 Portland St.,St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802)748-4727. New patients welcome.Hawkins dental GroupHubert Hawkins, DDS. CompleteFamily Dentistry. New patients welcomed.1350 Main Street, St.Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-2325. (800) 870-4963.Peter M. Ollman, d.M.d.Dentist for infants & children. 576Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, VT05819. (802) 748-8701.Stuart V. corso, d.M.d.General and family dentistry. 31Mountain View Drive, Danville, VT05828. (802) 684-1133.dowsingamerican Society of dowsersContact us for information aboutdowsing, events and dowsers availableto help with your search. (802)684-3417. Call our bookstore forbooks, tools and a free catalogue.(802) 748-8565. www.dowsers.orgelectrical ServiceMatt Pettigrew electricNew homes (conventional frame,post & beam or log) renovations orservice upgrade (aerial or underground).Heating system controls,generator installations and all otherphases of electrical work in a professionalmanner. Licensed in VT &NH. Danville, VT. (802) 751-8201.nudd electricServing the Walden and Danvillearea since 1964. Fully insured andlicensed. Jim Nudd (802) 533-2980and Darren Richard (802) 563-2303.Walden, Vermont.electronics Sales &ServiceByrne electronicService centerNew & Used Television, VCR andother consumer electronic sales.Factory authorized service center forseveral brands. Professional repairservice on all TV’s, VCR’s, Stereosand pro audio equipment. 159Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT05819. (802) 748-2111.excavationandre excavationAll phases of excavation includingseptic systems, site work, demolition,drainage and ponds. 25-yearsexperience. Free estimates. Promptservice. Call Denis Jacques at (802)563-2947.compact excavation ServicesIncluding stumps, trenches,drainage, crushed stone driveways,york raking, small building demolition,small foundations, tree lengthbrush removed, rock retaining wallsbuilt, excavator (with thumb) picksup most anything. Also trucking andtrailer to 10,000 pounds and 30’long. Matt Pettigrew, Danville, VT.(802) 751-8201.fencingall Types of fencingCommercial, Agricultural andResidential. Chain Link, HighTensile, Barbed Wire, Woven Wireand Ornamental. Gordon Goss.(802) 633-2822. Cell (802) 777-0919. Fax (802) 633-3405. emailgossmaple@kingcon.comflooringcarpet connectionThe flooring specialists. All yourflooring needs. Largest selection inthe State. Depot Street, Lyndonville,VT 05851. (802) 626-9026 or(800) 822-9026.country floorsComplete Flooring Sales &Installation. Carpeting, Vinyl,Hardwood, Ceramic Tile, AreaRugs. Stanley H. & Joanne C.Martin, Hollister Hill Road,Plainfield, VT 05667.(802) 454-7301.floristsall about flowersby lallie and SandyAll occasion florist featuring finesilk flowers, unique dried designsand the freshest flowers in town.Wedding and funeral arrangementsfor all budgets. Customized gift andfood baskets available. 10% seniordiscount not applicable with otherdiscounts. 196 Eastern Avenue, St.Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-5656 or (800) 499-6565.artistic GardensFlorist & Greenhouse. Unique floralarrangements for weddings and alloccasions. Specializing in sympathyarrangements for funerals, freshflowers, gourmet fruit baskets andballoons. FTD & Teleflora.Memorial Drive, St. JohnsburyCenter. (802) 748-5646.forestryMcMath forestryComplete Ecological ForestlandManagement Services. DavidMcMath, Forester, 4875 NoyestarRoad, East Hardwick, VT 05836.(802) 533-2970. Toll Free: (866)462-6284. www.mctree.comeverts forest ManagementTimber Inventories & Appraisals.Timber Sales. Tax Assistance.Forest Management Plans. NHLicense No. 207. Peter Everts, 278Cloudy Pasture Lane, West Barnet,VT 05821. (802) 592-3088.Zschau forestryForest & Wildlife ManagementPlanning Services. Contact KurtZschau at (802) 684-9900 ore-mail: woodlot@charter.netfurniture restorationchair care and Klappertfurniture restorationAuthentic restoration of old finishesand techniques for antique & finefurniture. Specializing in chairrepair & all seat replacement. 905th Avenue, St. Johnsbury, VT.05819-2672. (802) 748-0077.

