Quechee's Gorge Revels North: a Family Affair Knowing Fire and Air

Quechee, Vermont 05059 Fall 2018 Published Quarterly Knowing Fire and Air: Revels North: Tom Ritland A Family Affair Ruth Sylvester ou might think that a guy who’s made a career as a firefighter, with a retirement career as a balloon chaser, would be kind of a wild man, but Tom Ritland is soft-spoken and quiet. YPerhaps after a lifetime of springing suddenly to full alert, wearing, and carrying at least 60 pounds of equipment into life-threatening situations, and dealing with constantly changing catastrophes, he feels no need to swagger. Here’s a man who has seen a lot of disasters, and done more than his fair share to remedy them. He knows the value of forethought. He prefers prevention to having to fix problems, and he knows that the best explanation is no good if the recipient Teelin, Heather and Monet Nowlan doesn’t get it. He punctuates his discourse Molly O’Hara with, “Does that make sense?” It certainly makes sense to have working evels North is a theatre company steeped in tradition, according to their history on their website, revelsnorth.org. smoke and carbon monoxide alarms if the “Revels” began in 1957 when John Meredith Langstaff alternative is losing your house or your life. R staged the first production of Christmas Revels in New York City, “Prevention is as important as fighting fires,” where its traditional songs, dances, mime, and a mummers’ play notes Tom. Though recently retired from 24 introduced a new way of celebrating the winter solstice. By years with the Hartford Fire Department, he 1974, Revels North was founded as a non-profit arts organization is now on call with his old department. He providing year-round, multi-generational programming which works with Quechee’s two fire trucks, which celebrates the power of traditional song, dance, storytelling, and live in a modest garage near the library. ritual. Tom Ritland is a member of the Quechee Ski Patrol Continued on page 12 Continued on page 30 Quechee’s Gorge P.O. Box 104 • White River Jct., VT 05001 The Quechee Times A Reminder of a Very Different Upper Valley Frank Orlowski or most of us, our first exposure to geology in school was the study of the Grand Canyon. Awed by its immense size and varying nature, it seemed improbable that a mere river could cut such a wide, and deep swath through the earth, even with millions of years to get the task completed.

F Quechee, VT 05059 Postal Customer At close to 300 miles long, up to 18 miles across, and a mile deep, the Grand Canyon inspires awe, with about 5 million visitors going to see this wonder each year. Even though new evidence suggests part of the canyon formed millions of years before the Colorado River existed, the power of water, and erosion are on display at this American landmark. For those who grew up in the Upper Valley (of which I am not one), I’ll bet that alongside the study of the

Grand Canyon was the study White River Jct., VT U.S. Postage of the Quechee Gorge. PRSRT STD Permit #71 ECRWSS Dubbed ‘Vermont’s Little PAID Grand Canyon,’ the gorge runs a mile long, and 165 feet deep. Miniscule by comparison Continued on page 8 The Quechee Gorge NOW LEASING The Village at White River Junction, a new, unique, custom-built Assisted Living and Memory Care residential option for today’s active senior, will open soon in historic, arts-rich downtown White River Junction, and we’d like you or your loved one to join us!

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A DAY IN THE LIFE Come for the Junk Mail, Stay for the Smiles

Photos & Text by Lars Blackmore

he fifteen hundred mail boxes drive a lot of traffic Tto the Quechee Post Office on the Green; these days much of it is pick-up of packages from online vendors.

But postmaster Esther Melser (above, center)and her colleagues Celebrating Dustin (left) and Angela deliver Birds in Winter any mail service with a smile. And At a ceremony at since they’ve gotten to know all VINS on September the local residents over the years, 22, the US Postal the atmosphere is less DMV and Service will dedicate more pub full of regulars. a new set of Forever stamps celebrating It’s somehow comforting to know Birds in Winter. that, even in an age of everything digital and online, whether you’re sending boxes across the country or just need a book of stamps, the post office and its friendly staff are always there for you. ■

This edition of A Day in the Life is proudly sponsored by Derek Cosentino, Sales Director at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – The Masiello Group

Everything we do is designed so that our customers experience quality throughout our entire real estate relationship. We will ensure that your expectations are exceeded. Derek Cosentino c. 802.369.0268 1996 Quechee Main Street · PO Box 258 · QUECHEE, VT 05059 · 802-295-1160 · www.masiello.com [email protected] Page 4 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times

