Thetford Town Newsletter

No. 41                                                                                                                                                      July 2007

TOWN CLERK NOTES

RECORDING FEE INCREASE:

By state mandate and effective July 1, land records recordings will be $8 per page (up from $7) and vital record copies increase to $10 per page (from $9.50).  The land record increase began to help towns fund computerization of land records, and while not mandated, it is up to the individual towns to designate the funds as they see fit.  The vital record copy charge increase brings the fees collected on the town level in line with the state fees. 

 

SENIOR/AFFORABLE HOUSING IN THETFORD

The Committee meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm at Town Hall.  Work has begun on purchasing land for housing with funds from a Community Development Grant. Mark McMahon is chair of this committee.
The Committee will be holding monthly forums for input and concerns. These forums will be held at Latham Library on the 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 7pm.  Gina Sonne is the contact for this meeting (785-4220).
The committee has established a branch to begin work on building a strong infrastructure to support seniors in Thetford. Support Service Network will engage in setting up a phone tree, lists of community resources and working with the State to do a needs assessment as first steps in outreach to seniors.  Anyone interested in aging and growing a strong caring community is welcome to join in this effort.

Submitted by Gina Sonne

 

PIANIST/MUSIC DIRECTOR
Post Mills Congregational Church seeks a part-time music director to prepare music selection, rehearse and conduct the choir and play piano for Sunday service and special events. If you are interested or would like more information about this opportunity please call 333-9352 and leave your contact information.

Submitted by Judy Dixon

 

FRIENDS AND FAMILY SUMMERFEST

Thetford Baptist Church invites everyone to our Friends & Family Summerfest. This summer on Wednesday evenings we'll gather for a potluck of summer fare, followed by singing, discovery scripture lessons for children and adults, and sports & games. Join us any Wednesday night at 6:00pm (July 4 excluded). 

For more info call: John or Jen Hartley at 785-2738.

 

LIBRARY NEWS

This July, the Peabody and Latham Memorial Libraries celebrate author Edie Clark! The libraries will co-host two community book discussions in anticipation of the author's appearance at Latham Library on Sun., July 29.

Edie Clark has written many award-winning feature stories for Yankee Magazine where she served as Senior Editor, Fiction Editor and Senior Writer for 24 years. Her memoir, The Place He Made and her more recent, The View From Mary's Farm have received rave reviews for her evocative descriptions of life in New England.
Note: copies of The Place He Made and The View From Mary's Farm are available at both Peabody and Latham Libraries. In addition, starting July 1, the libraries will also make available copies of author's bio and excerpts from The View From Mary's Farm for discussion at the following events.
Tuesday, July 10, 10 am at Peabody Library: Book discussion, coffee and cookies.
Thursday, July 26, 7 pm at Latham Library: Book discussion, coffee and cookies.
Sunday, July 29, 3 pm at Latham Library: Appearance by author Edie Clark. Books will be available for sale and signing by the author!

Submitted by Elise Tillinghast

 

TA NOTES

*Cheers for Matt Longwell and Tyler Murdoch, TA Class of 2007, on their performances at the Vermont State Decathlon Championship. Out of thirty-eight competitors from all divisions in the state, Matt finished second and Tyler nineteenth. Matt's second place finish was the highest for a Division III athlete in more than a decade.
*The annual Tuesday Night Fun Runs have begun. Meet at the Trail Head behind the TA garage every Tuesday at 6pm to join the fun.
*TA Basketball continues. Coach Williams is offering summer workouts in collaboration with Russell Wilcox (Rivendell Varsity Girls coach) at Rivendell Academy on Sunday mornings. The emphasis is on fundamental skill development. The workouts began June 24th.
Times: 8-9 AM grades 3-5; 9-10:30 grades 6-8; 10:30-12 grades 9-12.
For additional information please contact David McGinn at Thetford Academy 785-4805 x214. 