The north Star Monthly March 2006 29BUSINESS DIRECTORYBusiness Identification at a Reasonable Price $75.00/ year Price Includes Free SubscriptionHair carecountry Styles family Hair careJanet L. Carson. Located at the K.P.Hall on the top of Hill Street,Danville, VT 05828. Follow thehandicapped accessible ramp. Homeservice available to shut-ins.(802) 684-2152.Health care Providersdanville Health centerGeneral Health Services for allages. Open M-F. Mariel Hess, N.P.;Tim Tanner, M.D.; and Sharon Fine,M.D. 26 Cedar Lane, Danville, VT05828. (802) 684-2275. (800) 489-2275 (VT).concord Health centerGeneral Health Services for allages. Open M-F. Sarah Berrian,M.D.; Mary Ready, M.D.; SusanTaney, N.P.; Jeniane R. Langmaid,PA-C and Donna Ransmeier. 201 E.Main Street, Concord, VT. (802)695-2512.Hardwick chiropracticMontpelier chiropracticBioGeometric Integration is gentle,effective chiropractic that allowsyour system to heal and to becomeincreasingly adept at correctingitself. Dr. Grace Johnstone and Dr.Rick Eschholz. (802) 472-3033 or(802) 223-2967.linda Sayers, reiki MasterReiki is an ancient, hands-on healingart, which supports the body’sability to heal itself. Reiki promotesdeep relaxation and helps releasephysical and emotional blockages.Linda Sayers, Reiki Master andLight Practitioner. 63 Norway Road,Greensboro Bend, VT 05842.(802) 533-2378.lyndonville familychiropracticContributing to the health of thecommunity for over 17 years.Offering a holistic approach tohealthcare utilizing chiropractic,nutrition and massage therapy.Karson Clark, D.C.; Stacey Clark,D.C. 11 Hill Street, Lyndonville,VT 05851. (802) 626-5866.dan Wyand, PT & associatesRehabilitation of Sports Injuries,Orthopedics and NeuromuscularDisorders. Sherman Dr., P.O. Box68, St. Johnsbury,VT 05819. (802)748-3722/1982. Lyndon,VT.(802) 745-1106.Hearing Servicearmstrong’sBetter Hearing ServiceSTARKEY and WIDEX-Senso-Digital Custom Hearing Aids. Freehearing screenings, batteries, accessories,all-make repairs. IsabelleArmstrong, Sandra Day & LouiseToll; Consultants and LicensedHearing Aid Dispensers. 198Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT05819. (802) 748-4852(800) 838-4327.Historic PreservationS. a. fishburn, inc.Historic preservation and designfeaturing custom cabinetry andwood and plaster restoration. (802)684-2524. fish@kingcon.cominsurancedenis, ricker & Brown, inc.Mike DeMasi, Hilde Desmet, PamKvam, Debi Lawson & SandyAmadon. Full Service InsuranceAgency. 23 Church Street,Lyndonville, VT 05851.(802) 626-3354.Sawyer & ritchie agencyComplete insurance service for yourHome, Farm, Automobile orBusiness. Danville, VT 05828.(802) 684-3411.(800) 734-2203 (VT).Berwick agency, inc.All lines of insurance for home,farm, automobile and business. Est.in 1955. Licensed in NH & VT.Jeff Berwick. Located at 185Church Street, Peacham. Mail: POBox 272, Peacham, VT 05862.(802) 592-3234 or (802) 592-3956.investmentsinvestment WatchPortfolio analysis and strategy; taxassistance. Rachel Siegel, CFA.(802) 633-3977.rsiegel@together.netJewleryOn the Hill - Kennedy’sFull Service. Buy & Sell, New &Used. Jewelry repairs on site. Watchrepairs available. Sell or trade yourold gold and jewelry for somethingnew. Daily 9-5. Saturday until noon.1244 Main Street, St. Johnsbury,VT. (802) 748-4367 or (800) 407-4367.lawn care & landscapingPH lawn care &landscapingLawn mowing, seed & mulch, bushhogging, retaining walls, shrubbery,sweeping, split-rail fence, lawninstallation, light trucking. JeffCleveland, 765 Mitchell Drive,Lyndonville, VT 05851.(802) 626-0933 or 535-7069.Maple SyrupSugar ridge farmPure Maple Syrup & MapleProducts. “Vermont Seal ofQuality.” Available by mail. MC &Visa accepted. Free brochure.Stephen & Diane Jones, 566Stannard Mt. Rd., Danville, VT05828. (800) 748-0892.rowell SugarhouseVisit a real sugarhouse. Open yearround. See our sugaring equipment.Maple products, gifts, countrycrafts, VT shirts, woodenware, baskets,honey, souvenirs and more.We will ship your order. MC/Visa/DS. Rt. 15, Walden, VT 05873.(802) 563-2756.Gadapee family SugarhousePure VT Maple Syrup in a varietyof containers from gallon to 1.7 oz.nips. Plastic jugs or glass. Maplecream, candy, sugar and maple jellyto order. We have the “VermontSeal of Quality” and we ship. 718Calkins Camp Rd., Danville, VT05828. (802) 684-3323.email:gadmaple@together.netBroadview farm MaplePure VT Maple Syrup available inGrade A Fancy, Medium Amber,Dark Amber and Grade B.“Vermont Seal of Quality.” MapleCream, Maple Candy and MapleSugar are available. We ship viaUPS or Parcel Post. Joe Newell,442 York Street, Lyndonville, VT05851. (802) 626-8396.email:joe@newells.netGoodrich’s Maple farmAward-winning Maple Syrup &Products. Retail, Wholesale andMail Order. Custom tubing installation& consultation. 2427 US 2,Cabot, VT 05647. (802) 426-3388.www.goodrichmaplefarm.comcabot Hills MapleVermont Certified Organic. Fancy,Medium, Dark Amber and Grade BVermont syrup, maple nuts and granola.Shipping available. VISA/MCaccepted. Marcia Maynard &Family. Thistle Hill Road, PO Box68, Cabot, VT 05647.(802) 426-3463.Meatlewis creek JerseysBadger Brook MeatsVince Foy & Deb Yonker. RetailingCertified Organic Angus Beef andLamb by the Cut in any Quantity.North Danville, VT 05828.