EDITOR’S NOTE CHILL IN THE AIR “Quechee Took My Breath Away” n Maine, they use the term ‘from away’ for folks who haven’t spent their Are you ready for winter? whole lives in a particular spot. Julie Johnston is the graphic designer who Is your home prepared? Ilays out our beloved Quechee Times. Though she grew up in Maine – and now lives in a much less picturesque area in the south – when she’s in Quechee, she’s ‘from away.’ Julie traveled to Maine in July for a family reunion, and extended her trip so she could visit the Upper Valley she’d read so much about. “I’ve lived in places like Maine, Boston, Monterey, and Florida which are all beautiful in their own way... but I gotta tell ya: Quechee absolutely took my breath away! I don’t know as I could hold my own trying to get out of some of these driveways in the snow FEEL THE DIFFERENCE and ice, but I certainly enjoyed the epic terrain, the storybook architecture, and every person I met. Each character exuded a warmth and wry sense of place. Every single one of them seemed rugged, graceful, grounded, and timeless. I’ve Your hometown heating experts - we can help! decided: I like Quecheeans, and I’ll be back!” Julie stopped in to meet a few of the Quechee Times advertisers, and she wanted to extend a big thank you to each, and to say how much she (802) 295-0000 appreciates them. “If you ever need help with graphics, I’d be happy to help. 8 BARNES AVENUE.,WHITE RIVER JCT You’re family now.” And Julie’s experience is like so many others who come to Quechee for a visit or to put down roots. Whether people know each other or not, if you’re part of PROPANE GAS ◆ BIO-BLENDED HEATING OIL the Quechee community, you’re family. From the talented Revelers (page 1) to HOME COMFORT MONITORING ◆ PLUMBING inspirational swim coach Cole Reavill (page 22), from the smallest school garden (page 21) to the expansiveness of the Quechee Gorge (page 1), Quechee is a group of people who have come together to be part of a community which has an abundance of activities and opportunities to explore, and a landscape that, especially in the fall, is breathtaking. The unpredictable weather, the challenges 24HR – either individual, like Maegan Luce’s marathons (page 20), or in groups like SERVICE the Ottauquechee STEAM team experiencing learning in a new way (page 6) – all add to the intrigue of this community. We are a community that endures, survives, and excels. Take for instance the years Jim Carsley and Sean McLaren have devoted to providing great customer service (page 15 and 26), or the 80 years Madame Stein spent in the arts, with 35 of those here in the Upper Valley (page 10). There’s also the dedication to others like that of Tom Ritland (page 1), Community Access TV executive director Donna Girot (page 5), and speech pathologist Nicole Johnson (page 24). We have so many inspirational neighbors and friends. And remember, strangers are just people you haven’t met yet. So go meet some of your neighbors, because you’re sure to share some of the same interests! Take care, Anne

is published quarterly by GREATER GOOD MEDIA, INC. Jennifer MacMillen • [email protected] www.quecheetimes.com EDITOR – Anne Clemens [email protected] 802-356-3453 ADVERTISING SALES ADMINISTRATION Jen MacMillen and Frank Orlowski [email protected] [email protected] 888-868-7192 or 802-698-8184 802-698-8184 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anne Clemens Ron Dull Frank Orlowski Ruth Sylvester Anne Critchley Sapio Darby Laine Kate Schaal Isabel Weatherdon Michelle Dougherty Molly O’Hara Pam Vermon

The Quechee Times is an independently owned publication. ©2018. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. Graphic Design by Julie L. Johnston, [email protected] Printed by Stillwater Graphics in Williamstown, VT on Rolland Opaque 30 with 30% post consumer fiber, manufactured using biogas energy, with soy inks. Please share or recycle. Member: Lebanon, Hanover, Hartford, Woodstock Chambers of Commerce The Quechee Times Fall 2018 Page 5 Free Speech at a Local Level Ruth Sylvester creative environment.” Anyone who’s seen one of her elaborate, impressive cakes knows that she’s ommunity Access TV is “a conduit that an expert on unfettered creativity! fosters community connectedness,” says CATV teaches. They give away training and Cexecutive director Donna Girot. “Its air time to anyone who asks – for free. Some mission is to let all people find a voice. We provide people catch the bug and produce shows about training and equipment to all, for free. When local events, history, entertainment, and issues there’s a problem in the community, we help solve that are relevant to the Upper Valley community. it by helping people explain their points of view.” CATV builds an independent filmmaking Donna has been at CATV for about a year. “The community. The station inspires middle-schoolers job seemed compelling,” she says, “because there in summer video camps, then encourages the kids are lots of challenges,” including that it’s the only to create short films in CATV’s two annual film community access station that contractually competitions, open to middle school, high supports towns in two states. school, and adults. CATV provides free CATV routinely records and posts the one-on-one training to shore up audio and video selectboard and school board meetings of the five towns it serves: Hartford, production skills, and lends equipment. CATV also offers high school internships Hartland, Norwich, Lebanon, and Hanover. This task is more complicated than and a club that introduces media professions to middle and high school girls. sticking a camera on a tripod and going out for coffee until the meeting is done. “Don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone?” Videographers use multiple cameras so they can cover speakers from the The business model of this remarkable organization is unusual – and audience as well as board members. After the meeting, the recording is digitally endangered. For years, public-access TV has been supported by fees that cable compressed and uploaded to the internet as quickly as possible. Minute-takers companies have paid for using the ‘public good’ of the cable network. But as and reporters use them to check facts. “The videos provide a record of who said more and more users ‘cut the cord’ from cable service, CATV is seeing its supply what when,” says Donna. CATV makes available selectboard and school board stream start to suffer a drought. meetings, concerts, and other informational and entertainment programming. Donna is highly resistant to charging users for the classes and equipment Quechee’s Gesine Prado, self-taught baker of elaborate cakes and other goodies, CATV provides, seeing such fees as barriers to parts of the community. has used CATV’s studios to perfect voiceovers for her Baked in Vermont show. “People take us for granted,” says Donna, “but it’s important because filming “CATV is an invaluable community resource,” she says enthusiastically. “Donna, local government meetings compels ethical government. It’s the bedrock of Chico, and the entire CATV team are helpful, friendly, and foster an unfettered free speech.” n GOOD THINGS HAPPENING IN WOODSTOCK