Submitted by Wendy Cole

 

PEABODY LIBRARY NOTES

Summer Book Discussion Series Continues…

Wednesdays at 7:00 PM: Film, Feasts and Fiction
The series uses film and fiction to explore various cultures through, among other things, their foods. Books are available at the library. In June, Babette's Feast and Fried Green Tomatoes were read and discussed. Now for July…

July 11

Il Postino by Antonio Skarmeta: Jim Schley leads discussion
July 25
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel: Kathleen Dana leads discussion

 

Library Book/Bake Sale - Sat July 7th, 10am -1PM.
Sale to benefit our program fund - pies especially welcome but all goodies gratefully accepted. Please bring them to the library at 10:00 on Sat., the 7th or call Nancy Hughes at 333-9574 to make delivery arrangements.
The library will be open Saturday mornings in July and August from 10 AM-1 PM.

Story Times at Treasure Island
Librarians Simon Brooks and Peter Blodgett will be offering stories on Thursday mornings from 10:30-11:30 at Treasure Island from mid-June until mid-August.  This group is for early readers, from approximately first to fifth grades.

Books for Sale
Peabody's Porch Paperback Book Sale has been such a summer success over the years, we decided to extend it year-round inside the library as well. There's now a shelf on the balcony devoted to books for sale. Hardcovers are $1.00, paperbacks just 50¢. The summer sale on the porch continues as usual...even when the library is not open, books are available for sale on the porch.  Paperback donations always very welcome!

Submitted by Margo Nutt

 

 

THETFORD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Please see the listing for the Second Saturday Stroll below…

 

Ground-nesting birds and mowing

My thinning of overgrown perennials ended abruptly.  In the midst of pushing through a mass of daylilies I found myself staring into the startled eyes of a yellow-throated warbler.  She was on the nest, inches from the ground and did not budge as I backed away through the foliage.  Surprisingly, many species of songbirds nest on or near the ground, a strategy that appears precarious, yet succeeds well enough under natural conditions due to concealment in dense weeds, grass or brush.

These birds can be divided into three groups.  The first are adapted to wide open spaces and truly place their nest on the ground, like the bobolinks that I recently saw flying across fields in Post Mills, bubbling out their exuberant song. Bobolinks are not often seen in these parts as they require at least ten acres of grass to breed. Eastern meadowlarks construct domed nests in grasslands while the killdeer chooses sparsely vegetated landscapes and scrapes a mere depression in the ground.  These birds of open spaces alight a distance from their nests and run to them through the grass, so as not to reveal the location.

The second group of birds is adapted to a mix of clearings, weeds and brush and includes members of the sparrow family, such as the junco, vesper sparrow and white-throated sparrows. They still build their cuplike nests on the ground, often near a clump of tall weeds or brush. The third group is adapted to shrubby habitat and will nest very close to the ground in brushy or brambly thickets. Several warblers, like the above-mentioned yellowthroat, the chestnut-sided and morning warblers are included here.

In the spring many ground-nesting birds migrating north in search of open land breeding territory are lured into choosing hay fields and other agricultural settings as nesting sites.  As soon as the grass and weeds are tall enough to provide cover, nests are built and the birds are brooding eggs or young by June.  By fateful coincidence this is the season of the first hay cutting. Widespread mortality is the result, for instance an estimated 80% of young bobolinks are killed by early hay harvesting.  Summer brush hogging of thickets in places like woodland edges and abandoned fields is similarly detrimental to shrub land birds. 

Agriculture and suburbanization have dramatically reduced the area of grassland habitat in the northeast in the last 100 years, and today little remains that is wildlife-friendly.  The Post Mills Natural Area is one place in Thetford that is being managed for ground nesting birds by the Conservation Commission.  Landowners who are keeping non-agricultural fields open (and have no concern about quality hay) can also do their part.  Please allow young birds to leave the nest by delaying mowing till mid-August.

Submitted by Li Shen
Thetford Conservation Commission.