(802)748-8461.Music StudioVermont Sky digital audio16-Track Professional RecordingStudio for Singers, Songwriters,Students and Bands. AdvertisingJingles; Creative Consulting andGuitar Classes. Barnet, VT 05821.(802) 633-2523.Old BarnsThe Barn PeopleSince 1974 Vintage Vermont barnspurchased, dismantled, restored &reassembled elsewhere. Great forhomes, additions, Great Rooms, studios,backyard offices and oddlyenough …barns. Ken Epworth,2218 US RT 5 N, Windsor, VT05089. (802) 674-5898.e-mail:barnman@sover.netOpticiansBarre Optical“The Eye Fashion Center” Louis J.Cassani, Registered Optician. EyeExams and Contact Lenses.Complete Professional Eye Care.341 North Main St., Barre, VT05641. (802) 476-7932.Optical expressionsYour Family Eye-Care Center. EyeExams, Contact Lenses andConsultation for Laser-EyeSurgery. Green Mountain Mall, St.Johnsbury Center, VT (802) 748-3536 or Berlin Mall, Berlin, VT.(802) 223-2090.Pet carenorth danville Pet Hotel“It’s not just a kennel. It’s a camp.”Boarding and grooming both catsand dogs. 1319 North DanvilleRoad, Danville, VT 05828. Rusty &Laurie Speicher, proprietors. (802)748-5810.real estateSt. Johnsbury real estate agencyKelly donaghy, realTOr80 Mt. Pleasant Street, St.Johnsbury, VT 05819. Familyownedbusiness, serving NortheastKingdom since 1946. ResidentialHomes, Land, Seasonal Propertyand Investment Property. FreeMarket Analysis. (802) 748-2591 or(800) 798-7897.Email:kedonaghy@yahoo.comcoldwell Bankerall Seasons realtyBrent Shafer CBR - Realtor Brokerin-Charge.3 office locations toserve the entire Northeast Kingdomwith 18 full time salespeople.Lakefront, Residential and Acreage.PO Box 1166, Lyndonville, VT05851. (802) 626-4343.Email: Allseaslyn@togeher.netHarold dresser, realtorReynolds Real Estate, Inc.791 Broad Street, Lyndonville, VT05851. (802) 626-9357 office.(802) 626-5302 home. MultipleListing Service.www.reynoldsre.comEmail:reynoldsre@charterinternet.comPeter d. Watson agency, inc.Country, period and vacationhomes; land and timber tracts,farms and businesses. Free marketanalysis. Greensboro: (802) 533-7077. Hardwick: (802) 472-3338.East Burke: (802) 467-3939.www.northernvtrealestate.comcentury 21quatrini real estateSusan S. Quatrini, GRI, Broker-Owner. 1111 Main Street. St.Johnsbury, VT 05819. (802) 748-9543 or (802) 748-3873.e-mail: c21qre@sover.netdavid a. lussier real estateFarms, Acreage, Homes andInvestment Properties. 540 MainStreet, PO Box 872, Lyndonville,VT 05851. (802) 626-9541 or(802) 626-8482.Email:Lussier@kingcon.comSara Heft, realTOrCentury 21 Quatrini Real Estate,1111 Main Street, St Johnsbury, VT05819. (802) 748-9543 or (802)684-1095. saraheft@mac.comDanville resident able to help withall your real estate needs.robin Jacobs, realtorBegin realtyVacation homes, land, residentialproperty. Caledonia County andbeyond, start your search here.Representing buyers and sellers intoday’s busy market. Route 2, POBox 68, Danville, VT 05828. (802)684-1127. rjacobs@beginrealty.comSchoolsThe riverside SchoolCelebrating 25 Years· enthusiastic students· dedicated faculty· high academic standards· Latin, Greek, and French· fine and performing arts· involved parents· grades 3-8~small class sizeVT Approved Independent School30 Lily Pond Road, Lyndonville,VT www.theriversideschool.com(802) 626-8552The Stevens SchoolGrades 5-8. Experts in middle-leveleducation offering rigorous,preparatory curriculum aligned withAdvanced Placement science,English, math courses in highschool. Excellent writing program.Fully integrated arts, music, socialstudies, English. Transportation andfinancial aid offered.www.thestevensschool.com(802) 592-3194.ScreenprintingVermont Silkscreen expressSpecializing in custom transfers andsilk-screening on T-Shirts,Sweatshirts, Hats, Bags, Mousepadsand more. We also make colorcopies. 37 Depot Street,Lyndonville VT 05851. Tues.-Fri.9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.(802) 626-3568.Septic ServiceB&B Septic ServiceFull Septic Service and Cleaning.Residential and Commercial. PowerRooter Line Cleaning. Camera LineInspection. Pressure Washing. CallBob Briggs. (802) 748-9858, (888)748-9858 or (800) 870-0428.24-hour service.Ski equipmentPower Play SportsSki and Snowboard LeaseHeadquarters. Leases starting at$99. New and used Skis, Skates andHockey Equipment. Skate sharpening,Ski and Snowboard tuning.Open 7 days. Power Play Sports.Downtown Morrisville.(802) 888-6557.Small engine repairHarry’s repair ShopSnowmobiles, Snowblowers,Motorcycles, Lawntractors, ATV’sand Rototillers. Harry GammellVT RT 15, Walden, VT 05873.(802) 563-2288.Tent rentalscanopy Tent rentalsTents for all occassions. 10’X20’,20’X20’, 20’X30’ and 20’X40’.Carrier’s Canopy Connection.Windswept Drive, Danville.(802) 684-3872.TiresBerry Tire co., inc.New tire sales and automotiverepair. Lloyd Morse and EverettBerry, 1545 Red Village Road,Lyndonville, VT 05851.(802) 626-9326.Goss Tire companyYour firestone dealerSpecializing in brakes, front-endwork, exhaust and NOKIA tires. RT5 in St. Johnsbury and RT 5 and100 Jct. in Morrisville, VT.