Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard

2/14/21

As I write on Sunday evening, there is no snow falling – yet!  But, it is time to prepare for more of the white stuff coming our way.  My hope is that it will be light and fluffy.  My driveway has been plowed and sanded nicely, but as is true of many dooryards, it becomes tighter and tighter with each storm.  For next year I might need to consider a small snowblower for the decks and would appreciate suggestions for something I can manage.

This is school vacation week and the crowds have arrived in our area.  Most of us know to plan ahead and avoid stores during this time. I did meet my new neighbors and brought them some maple syrup.  They in turn brought me roses for Valentine’s Day!

Another gathering for the Book Club – Thursday, 218 at 6:30 PM to discuss Spindle City by Jotham Burrello.  Thanks to Rose Vetere for hosting with her zoom connection.

Perhaps folks saw the warning in the VT Journal and know that Town Meeting will be at 7 PM on 3/8 with limited seating – a maximum of 20 people.  Call the town office (802-572-3655) to make a reservation if you would like to be there or to let them know to send you the link so you can attend remotely. All items will be voted by Australian ballot on 3/9.  Absentee ballots may be requested.

When doing your taxes, remember that there is a place to donate to the Non-game Wildlife Fund to help some of Vermont’s threatened and endangered species. These donations support work to monitor songbirds, salamanders, butterflies, and bats. It also protects habitats for bald eagles, loons, peregrine falcons and spiny softshell turtles.  I understand that every dollar you give is matched by grant money from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.