 

 

Loons on Lake Fairlee

There's word about town that a pair of loons have been seen on Lake Fairlee.  This is exciting news. The loon population nationwide hit an all-time low in the 1970s and has been in a slow and incomplete recovery even since.  The breeding range of loons has retreated north one full tier of states. While their historical range used to extend south across Pennsylvania it now reaches only to Vermont and New Hampshire. In Vermont their population seems to be stalled at very low numbers.

More than almost any other migrant bird; the loon has evolved a delicate balance between being superbly adapted to swimming underwater in pursuit of prey, and retaining the ability to fly. Other flying birds have reduced their weight by way of air sacs branching from their lungs into major bones, whereas the loon has solid bones. Thus the density of a loon's body is close to that of water and by merely exhaling and pressing air out from between their feathers they can sink. Another adaptation to diving are the muscular legs positioned near the rear of the body for maximum propulsion by the webbed feet.  This has compromised the ability of loons to walk on land, they do so clumsily with dragging breast and if frightened they run with the assistance of a 'rowing' motion of their wings. 

Becoming airborne is not easy for these heavy birds. They can only lift off from water (not from land) and need a 'runway' up to several hundred yards long. Using the assistance of a tailwind they begin furiously flapping their wings and then running as they start to rise out of the water, eventually taking to the air. Once aloft, a loon flies incredibly fast. Their wings are small for their bodies and to stay in flight they must beat their wings approximately 275 times a minute, achieving a flight speed of 60 miles or more per hour. Their small wing size does not give much margin for slowing down except to land, a process that also requires a long stretch of water.

 

The gift of flight allows loons to move from their seacoast wintering grounds to northern inland lakes full of fish for their resource-intensive breeding season.  It is estimated that a family of loons eats over one ton of fish over the summer.  Although this seems a lot it is a small fraction of what a healthy lake of 100 or more acres should contain and anglers need not be concerned. While loons can dive after fish to great depths, they prefer to feed in surprisingly shallow water. This is because more fish inhabit the littoral zone of the lake, where lake bottom plants reach to the water surface. However due to human recreation and shoreline disturbance loons are often forced to hunt in deeper water. Loons hunt by sight, and therefore feed most when sunlight penetrates the water. The water must be clear for them to see fish. They have special flaps in the nostrils and throat that keep water out while diving and also enable them to swallow their prey underwater.

Loons choose lakes that have adequate room for take-off and landing and are suitable for raising young. Since they cannot walk well on land their nests are usually 1-2 feet from water and small islands less vulnerable to predators are preferred. On dam-controlled lakes the artificial lowering of water levels leaves the nest stranded and forces the adult to shuffle laboriously through mud and rocks, whereas raising the water level floods the nest.  Loon nests are not at all concealed. The adults protect them by almost continuous sitting over the egg incubation period since these birds are large enough to discourage predatory crows, ravens and gulls. Mink, raccoons and skunks may prey on the nests. Human disturbance will also drive away nesting loons and it is recommended that people and dogs do not come closer than 300 feet to nests.

If predation and disturbance are avoided the eggs hatch after 28 days. The buoyant chicks swim almost at once and the family immediately leaves for the water. Young chicks ride on the backs of the adults almost half the day to stay warm and safe from predators.  For the first 2-3 weeks they are raised in a special 'nursery' area, a sheltered cove with abundant insects and small fish.


Although two chicks are typical, only one may survive to maturity (10-12 weeks old.) This is the result of 'sibling rivalry' in which the stronger chick commandeers most of the food and eventually drives the other chick away to die. Although harsh, this may be a mechanism to ensure at least some reproductive success when food supplies are limited.

Will Lake Fairlee host a loon family? Up till now this was impossible as shoreline development has obliterated potential nest sites on the lake.  The hopes are that things will change, thanks to the energy and efforts of Ben Kinne, a Thetford Academy student who recognizes that appropriate human intervention in the form of artificial nest platforms may help loons. He is working with naturalist Ted Levin and Eric Hanson of the VT Loon Recovery Project to return breeding loons and their memorable, haunting calls, to the lake.