(802) 748-3171. (800) 427-3171.Tree ServiceBedor’s Tree ServiceProfessional, quality service. Fullyinsured. Member NAA. Offering alltypes of tree care. “Spotless Cleanup.”Call now to schedule your freeestimate. (802) 748-1605 or (800)493-6945.Burt’s Tree ServicePruning, Cabling, Tree & LimbRemoval. Free estimates. Fullyinsured. Serving the NortheastKingdom and beyond. MemberNAA & ISA. John A. Burt, 25Garland Hill, Barnet, VT 05821.(802) 633-3822 or (800) 633-3823.email: john@burtstreeservice.comwww.burtstreeservice.comVacuum cleanersnorth country Vac & Sewhome of Defender Vacuums madelocally. Sebo, Panasonic, Koblenz,Sanyo, Eureka, Sanitaire, ProTeam,C.V. Service & parts all makesincluding Kirby, Electrolux,Rainbow. Sewing machines & sergersBernina, Riccar, Simplicity,Yamata. 442 Portland St. (next toSherwin-Williams Paint), St.Johnsbury, VT 05819.(802) 748-9190.Veterinariansdanville animal HospitalSmall animals. Office hours byappointment. Stanley J. Pekala,DVM and Lisa Whitney, DVM.Route 2, Danville, VT 05828.(802) 684-2284.northern equine VeterinaryServicesSteve B. Levine. Practice limited tohorses. Saturday appointmentsavailable. (802) 684-9977.254 RT 2, Danville, VT 05828.www.northernequine.comcompanion animal careSmall animal medicine & surgery.Bob Hicks, DVM. 54 Western Ave.,St. Johnsbury, VT. (802) 748-2855.Volunteersr.S.V.P.Do you have some free time? Doyou want to help an organization inthe Northeast Kingdom as a volunteer?For information call theRetired and Senior VolunteerProgram and the Volunteer Centerat (802) 626-5135 or (802) 334-7047.Water SystemsH.a. Manosh corporationWell Drilling & Hydrofracturing,Water Systems & Treatment, 24-hour Plumbing, Video WellInspections, Water Fountains.Morrisville, VT 05661. (802) 888-5722 or (800) 544-7666.www.manosh.comGreen MountainGroundwater ServicesGot Water Problems? Well andSpring inspections, Water yieldanalysis. 21 years of experiencewith water supplies. Jim Ashley.(802) 684-3491.WeldingWalbridge WeldingRepairs and new fabrication ofsteel, stainless steel and aluminum.Located under Portland St. Bridgein St. Johnsbury or with portableequipment at your location. DaleWalbridge. W (802) 748-2901;H (802) 584-4088.Bob’s WeldingGeneral Fabrication and Repair.Stop by and be surprised.Lyndonville, VT. (802) 626-5502.WindowsMayo’s Glass Service, inc.Windows, Doors and Awnings -new and replacements. Residentialand Commercial. 744 PortlandStreet, St. Johnsbury, VT.(802) 748-8895.

30 The north Star Monthly March 2006Click & Clack Talk Carsfuel Mix Powers Your car withless Harm to Your Wallet andenvironmentDear Tom and Ray:Last May, I graduated fromJohns Hopkins University with adegree in biophysics. As a poorstudent (and a cheapskate, toboot), I was wondering if there isany way to use my chemistryknowledge to increase my gasmileage? In college, a chemicalengineer and I created a super stillin the back room of his house. Iprovided genetically engineeredyeast that had its methanol-producinggene knocked out, and hedesigned the rig. I own a ‘95Camry. My question is this: Howmuch ethanol/methanol can I addto each tank of gas withoutdestroying the engine? Is there anysimple alteration I can make to mycar that would allow me toincrease the alcohol-to-gas ratio?Lastly and least importantly, is thislegal?- DavidraY: Well, I don’t know anythingabout the legality of backyardstills. That was all my brother’sidea - I swear!TOM: I actually don’t knowanything about the legality of yourhome biochemistry lab, but there’snothing illegal about using a mixof gasoline and ethanol in yourcar. It’s done all the time.raY: Ethanol has long beenseen as a potential replacementfor, or supplement to, gasoline.Since it’s produced from plants -like corn, which grow prolificallyin the United States, acquiring asteady supply of the stuff doesn’tRREYNOLDSrequire invading any MiddleEastern countries. Which is a definiteplus.TOM: For a couple ofdecades now, some gasolines havebeen successfully mixed withethanol. They’re normally foundin concentrations of 5 to 10 percentethanol. In the early days,there were problems with these“gasohol” fuels, because the alcoholdegraded rubber hoses andseals in fuel systems. But thatseems to be a thing of the past, atleast in these low concentrations.raY: So you’re probably safeadding 10 percent ethanol withouthaving any problems.TOM: Now, when you ignoreour advice and ruin your ’95Camry with a mixture that’s 50percent ethanol, you should makeyour next new car a “flexible-fuelvehicle.” Flexible-fuel vehicles aredesigned to run on almost anything;gasoline, ethanol, flat gingerale, hummus.raY: Actually, they run onethanol, gasoline or any blend ofthe two. But they’re reallydesigned to run on somethingcalled E85, which is 85 percentethanol and 15 percent gasoline.TOM: They could, theoretically,run on 100 percent ethanol.But by adding 15 percent gasolineto the mixture, you help the carstart reliably, since gasoline ismore volatile and easier to getstarted.raY: It appears that flex-fuelvehicles are about to get morepopular. Ford and GM are theleaders in making flex-fuel carsand trucks, and they’re gettingGreensboro: Farmhouse dates to 1870. A nice second homewith central location to