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QT_SPRING2018.indd 1 8/6/18 10:51 AM The Quechee Times Fall 2018 Page 7 defining the problems presented in the story happens easily. Students then come This first year of STEAM was such a success that the students agreed to up with ways to resolve some of those problems, such as “rehabilitate the witch present at the Vermont Dynamics Landscape Conference at Champlain College in Hansel and Gretel” while another group was determined to engineer a way in May. VITA-Learn, a Vermont State educational organization that seeks to for Rapunzel to escape her tower. These issues and resolutions were put to the promote information technology support to schools and students throughout test when groups designed their ideas into working projects and presented them Vermont sponsored the conference. Eight students, grades 3 to 5, accompanied to other student groups. Rebecca to Champlain College in Burlington. Rebecca says that the conference Beyond fairy tales, the kids quickly was a lot of fun and a great success; the moved into more technical subjects. standing room audience was packed, December included participation in a and it was all to hear what the kids had worldwide program called the Hour of to say. Code. Grades 2 through 5 accessed The students presented on their resources and interacted online with personal experiences with STEAM age-appropriate games and lessons over the past year and what they designed to make the world of thought about the program. Here’s computer coding more fun and what some of them had to say: accessible. The kids “intuitively picked “We get to make really cool things for up the nuances of coding incredibly a benefit for the planet, or of some type of quickly!” says Rebecca. purpose.” “Everybody has different ideas, but Developing transferable they’re all so good. There are so many skills things that we can do to help.” Design thinking, or creative problem “Sometimes it’s easy, but most of the time you’re challenging your initiative and solving, is the underlying process of enrichment taking place in the STEAM your mind.” groups. The students are ultimately learning a pre-determined and reliable It’s an exciting time to be a student at the Ottauquechee School. You can process to approach intimidating subject matters like robotics and math, and learn more about the program through the school blog www.oqsvt.com/ and at that design thinking applies to any subject matter. Design thinking also neatly the Tarrant Institute for Innovative Technology website www.uvm.edu/cess/tiie. replicates the Vermont Department of Education’s standards of “transferable This exciting STEAM development will probably continue to gain attention as skills.” These skills are a way to determine a student’s overall comprehension of more schools seek to bring such novel formats of teaching universal learning the underlying elements of learning; they include effective communication, concepts, global goals, and design thinking into their classrooms. Thank creative and practical problem solving, and integrative thinking. STEAM Time Rebecca and Cathy for the amazing work done here for the Ottauquechee is essentially a class in learning these skills more overtly than is typically found students and the larger world outside of our community. n in an elementary school setting.

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QUECHEE GORGE – continued from page 1 The lake formed because of a glacial moraine with the behemoth Grand Canyon – yet the (or rock and earthen dam) that formed in the largest such feature in Vermont – thousands each area of present-day Rock Hill, Connecticut. year visit the Quechee Gorge. Many observe it Lake Hitchcock – named after 19th-century from the Route 4 bridge (which has a fascinating American geologist Edward Hitchcock – history itself), while others make the trek to the stretched for about 200 miles south to north, and bottom of the gorge by accessing the trails in the up to 20 miles across, at its peak about 14,000 Quechee Gorge State Park. years ago. Arms of this massive lake extended Unlike the new evidence showing the into the river valleys that feed into the present Colorado River might not be the sole Connecticut River. The Ottauquechee River contributor to creating the Grand Canyon, was one such river that fed into the lake. water – and the Ottauquechee River in Lake Hitchcock existed for about four particular – are responsible for the creation of thousand years. Around 13,000 years ago, the the Quechee Gorge. The Quechee Gorge is a land in present-day Connecticut holding back new phenomenon by comparison to many of the voluminous waters of this glacial lake broke the world’s gorges, dating back thousands of down, causing the lake to drain, and form the years, but not millions. Still, how the gorge Connecticut River basin. happened to be is an interesting story, and one Forming the gorge regional geologists and geology students have The draining of Lake Hitchcock resulted in studied for some time. the forming of the Quechee Gorge. Soft, loose, Lake Hitchcock sandy soil covering the area of the gorge was one As we all learned in school, thick glacial reason. Ed Meyer, research scientist and senior ice covered much of North America during lecturer at Dartmouth College, says a contributing the last ice age. Almost 20,000 years ago, as factor to the gorge creation was the fact the temperatures warmed, that glacial ice Ottauquechee formed a delta where it flowed retreated northward. Ice turned to water, into ancient Lake Hitchcock. That delta left forming rivers and lakes. In New England sand and soil that quickly washed away as the some 14,000 years ago, what is now the lake drained. In fact, the ancient Ottauquechee Connecticut River Valley, was once a glacial took a different course before the lake drained,

lake named Lake Hitchcock. Photo: The Pioneer Blogspot says Meyer. The river’s current course was