Submitted by Li Shen
Thetford Conservation Commission

 

TREASURE ISLAND NOTES

MILFOIL PICK "PARTY":  Sat. July 14 12-2PM.  Please help clear out the boat rental cove of milfoil fragments - A great chance to help, ask questions, and meet people who work on the problem of milfoil infestation in Lake Fairlee. All ages welcome - we'll wade in shallow water. Swimsuits, inflatable rafts and fishing nets will come in handy if you have them. 

BEACH PARTY:  Friday, August 10, 12PM-4PM.  Save the date for this fun festival with DJ music, children and adult games and races, arts and crafts, and a 12PM island potluck cookout. Come with your beachwear on!  Please bring a dish. Celebrate summer & the last day of swimming lessons. Hope to see you! 

 

Treasure Island is open seven days a week from 10AM-8PM - come as your schedule allows. 

Also, Peabody Library Story Hour is on THURSDAYS at 10:30AM, and Arts and Crafts take place weekly on TUESDAYS from 10-12PM. 

 

For any questions or more information, please contact the park at 333-9016.

Submitted by Scott and Ann O’Hearn

 

 

RICES MILLS COMMUNITY CENTER EVENTS

 

MOSTLY WALTZ and some east coast swing
Sat. July 7th 7-9pm - Live music with Mike Hebb.

The Center is located on Route 132 just North of Tucker Hill Road//Reminder: Tucker Hill Bridge Closed  ~ Parking limited ~  carpool if you can
No partner necessary ~ bring CD’S  ~ clean shoes ~ something to drink ~ no water on premises
Donations for hall rental are welcome. Information:   Gina @ 785-4220 or email gsonne@sover.net.

BADMINTON & HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT
Come one, come all to the 1st Annual Rice's Mills Badminton and Horseshoe Tournament, Sunday, July 15th at the Rice's Mills Community Center. Single round elimination play will begin at 4pm, with age group champions to be crowned following the 6pm potluck. All are welcome - Age groups to be determined day of the tournament. Both courts and equipment are set up for practice play any day and at any time prior to tournament. Questions, please contact Bob at 785-4126 or bobwalker@valley.net
For the potluck, please bring a dish to share, as well as your own plates, cup and silverware. 

Submitted by Bob Walker

 

 

FUND ESTABLISHED
A fund has been established for donations to aid the Tarleton family. Contributions may be sent to:
Merchants Bank
PO Box 226
East
Thetford, VT 05043

Checks may be made out to "Merchants Bank" with the memo "Tarleton Fund" (or the Account # 36042760).
Submitted by Ellie Marshall, 785-4017.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

²Declaration of Independence reading and Ringing of the Bells, July 3rd, 11:30pm at the Thetford Hill Church

²Village Harmony Concert at Thetford Hill Church, Monday July 9th at 7:30pm

²United Church of Thetford 3rd Annual Yard Sale and Chicken BBQ – Saturday, July 14th 8am - 2pm (BBQ available after 11am)

²Rivendell Ramble – a walk on the Cross Rivendell Trail between Middle Brook and King Hill Roads Saturday, July 14th 9:30am

²Conservation Commission Saturday Stroll July 14th at 6pm at the Palmer Woodlands

²Thetford Hill Fair – Saturday, July 21st Noon – 6pm

 

Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness….
WHEN was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence? Here's your BIG CHANCE to reacquaint yourself with the historical text and join a long-standing Thetford tradition.
Come ring in the Fourth of July on Thetford Hill!
There is a 187 year tradition in Thetford of ringing the bells at midnight on July 3rd, to welcome in the Fourth of July. Thetford residents have rung in the Fourth nearly every year since at least 1819, often ringing bells on Thetford Hill (both at the church and at Thetford Academy), in Union Village, Thetford Center, Post Mills, and North Thetford all on the same night.
Following in this tradition, we will gather at the First Congregational Church of Thetford, on Thetford Hill, at 11:30 pm on Tuesday, July 3. We'll head up to the choir loft and read the Declaration of Independence by flashlight (please bring one). At midnight the bell ringing will commence -- one toll for every year since 1776 (that makes 231). There will then be singing of appropriate songs and hymns and a snack before we all head home to bed. 
Hope to see you there -- Tuesday, July 3, 11:30 pm, Thetford Hill Church.
Call 785-4012 with questions.
Submitted by Scot Zens and Christina Robinson

 

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Village Harmony Concert

Mon. July 9th at Thetford Hill Church at 7:30 p.m.  