lakes, brooks, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling.Eight rooms on .84 acres located on RT 16. House is aproject for the handyman. $69,000Sheffield: Nice cape with recent remodeling on 1.4 acres. Sixrooms, nice landscaping, small pond and a barn. Woodshed forwood storage. New Bryant furnace installed last year. New carpetsin bedrooms. Views. $158,500Real Estate, Inc.791 Broad Street n Lyndonville, VT 05851(802) 626-9357 n Fax (802) 626-6913www.reynoldsre.comEmail: reynolds@charterinternet.comready to push the technology.There are actually hundreds ofthousands of flex-fuel vehicles onthe roads. But most are running ongasoline only, because the ownerscan’t find enough gas stations thatsell E85 yet.TOM: Of course, that won’tbe a problem for you, David.While I suspect you’re going tohave to move your little still to abona fide laboratory in order tocomply with local zoning and firecodes, with a flex-fuel car you’llbe in fat city, man. And what youdon’t burn, you can use to makeafter-dinner drinks.What if Your car Blows SmokeOut its TailpipeDear Tom and Ray:I have a Saturn 2001 L-300with about 44,000 miles on it.Every morning when I start thecar, a huge puff of white smokecomes out of the tailpipe. It doesnot continue to do this throughoutthe day - just in the morning whenit has been sitting overnight. It hasbeen doing this for about sixmonths. I have not noticed achange in the way the enginesounds nor in my gas mileage. Iget oil changes every 3,000 milesor so. Any idea what it could be,and do I need to have it fixed?- LindaTOM: Gee, that’s unfortunate,Linda. I’m guessing that thesmoke has a light-bluish tinge.Look carefully, and I think you’llsee it. Because I’m guessing it’soil.raY: Yeah. Your car’s probablyburning a little oil every morning.But it may not be serious. Thefirst thing you should do is monitoryour fluids for a month. See ifyou’re losing either motor oil orcoolant (in case it’s coolant that’sbeing burned, which does makewhite smoke). If the losses arenegligible, that’s a good sign.TOM: And if the smokealways goes away within 30 secondsor so, that’s a good sign, too.In that case, it’s most likely just alittle bit of oil leaking down from#6399 WaldenA 3 bedroom,1 bath, cape withpanoramic, country views.This fixer-upper sits on 1 acrewith attached 2-car garage.Bring this home to the next leveland enjoy the country life.#6404 BurkeA great spot! 3 bedroom, 2bath home located in East Burkeclose to VAST and the KingdomTrail system. Only 5 minutesfrom Burke Mtn. ski area. Thishome has an extra large 3-baygarage which holds 6 vehicles,complete with a heated workshopand RV carport. All locatedon 15.9 acres in a prime location.Call for a showing.the valve guide seals overnight, orsomething like that. When youstart up the engine, that oil burnsand comes out the tailpipe as bluegraysmoke. It doesn’t take muchoil to produce a lot of smoke.raY: If that’s the case, it’skind of like some very slow-growingcancers. Sometimes men intheir 70’s will be diagnosed withprostate cancer, but it’s a strainthat develops so slowly the doctorwill say: “Don’t worry about it.Something else will get you beforethis ever does.” That’s probablythe case with your Saturn. I predictthis will have no bearing on theultimate demise of this car.TOM: So, if you’re not losingoil, and the smoke goes awayquickly rather than lingers all day,I wouldn’t spend money to takethe engine apart and fix this. I’dforget about it. Just stop lookingbehind you after you start the car.In fact, back into your garage atnight from now on, Linda.Speaking of Oil … even if itBurns Oil it Still needs an OilchangeDear Tom and Ray:I have a 1992 Nissan 240 SXcoupe. It’s bruised and batteredand yet pushing on, with 180,000miles on it. It burns about a quartof oil every 1,000 miles. My question:If I continually replace thelost oil and occasionally the filter,do I ever have to do an actual oilchange? Aren’t I already doingsomething of a running oil changeby letting the oil drain itself out alittle at a time and then refillingthe missing oil? The oil looksclean, the filter gets swappedevery 4,000 miles or so, andbesides, I’m running low on drainpluggaskets. Am I safe to continue“changing” the oil this way? -DavidraY: Well, normally, I’d sayno. But given how little is at stakehere - a 1992 240 SX - you havemy blessing, David.TOM: The real answer is, no,David. When you replace only theoil you burn, some of the oldest oilThis property is being offered at $86,900Being offered at $159,900470 Broad StreetLyndonville, VT(802) 626-4343Fax: (802) 626-3700email:allseaslyn@together.netwww.allseasonre.comnever gets removed from theengine. It’s not like you can decideto burn only the oldest, dirtiest oilevery 1,000 miles. The engineburns some of everything that’s inthere - including the new stuff.raY: So, if you had used this“method” from day one, for example,at least some small amount ofoil from the day you bought thecar would still be in the crankcase.As you can guess, that oil wouldn’tbe lubricating your engine verywell. In fact, it probably wouldhave turned to congealed crudsometime during Clinton’s secondterm and be hardened onto theengine walls or oil passages