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MAKE THE TIME TO GET OUTSIDE The Quechee Times Fall 2018 Page 9 established with the draining of the lake, and An area of study, work, and the creation of the gorge. beauty According to David West, professor of Having a deep cut into the earth such as the geology at Middlebury College, there were Quechee Gorge offers an excellent opportunity factors other than the soft delta soil that for geologists and students to study local contributed to forming the gorge. “It was a geological conditions. “It offers good exposure combination of things that resulted in the to the local bedrock and schist,” says Meyer. His formation of such a deep gorge in this location,” Dartmouth students make regular trips to the says West. “First, there were likely some zones of gorge in their geology studies, Meyer says. “It’s a weakness in the bedrock prior to the formation great natural lab for students.” of the gorge,” he says. “The catastrophic Meyer notes that in most areas, the regional draining of post-glacial Lake Hitchcock... likely bedrock is covered with earth and vegetation; resulted in the channelization of tremendous that’s not the case at the gorge. West concurs, amounts of water which scoured out the gorge saying, “Usually bedrock in a deeply eroded to essentially its present configuration.” mountain belt like the Appalachians is mostly

Meyer adds that the draining of the lake was Ritland Tom covered in sediment, and we only see glimpses not a single event, but likely happened in stages over time. According to research of it at the surface, but here we have a very long and uninterrupted view of the scientist Matt Bigl, the actual draining of Lake Hitchcock began 13,300 years ago, upper part of the Earth’s crust, and that’s helpful.” with the lake lowered to near the level of the Connecticut River about 12,300 The creation of the Quechee Gorge resulted in many benefits beyond the ones years ago; meaning a 1,000-year draining event. The forming of the gorge, from enjoyed by those that study geological history. Recent history points to the the beginning with the draining of Lake Hitchcock, to what we see today, is a very establishment of mills and water powered energy sources founded along the short time for the formation of such a natural occurring edifice, Meyer says. churning waters of the Ottauquechee. Of course, it also contributes to the vital Though the forming of the gorge happened relatively quickly with the draining tourist industry of the area today. of Lake Hitchcock, we all surmise that erosion continues in the present day, Those interested in a close-up view of the rich geologic history of the gorge can though at a much slower pace than we might expect. “I can’t give you an exact explore this unique and interesting part of Vermont's geography by taking the number on that rate; probably less than a millimeter a year,” says West. “Of course hiking trails to the river below. there are higher erosion rates during times of flooding, but normally erosion is As one descends down the hiking trails into the gorge, it is not difficult to occurring very slowly.” imagine torrents of rushing water from the ancient lake spilling over the bedrock A recent weather event that altered the gorge was Tropical Storm Irene in found in the gorge. The power of water, carving out a deep crevice in the land, is 2011. Meyer says there were some “spectacular landslides,” in certain areas of the apparent even today. What remains from the events of the past 12,000 or so years gorge, upriver from the bridge, as a result of Irene. is truly a wonder of the region. n

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Honoring the Late Mme. Stein rika Eleonora Stein, 91, a teacher of classical Russian ballet in the Upper EValley for 35 years, passed away on May 18, 2018. Her life mission was to “bring grace and beauty to the world.” She leaves a cadre of devoted friends and dance students who continued to care for her in her later years and miss her deeply. ‘Madame Stein,’ as she was known to her students, nurtured a love of dance in many children and adults at her studios in New Jersey and later at the Eleonora Stein Academy in Quechee. In addition to ballet, she taught many other dance forms and choreographed for local high schools and community theater. Eleonora was born in Budapest, Hungary, on August 16, 1926 to Joseph and Violet (Bardos) Riech. She began dancing at the age of two and graduated from a school of music and art in Budapest. She moved to New York with her family in 1938, just before the start of World War II. In NYC, she continued to develop her artistic talents, graduating from LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts. A talented singer and dancer, Eleonora performed across the US and Canada and on cruise ships around the world. Proud moments include singing an aria as a coloratura soprano on the Arthur Godfrey show in the 1950s, performing and traveling with New York’s Roxy Theatre, and winning the Ms. Vermont Senior contest in 1985 at the age of 59. As an accomplished visual artist, she drew and painted throughout her life, including designing costumes and scenery for her recitals. Eleonora cherished the beauty around her, especially her beloved Vermont. Eleonora’s greatest inspiration came from her childhood teacher, Maestro Semyon Troyanoff, who danced with the Maryinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia and partnered Anna Pavlova. When Maestro immigrated to the US, his mentorship of the young Eleonora grew into ELLAWAY a lifelong friendship and professional collaboration. And she never …personalized care for you and your home forgot her roots, continuing to whip up favorite Hungarian dishes from her childhood until the end of her life. She is survived by sons Adrian Stein and his wife Joann of New Brunswick, NJ, Haddon Stein and his wife Rosemary of Pennington, NJ, and two granddaughters. A celebration of Madame Stein’s life was held by her friends and former students in mid-August when she would have turned 92. n