Village Harmony is a group of young singers lead by an international team who put on concerts around New England each summer. Their concerts are charged with energy, and a unity of purpose and sound that comes from their close work together.
This year's concert will feature music from Ukraine, Georgia, Corsica, and America, lead by Patty Cuyler (a friend an amazing song leader), Luke Hoffman, and Evgeny Efremov (from Ukraine).

Submitted by Pril Hall

 

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United Church of Thetford 3rd Annual Yard Sale and Chicken BBQ

The United Church of Thetford, formerly North Thetford Federated and Timothy Frost Church, will hold their Yard Sale and BBQ at the Thetford Center Community Building on Saturday, July 14th from 8:00am-2:00pm. BBQ available after 11:00 a.m.  Items for sale include furniture, books, collectibles, white elephant and miscellaneous “treasures”. There will be no clothing.

Items priced to sell!!!

If anyone has items they would like to donate, please notify Lois Paige at 785-2687, and she will arrange to meet you at the Community Building in Thetford Center, to drop items off during the week of July 9th.

Submitted by Bev Slack

 

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Rivendell Ramble

Join us for a walk on the award-winning Cross Rivendell Trail between Middle Brook and King Hill Roads to a view point overlooking the countryside. The distance is about 2.5 miles with moderate ups and downs. We will set an easy pace, so novice walkers are welcome. Wear sturdy and comfortable walking/hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather (including an extra long sleeve shirt to put on when we stop); bring water and a snack (granola bars, nuts, raisins, and other dried fruits are all good choices) if you wish. Insect repellent may be desirable, but we will have some with us if you don't. Meet at the Westshire school on Rt. 113 at 9:30 a.m. We expect to return by noon. Sponsored by the Upper Valley Trails Alliance and the Kimball House Health Alliance.
Submitted by Ellen L. Heuduska

 

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Conservation Commission Saturday Stroll

SECOND SATURDAY STROLL · JULY 14TH · 6PM
Evening Scramble in the Palmer Woodlands
Sponsored by the Thetford Conservation Commission

The Palmer Woodlands are a 472 acre parcel in North Thetford owned by Arthur and Arlene Palmer and protected by a conservation easement through the Upper Valley Land Trust.

This moderately strenuous outing will be more of a scramble than a stroll.  We'll be bushwhacking through some fairly rugged terrain.  Dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring water, snacks, (bug dope?), headlamp (just in case).  No dogs.

Parking is limited, please carpool, walk or bike.
Directions:
Meet at top of Potato Hill Rd -  East - turn onto Turnpike Rd. at the curve in Latham Rd, pass under the Interstate and immediately turn right onto Potato Hill Rd, go uphill and park where the road levels off at the end of the well-maintained section.

Questions:  Bill Bridge 785-2964

 

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Thetford Hill Fair

What are you doing on the third Saturday in July?

The Fair on the village Green, Sat., July 21, 12 noon until 6pm benefits the Thetford Hill Improvement Society - help keep the Green green!

Get Lucky! Come find antiques & collectables, crafts, live auction, kid’s games, food, tea garden, landscape & indoor plants, books, rummage and BBQ dinner.

Mark your calendar now. Rummage collected the morning of the fair.

Submitted by Ellie Marshall

 

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THETFORD TOWN NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. Send news including contact name and telephone number to Cathee Clement at 785-2668 or turtlepond@netzero.net.

Please list Thetford Town Newsletter in the subject line.