bynow.TOM: So, I know it seemedlike a great idea at the time, butit’s not. If you do the math, you’llsee that unless you can choosewhich oil to burn, you’ll always beburning some of the brand-new oilyou just put in your car andalways leaving some of the oldcrud behind. And it’s just not asgood as draining out all the oilevery 5,000 or 7,500 miles andfilling the engine with nice, clean,new stuff.raY: So buy some new gaskets,David. Unless you think the25 cents that they cost is morethan you want to put into the car atthis point.danvilleSenior MealSiteMarch Meal ScheduleMarch 2 - Spinach Pie, Creamof Broccoli and Cheddar Soupwith Saltines, Orange Juice,Gingerbread with WhippedCream. Library Day.March 7 - Town Meeting Day.March 9 - Open Faced TurkeySandwich with Gravy, SweetPotatoes, Apple Stuffing,Tomato Juice, BlueberryCobbler.March 14 - Chicken Parmesan,Pasta with Marinara,Homemade Bread, Coleslawwith Pineapple, Carrots andRaisins.March 16 - Corned Beef andCabbage, Carrots, Potatoes,Irish Soda Bread, Apple Crisp.Library Day.March 21 - Biscuits withSausage and Gravy, ScrambledEggs, French Toast, OrangeSlices, Tomato Juice.March 23 - Harrington’s SpiralHam, Macaroni and Cheese,Homemade Rolls, Peas andCarrots, Lemon Pudding withBlueberry Topping.March 28 - Beef Stew,Biscuits, Orange Juice, Carrots,Bread Pudding.March 30 - Shepherd’s Pie,California Vegetables,Blueberry Scones, PumpkinBread Pudding.Sing-a-Long with WinonaGadapee on Tuesdays at 11:30Meals at Danville MethodistChurch. All meals served witha beverage, homemade breadsand desserts. Reservations areappreciated by calling (802)684-3903 before 9:30 a.m. onday of the meal. A donation of$3.00 for guests 60+ (Others$4.00) is appreciated.

Register Your American Cancer SocietyRelay For Life Team on March 16The second annual CaledoniaCounty American CancerSociety Relay For Life will takeplace on June 10 and June 11.Organizers are planning a kickoffto register teams onWednesday March 16 from 6:00to 7:00 p.m. at the Black BearTavern in St. Johnsbury.This annual “celebration oflife” brings the CaledoniaCounty community together in aunified effort to fight cancer.Former and current cancerpatients, families, businesses,civic organizations and the publicare invited to take part in thisexciting team event. The RelayFor Life will take place at the St.Johnsbury Academy track.Relay For Life is theAmerican Cancer Society’s versionof an athletic relay but witha twist. The Relay For Life is afamily-oriented event in whichparticipants share the camaraderieof a team and raise valuablefunds to support theAmerican Cancer Society.Participants camp out at theRelay site, and when they are nottaking their turn walking, theytake part in planned activitiesand local entertainment.Teams from companies,churches, organizations, hospitalsand schools collect donationsand compete for individual andteam prizes for their efforts.“Relay For Life brings theprogress against cancer to theforefront,” says Fred Leferriere,event chair. “Many participantsare our family, friends and neighborsof those who have dealtwith cancer themselves. Theirinvolvement is proof of theprogress that has been made notonly in reducing death rates butin improving the quality of lifefollowing cancer treatment.”Laferriere says, “Last year,our first, was a big success. Thefunds raised enable us as a communityto continue the fightagainst cancer by means ofresearch, education, advocacyand patient services. Thanks tothe generosity of corporate sponsorslike NVRH, Union Bank,Passumpsic Savings Bank,Mayo’s Home Decorating andKix 105.5 the money raised byparticipants goes directly to theAmerican Cancer Society’s programs.”Information about forming ateam or becoming involved inthe June Relay For Life will allbe spelled out at the RelayKickoff on Wednesday, March16. For more information oncancer call the American CancerSociety at (800) ACS-2345, 24hours a day, seven days a weekor visit www.cancer.org.The north Star Monthly March 2006 31Photo Courtesy of Caledonia County Relay for LifeThe first annual Caledonia County relay for Life was a celebrationand a fundraising success for the benefit of the American CancerSociety. Led by Fred Laferriere, the 2005 relay for Life includedteams and individuals who have promised to participate again. JoinLaferriere and others on March 16 at the Black Bear Tavern in St.Johnsbury to register or learn more about the June 10 and 11 relay.BeGIN reAlTY AssoCIATesOpen Tuesday - Saturday9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.Open Mondays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.mid-May through mid-OctoberPlanetarium shows:Saturday & Sunday at 1:30West BarnetSenior ActionCenterMarch 2006March 1 - Corn Chowder,Egg and Tuna Salad, CottageCheese with Fruit, GrapenutPudding.March 3 - Buffet.March 8 - Meat Loaf,Mashed Potatoes, FreshCarrots, Assorted Breads,Peaches with Cream.March 10 - Chicken withBiscuit, Mashed Potatoes,Cranberry Jelly, MixedVegetables, Vanilla Puddingwith Oranges.March 15 - Spaghetti withMeatballs, Tossed Salad,Italian Bread, Tropical FruitCup.March 17 - Corned Beef withCabbage, Potatoes, Carrotsand Turnips, HomemadeRolls, Lime Jell-O.March 