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QUECHEE GARDEN CLUB QUECHEE CHURCH Quechee Garden Club Has a New President Summer at The Quechee Church Isabel Weatherdon The Quechee Church began holding weekly services just this past January, and now half a year later we are seeing a new congregation t the Annual Meeting and thriving! Old friends, newcomers, and visitors are finding a warm welcome Luncheon of the Quechee and are experiencing Garden Club in June, Joyce A an atmosphere of Baldwin was voted in as the new grace, truth, and president, taking over from Rosemarie community. Join us as Scibetta who, having completed her we grow together two-year presidency said it was through the procla- “bittersweet” to hand the gavel over to mation and practice of Joyce. Rosemarie, a longtime resident of Quechee, has served the garden club in the gospel in Quechee! many capacities, but as president has led Ongoing Steeple the club to new highs, the most notable Renovations being a record number of new members We are continuing to update the building (17), which can only bode well for the Joyce Baldwin and Rosemarie Scibetta club and Quechee. The club has an in a number of ways, enormous debt of gratitude to Rosemarie and are nearing for her years of service and especially her time as president. completion with the Joyce has served the club in various capacities from the time she moved to steeple, in particular. Quechee in 2014. She attributes her acceptance of the presidency to the fact We look forward to that “all the members are exceptional and the club is a well-oiled machine that seeing this significant runs smoothly.” Joyce went on to say, “One has only to look at the pocket structure and historic gardens at the signposts, the library, and gazebo to see how lovely Quechee is symbol fully repaired! thanks to the members who unobtrusively get on with it.” She further went on However, as with any project of this magnitude, we cannot do it alone. If to say that the Quechee Garden Club, “is unique in that members can choose you would like to give towards the steeple renovations, please visit our to volunteer their time for various activities, service projects, and social events, website at www.quecheechurch.org/home/give. All gifts are tax deductible. or just attend the monthly meetings that provide interesting speakers, and an To learn more about The Quechee Church, please visit us online at opportunity to socialize with fellow Quechee residents. www.quecheechurch.org or contact us at [email protected]. n I look forward to serving the Quechee Garden Club as president for the next 1905 Quechee Main Street | P.O. Box 513 | Quechee, VT 05059 two years, Joyce says.” Here as some of the club’s upcoming activities: Thursday, August 16, Early Evening – The Duvall’s Quechee Garden Club Cocktail Party and Fundraiser at the home of Liz and David Duvall on Quechee Main Street, overlooking the Ottauquechee River. Spouses, partners, guests, or a friend, are welcome. Wednesday, August 29, 12:15pm – Sunrise Farm Trip to Sunrise Farm in White River Junction, Vermont. Chuck Wooster will give an afternoon tour of his farm where he grows vegetables and raises sheep and chickens. Thursday, September 13, 2pm – Quechee Club Presentation by Mal the Hydrangea Guy from Cape Cod Hydrangea Farm. This meeting is in conjunction with the Woodstock Garden Club. Thursday, October 4, 1pm – Quechee Club State Senator, Alison Clarkson will talk about Vermont’s efforts to curb climate change and how the Vermont legislature and citizens can help. If you’re interested in joining the Quechee Garden Club, email quecheegar- [email protected]. n

Visit to Peony Farm Page 12 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times