22 - Chop Suey, ColeSlaw, String Beans, Biscuits,Cook’s Choice Dessert.March 24 - Sweet and SourPork, Rice, Asparagus,Muffin, Cake with Frosting.March 29 - Salisbury Steak,Mashed Potatoes, StewedTomatoes, Assorted Breads,Brownies.March 31 - Baked Fish,Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli,Dark Breads, Ice Cream.Meals served at West BarnetChurch. All meals served witha beverage. Reservations notrequired. Suggested donationof $3.00 per meal is appreciated.Phone (802) 633-4068.BeGIN reAlTY AssoCIATesWhatAre YouWaitingFor?More homes are sold in the springand summer than any other time ofthe year. If you are thinking of sellingyour home, mortgage rates arereasonable, and now is the time todo it. Call (802) 684-1127 today.Wendy, Barb and robin are readyto work for you.BeGIN reAlTY AssoCIATesML#213539 This spacious 2 ½ story Colonial is convenientlylocated within walking distance of a beautifulVermont village. The White Mountain views arespectacular and the landscaping is top shelf, withperennials galore, and stonewalls and patios. Insideyou’ll find three bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen, formaldining room and spacious living room with hardwoodfloors.All this on 3.77+/- acres for $329,90075 MT. PLEASANT ST.ST. JOHNSBURY, VT 05819802-748-8169 w 802-748-8855971 BROAD STREETLYNDONVILLE, VT 05851802-626-8333 w 802-626-9342www.parkwayrealtyassociates.comML#229263 Acreage in Peacham! This 16+ acre parcelhas a westerly view, is level with good access and has thebeginnings of a driveway. The power is on the lot as well.Purchase now so that you can be working on plans foryour primary residence, and be ready to start building inthe spring! Now is the time to get the jump on the springmarket! Call the office for a map, and drive by this propertytoday! Offered for $79,000Barb's Newest Listing: MLS #250225Experienced craftsmanship and quality materials combinedto create this spacious cape home on a hillside in Danville.The 19.8-acre wooded lot offers lots of privacy and opportunitiesfor hiking, hunting, snowmobiling and more. Thishome has a master bedroom suite, 2 other bedrooms with afull bath, a wonderful mudroom/entry with a laundry, 1/2bath and huge walk-in pantry. These are just a few of thegreat features this home has to offer. There is still somework to be done, so ask to see this home today while thereis time to make choices on the finishing touches.The completed home is offered at $325,000P.O. Box 68, Main St., Danville, VT 05828(802) 684-1127Wendy Fayen........................................................751-8216Barb Machell.........................................................748-5248Robin Jacobs.........................................................748-3815309 Portland St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819(802) 748-2045Ernie Begin...........................................................748-4218Connie Sleath........................................................748-0016Rosemary Gingue.................................................748-8843Linda Colby..........................................................748-8451Sharon Slayton .....................................................748-8508Tristan Barrett .............................................. 748-2240infOrMaTiOn aBOUT THeSe HOMeS and OTHerliSTinGS can Be fOUnd On www.nneren.comProviding Professional and Courteous Servicewww.beginrealty.comBeGIN reAlTY AssoCIATes

32 The north Star Monthly March 2006AROUND THE TOWNSMarchCOMMUNITY CALENDARdaily - Northeast Kingdom Artisans’Guild, Backroom Gallery,Featuring artwork from guildmembers and invited guestartists.Mondays - Story Time, St.Johnsbury Athenaeum YouthLibrary, 10:30 a.m.(802) 748-8291.Mondays - Story Time, PopeLibrary, Danville, 10 a.m.(802) 684-2256.Mondays - Just Parents meet withconcerns for drugs and kids,Parent Child Center, St.Johnsbury, 7 p.m.(802) 748-6040.Tuesdays - Baby & Toddler StoryHour, Cobleigh Library,Lyndonville. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.(802) 626-5475.Tuesdays - Bridge Club for all experiencelevels, Cobleigh Library,Lyndonville, 6:30 p.m.(802) 626-5475.Wednesdays - Preschool StoryHour, Cobleigh Library,Lyndonville. 10 a.m.(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 ShambhalaCenter, 17 Eastern Avenue, 6-7p.m.Thursdays - Introduction toComputers, Cobleigh Library,Lyndonville. 10 a.m.(802) 626-5475.Thursdays - Danville Town BandRehearsal, 7 p.m., DanvilleSchool auditorium.(802) 684-1180.fridays - Read and Weed BookClub, Cobleigh Library,Lyndonville. 3:30 p.m.(802) 626-5475.2nd Monday - Cancer SupportGroup, NVRH ConferenceRoom A, 4 p.m. (802) 748-8116.2nd & 4th Tuesday - BereavementSupport Group, Caledonia HomeHealth, Sherman Drive, St.Johnsbury. 5:30 p.m.(802) 748-8116.1st & 3rd Mondays “Six O’ClockPrompt,” Writers’ SupportGroup, 6 p.m. St. JohnsburyAthenaeum. (802) 633-2617.Saturday & Sunday - PlanetariumShow 1:30 p.m., FairbanksMuseum, St. Johnsbury.(802) 748-2372.Saturdays - Bridge Club for allexperience levels, CobleighLibrary, Lyndonville, 1 p.m.(802) 626-5475.last Monday - Diabetes SupportGroup, Conference Room B,NVRH, 6:30 p.m.