TOM RITLAND – continued from page 1 Firefighters aim to save people first, then property if possible. Tom is clearly proud of the systems and equipment he has available, and of the team he’s been a part of for so long. “If there’s a confirmed fire” – smoke is coming out of the house – “dispatch automatically calls Lebanon and Hanover,” he says. It takes seven minutes for a fire truck to get to Quechee from White River Junction, Vermont, an interval made possible in part by the ability of emergency vehicles to flip traffic lights to expedite passage. While waiting for help, the first truck to arrive tries to contain the fire if it’s too big to control. Each engine carries 1000 gallons of water, which Tom, Karen (center), and Diane Tom Ritland sounds like a lot until you realize that the “small” handheld hoses carried into a house put out about firefighter fatalities were cardiac emergencies from hotshots are sent to the most challenging terrain, 180 gallons per minute. So that four tons of water stress and overexertion. Now each duty crew has a often remote and with difficult access. – the 1000 gallons – only lasts about five-and-a-half daily cardio workout at the station. Another primary Chasing the rainbow (hot air balloon) minutes. In a roaring, fully involved fire, that water source of injuries and deaths is vehicle accidents; a How could you live in Quechee and not be might be used to spray down nearby buildings to demanding driver-training program aims to reduce familiar with hot air balloons? Tom has gotten keep the fire from spreading. this problem. himself in deeper than most, helping his son, Chris, Firefighter safety is the paramount concern. Tom talks calmly about his experiences. When who has run a balloon-ride business, Quechee Though the fire makes the scene inherently chaotic, asked about being scared, he acknowledges that he’s Balloon Rides, for about a decade. Tom drives the the crews have a carefully practiced command and been in many situations that are inherently scary. chase car, pursuing the balloon by road to help at control system that includes identification tags on “But we train a lot,” he says. the landing and take the people and equipment snap clips for each firefighter. When heading into a The apple falls near the tree home. The “car” is actually a large pickup truck burning house each firefighter clips a tag in a Tom’s daughter, Karen, is a hotshot firefighter in equipped with a lift for the basket, which weighs designated spot, so there’s no question about how Oregon, work she has also pursued in Idaho. Although about 300 pounds at the end of a ride. “It’s more many and who are in those flames. Even with systems – or perhaps because – he worked at wildland like 400 or 500 when it’s full of fuel,” explains Tom. and drills, about 100 firefighters die in the course of firefighting years ago, Tom hopes that Karen will The balloon can carry about 1800 pounds; the duty each year in the U.S., says Tom. move on to something else. It’s highly seasonal work, overhead (Chris the pilot, the basket, and Physical fitness is also a safety matter. In the ’90s, and too strenuous for all except the young. As the equipment) runs about 1000 pounds, leaving room Tom explains, studies found that 50 percent of most highly trained, elite firefighters in the country, for four passengers. With characteristic

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invisible air currents for his travels, Chris has so much familiarity with the area and experience with the balloon that he can usually make YOUR PASSION good landings near a road. With his firefighter’s knowledge of area roads, MEETS OUR CUSTOM CRAFT Tom finds his way to meet the descending balloon. Tom’s firefighter training in flexibility – you never know when that siren will sound – is useful to him as a balloon chaser, since balloonists may have to cancel for last minute weather conditions. Rain, strong wind, or too much fog may forbid flying. Too much heat, which diminishes the Tom helping his son Chris with his balloon temperature contrast that lifts the understatement, Tom adds, “You balloon, may force cancelation or don’t want to run out of fuel.” limit the number of passengers. Balloonists try to come down in Retirement has given the chance fields – trees are the natural enemies for Tom and his wife, Diane, a retired of balloons, he says, though “power nurse from Dartmouth-Hitchcock lines are the number one concern.” Medical Center, to travel. They went Aloft, the balloon is a cross between about as far as they could go with a trip reassuringly powerful and to glaciers in New Zealand and astonishingly peaceful. Since the air Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. He also moves the balloon there is little continues to volunteer his time on the sensation of the wind. But on landing, ski patrol at Quechee. He’s earned the residual buoyancy and the energy of right to enjoy life, which includes a big descent can create some bumpy and dose of staying in Quechee, ready to exciting moments. Do NOT choose move against fires, or in pursuit of this time to lighten the basket by balloons. He’s good at it, and he likes Be Curious. jumping out! Though dependent on it, so it just makes sense. n CURIOSITYWOODWORKS .COM - BARNARD, VERMONT 05031

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QUECHEE LIBRARY NEWS

Kate Schaal He serves on the Vermont ACLU board and is well positioned to offer a fictional treatment of n early June, the welcome sight of current school issues including bullying. Ottauquechee School classes walking The Sci-Fi reading discussion group meets on I(whether in bright sun or rain) from their hill August 27 at 6pm to discuss Children of Men, by to their public library kicked off the summer. P.D. James. The Monday Mystery group will meet The school’s Library Media Specialist Becky on September 10, at 4pm and again on October Whitney made the trek two times a day for that 1. Copies of these books to borrow are available. last week of school to encourage children to use Think screens and books can’t go together? – and often get their very first – library card. PBS just launched the Great American Read, and They learned the privileges, duties, and rewards Vermont PBS created a state version. Help of a public library, founded over 200 years ago, choose America’s favorite book from a list 100 and sustained and grown ever since through the (all are available at the library). Enjoy more stewardship of its community. One student was pieces of this multi-platform initiative by visiting pleased and surprised to find she could still fit in www.vermontpbs.org/greatamericanread. the story time chair. She provided the perfect Two new library cardholders Another date soon to be announced is for a metaphor for explaining that everyone is always visit from filmmaker Mike Leonard as he welcome to find a fitting chair (and previews his film about the 251 Club. A material) at the library. club dedicated to exploring all of Museum, park, and historical site Vermont’s 251 cities and towns. passes are among the most popular The Rotary Club of White River circulating items during this busy season. recently awarded the library a grant to The list continues to grow with passes to: support Marieke Sperry’s monthly book the Shelburne Museum, Hildene, Billings discussion at the Bugbee Senior Center Farm and Museum, VINS, and more. by purchasing the “Thorndike Senior Also, during August, your library card will Book Group” program. It offers titles get you a discount at the Great Vermont available in large print with online Corn Maze in Danville, which covers 24 components for related month-long acres and typically takes the average adult activities. Volunteers are available for a couple two-plus hours to solve. book drop-offs at homes when requested. Book discussions and readings Looking ahead to October, Decoding Library book discussions continue Ottauquechee students walking to the library the Weather Machine, a NOVA with Border Crossings, our series with production, will be shown and discussed scholar Suzanne Brown focuses on two very different novels. Pick up The at the library on October 23 at 6:30pm. Crossers to discuss on August 20 and Exit West for September 17 as we Halloween gremlins are always welcome to a special program at the library. continue premiering this Vermont Humanities Council series created in On October 30, Modern Times Theater will be here with a Punch and Judy memory of Alice Goldstein. Both discussions begin at 5pm. Halloween-themed puppet show. Children who come in costume will be On Thursday, September 13, at 7pm, Bernie Lambek will read from his treated to a free book to keep. new novel, Uncivil Liberties. Set in Vermont, this is clearly a fictional reprisal Library hours are M, W, F, 10-6; T, Th, 2-7; Sat., 9-2; with Storytime on of his work as a leading Vermont attorney. Son of Jewish refugees from Europe Wednesdays at 10. Many more resources are available online at quecheelibrary. and a graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale Law School, he has practiced org, including e-books and audiobooks; suggestions for additions to these law in Montpelier for 25 years and represented a number of school districts. formats are always welcome. n