(802) 748-7433.3rd Saturday - Breast CancerSupport Group, Caledonia HomeHealth, Sherman Drive, St.Johnsbury, 10 a.m.(802) 748-8116.last Monday - Alzheimer’s SupportGroup, Caledonia Home Health,Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury. 7p.m. (802) 748-81163rd Thursday - Caregivers SupportGroup, Riverside LifeEnrichment Center, 10 a.m.(802) 626-3900.March1 Ash Wednesday ecumenicalservice, West Danville UnitedMethodist Church, 7:30 p.m.1 First Wednesday Series with TheBartholdy Ensemble and “A‘Suite’ Light Exists in Spring,”St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 7 p.m.(802) 748-8291.3 Danville Old Time ContraDance with Union Suit Hull’sVictory String Band and CallerChip Hedler, Knights of PythiasHall, Danville. 8 p.m.(802) 563-3225.4 Men’s Ecumenical Breakfast,Methodist Church, Danville, 7a.m. (802) 684-3666.4 Basket Making workshop withJesse Larocque, NorthwoodsStewardship Center, 9 a.m. - 5p.m. East Charleston.(802) 723-6551.4 Scrabble Club, St. JohnsburyAthenaeum, Noon - 4 p.m.,(802) 748-8291.6 Northeast Kingdom Audubonplanning meeting, 4:30 p.m.Fairbanks Museum Classroom.(802) 748-2372.6 Pre-town meeting at NorthDanville School, 7 p.m.7 Town Meeting8 Lenten Film Series: ethanFrome, Danville CongregationalChurch, Light dinner at 6:15,film at 6:30 p.m. with discussionto follow.9 Arctic National Wildlife refuge,To drill or Not To drill withSteve Wright, National WildlifeFederation, Sterling College,Craftsbury, 6:30 p.m.Photo by: Liz SargentPeggy Pearl makes the first trip of the morning to her family’s sugarhouse. As late winter wears oninto spring Vermont sugarmakers are checking their collection systems and adjusting their evaporators.Whether the sap collection is by traditional bucket or the more sophisticated vacuum tubingthe process must be watched carefully to avoid waste or spoilage before the sap is boiled and concentratedinto liquid gold maple syrup. inside the sugarhouse fires are tended with care to see thatthe highest possible grade of syrup is made and drawn off for packing. Be sure to visit one ofVermont’s maple producers this year and ask for sugar-on-snow. See Page 17.(802) 586-7711.9 Crapshoot -The Gamble withOur Wastes, Film and discussionsponsored by North CountryCoalition for Justice and Peace,7 p.m. North CongregationalChurch, St. Johnsbury.(802) 748-3663.9 Film discussion following 7 p.m.film at Catamount Arts, St.Johnsbury. (802) 748-8813.9 Master Gardeners, HeatherDarby and Sid Bosworth,describe Plant diseases andWeed Suppression, 7 p.m.Cobleigh Library, Lyndonville.10 Garrett and Alexandra Conover’sslide presentation of theirUngava Bay Snowshoe / SledExpedition, 7 p.m. DanvilleSchool Auditorium.(802) 684-3491.10 Sacred Circle Dance, DanvilleCongregational Church, 7-9 p.m.(802) 684-3867.11 Cabin Fever Reliever, ScoobyDoo in the Children’s Library,St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1:30 -3:30. (802) 748-8291.12 Northeast Kingdom Audubontrip to Maine coast to look foreiders, scoters and harlequinducks. Meet at I-93 exit 44 restarea, 6 a.m. (802) 626-9071.14 Varsity vs. Alumni BasketballGame. Girls 6 p.m., Boys 7:30p.m. (802) 748-5205.15 Lenten Film Series: Where therivers Flow North, DanvilleCongregational Church, Lightdinner at 6:15 film, film at 6:30p.m. with discussion to follow.17 St. Patrick’s Day17 Time and Talent Auction,Danville Congregational Church,Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and auctionat 7:30 p.m.18 Winslow Homer and EdwardHopper, Slides and lecture withBob Manning, Catamount Arts,St. Johnsbury. 3 p.m.(802) 748-2600.19 Taize Service, DanvilleCongregational Church, 6 p.m.20 First Day of Spring20 Community Dinner, DanvilleCongregational Church, 6 p.m.Dinner is free, Everyone is welcome.22 Lenten Film Series: The Troublewith Harry, DanvilleCongregational Church, Lightdinner at 6:15, film at 6:30 p.m.with discussion to follow.23 A Silent Forest - The GrowingThreat, Genetically engineeredTrees, Film and discussion sponsoredby North CountryCoalition for Justice and Peace,North Congregational Church, 7p.m. St. Johnsbury.(802) 748-3663.24 echoes of the Past: The Last ofthe Hill Farms, exhibit openingreception with Richard Brown,4-6 p.m. Fairbanks Museum, St.Johnsbury.27 Northeast Kingdom LegislativeBreakfast, 8 a.m., Black BearTavern, St. Johnsbury.(802) 748-3678.29 Lenten Film Series: The SpitfireGrill, Danville CongregationalChurch, Light dinner at 6:15,film at 6:30 p.m. with discussionto follow.29 Book discussion, Canoe Lakeby Roy MacGregor. 7 p.m.Pope Library, Danville.See also the arts around theTowns calendar Page 14.Books n Coffee n ConversationBOOKS...a cure for thewinter bluesWe can special order!(Most Orders arrive in only One Day)Humpday Coffee Special...EVERY Wednesday - ALL DAY get a small/medium/largeSeattle’s Best Coffee and Mocha Joe’s Organicfor .25 /.50 /.75Free Wireless Internet AccessM-F: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.394 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury (802) 748-3551Sendyour friendsa taste of theNortheastKingdom.Give thema subscriptiontoThe North StarMonthly.See page 3for Details

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