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QUECHEE CLUB NEWS October 2018 The End of an Era: • Saturday, October 6: Jim Carsley Retires from Couples Invitational The Quechee Club Fitness • Saturday, October 6: Center Fall Festival Platform Tennis fter 17-and-a-half-years at The Quechee Club Health Desk, Open House Jim Carsley has folded his last • Tuesday, October 9: A towel, straightened his last cardio Camera Club meeting Michelle Dougherty machine, and checked in his last • Thursday, October 11: member. Although bittersweet, this is e have many new dining Life Transitions-Energy Jim’s second and final retirement, as options and family Management for QLLA he has some serious plans that include entertainment for you and W Residences discussion reading, gardening, cooking, enjoying your family to enjoy during late • Saturday, October 13: life with his fiancée, Karen, and summer, fall, and early winter. Pumpkin Scramble traveling the globe. August 2018 • Wednesday, October 31: A native of Stoneham, • Friday-Sunday, August 24-26: Halloween Party in Davidsons Massachusetts, Jim attended graduate Quechee Club Championship November 2018 school in Boston majoring in Business • Sunday, August 26: • Thursday, November 8: Management. It took only a couple of knowing he could make a difference Pub Night on Dewey’s Deck Life Transitions-Veterans/ short years before he realized that this were all huge factors in his deciding featuring Mark & Deb field was not for him and decided to to make Quechee his “home.” VA Discussion • Thursday, August 30: go back to school for a Master of A father of three with eight • Tuesday, November 13: Quechee Women’s Golf Education from the University of grandchildren, he enjoys life’s Camera Club Association’s Closing Scramble New Hampshire. Once he graduated, simplicities, and is looking forward to • Thursday, November 22: September 2018 he hit the ground running to find a being able to take care of “his Karen.” Thanksgiving Day at the Club • Sunday, September 2: teaching job in the New England “I have made so many dear friends Labor Day Closing Pool Party • Friday-Saturday, area. Jim always knew he wanted to having conversations with members • Sunday, September 2: November 23-24: get out of Boston and was fortunate and coworkers. I’ll take these Last night of Pub Night for the Quechee Artisan Fair enough to land a job a short time memories to my grave. I’ve had a lot season featuring Erik Boedtker December 2018 later in White River Junction, of great bosses,” he says fondly of his • Monday, September 3: • Saturday, December 15: Vermont, where he taught middle time working at The Quechee Club. Lake Pinneo closes for the season Member Holiday Party school for 31 years. During that time, “As an employee, I snuck into a • Sunday, September 9: • Saturday, December 22: he had 42 seasons of coaching mixed doubles tournament and won Rosh Hashana Ski Quechee – football, hockey, and tennis, and was it! I still have the trophy!” Suzy • Wednesday, September 12: Tentative Opening Day also the athletic director. Bottaro was able to place Jim in the Life Transitions-Federal Tax Laws Jim’s passion was teaching in the tourney knowing he was a good • Wednesday-Monday, discussion classroom. His candid antics kept his tennis player. Jim laughed when December 26-31: • Thursday, September 13: students engaged. Jim never sat down; telling the story because he wasn’t Christmas Vacation Week Quechee Garden Club meeting some things never change! And he sure he was supposed to win “as an • Monday, December 31: • Friday, September 14: used his personality and love of employee.” Captain & Crew golf New Year’s Eve Family Celebration teaching to keep his students Although Jim’s won’t be the • Saturday-Sunday, Please visit The Quechee Club engaged. smiling face that many are used to September 22-23: website at quecheeclub.com for In 2001, Jim retired from his seeing down in the Health Club on Collegiate Challenge golf additional details on these events. n teaching job and after a short hiatus, weekdays, he will still be around, tournament he found a help wanted ad for The traveling, reading, walking, enjoying • Friday, September 28: Quechee Club. Being able to work in time with his friends and family, and One Day Member-Guest golf Dwd a gym atmosphere, working with overall, enjoying life and all that it tournament members, building relationships, and has to give. n

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SINGLE FAMILY HOMES CONDOS & TOWNHOMES

REDUCED

Enjoy one floor living with this 3 bedroom, 2 Large 3 bedroom, 4.5 bath plan with a bath condo with the master on the main level. large loft. Has long range views of the Spectacular views and wonderful finishes in Quality and comfort. 5 bedrooms and 5 Enjoy the great location a short walk to the Quechee Valley. Hardwood floors, fireplace, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home conveniently baths. Master suite on main, wood floors, 2 lake and the golf course. The home features tile jacuzzi, pool, and more. Open floor plan located between the village and the country offices, family room, living room, fireplace. floors in the entry, a fireplace and a loft area. with lots of light and space. Built in A/C club. Look out over the lake, golf course and A workshop, 2 car garage, screened porch The association offers a private tennis court unit. Being sold partially furnished. Private to the mountains beyond. Large rooms, open and deck. In a convenient location on a just steps away from this end unit. Plenty of end unit location. QUECHEE $195,000 floor plan, finished lower level and detached nicely landscaped level lot. Additional light and space with an open kitchen and floor MLS 4372980 garage. Being sold furnished. QUECHEE lot included for privacy. QUECHEE plan. QUECHEE $205,000 MLS 4493728 $575,000 MLS 4707195 $545,000 MLS 4653054 LAND & LOTS REDUCED

Beautiful 5 bedroom, 4 bath home Ideally located with views of the golf with wonderful views and lots of space. course and close to the club house. wood burning fireplace, AC, master Contemporary with 5 bedrooms and 5 suite on main floor, large deck. Features baths. Lots of space with top end finishes. Spectacular views!! Water, mountains, meadows, red barns, 2 states and more. Red Barn lots of windows and natural light, Lot of windows and natural light. 3 floors Farms has it all and you can be a part of it. You can purchase a home site and build your attached garage, open kitchen, wood of living space. An indoor resistance pool, dream home in this lovely community. The infrastructure is in place and the first home is floors, and a well landscaped oversized fireplace, central A/C, and 2 car garage. completed and a second on its way. Give us a call and come take a look while lots are still lot. QUECHEE $550,000 MLS 4690740 QUECHEE $480,000 MLS 4636370 available. QUECHEE NON-QLLA $397,000 MLS 4414987 UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT

Wonderful colonial home on a double Perfectly charming house set in the middle Peaceful and private setting close to club house. Beautiful private location Vale condo- 3 BR, 3.5 lot next to a tranquil pond. Built in 2004 of a large, almost 3 acre parcel. 3 bedrooms, 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with lots of open BA in excellent condition. Open floor plan, with generous family room, formal dining 2 baths. Fireplace in living room, large space. Large living area and great kitchen. wood floors, granite counters, open dining area. room, and open kitchen. Living room, 3 kitchen with adjacent dining. Lots of deck Three floors of living space. Nice deck, LR has a gas fireplace. Kitchen with great bedrooms, 3 baths. Front porch and a 3 and porch space for outdoor living and garage and well landscaped. Overlooking breakfast nook. Master bedroom suite on the season porch. Large unfinished basement dining. Even a hot tub. The home has been a country meadow. Comfortable and well main level. Upstairs has two BR and a full BA. and unfitted basement. QUECHEE non- well cared for. QUECHEE $275,000 MLS maintained home. QUECHEE $429,000 Being sold very nicely furnished. QUECHEE QLLA $299,900 MLS 4514025 4682817 MLS 4640468 $339,000 MLS 4613016

UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT

Nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath house in desirable Convenient location close to school and Desirable neighborhood, private, 2.6 acre Cozy end unit condo located within location. Sizable ensuite master bedroom. village. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room lot, nicely landscaped. 3 bedroom, 2 bath Quechee Hollow. One bedroom and one Large family room. Kitchen updated with with fireplace and nice work spaces spread home with wood floors and a fireplace. full bath. Cape style with very usable granite and new appliances. Open floor plan out over 3 floors. Side porch and back deck. Updated kitchen, propane heat, back up spaces. Located close to the village and with lots of sunlight. Large wrap-around Private setting nestled among the trees. generator and security system. Screened all the QLLA amenities. A wonderful deck with screens porch. Level lot, oversized QUECHEE $139,000 MLS 4436359 gazebo, large deck, and 2 car garage. bargain and a great way to enjoy Quechee. garage, circular drive. QUECHEE QUECHEE $199,000 MLS 4510525 QUECHEE $47,500 MLS 4654586 $249,000 MLS 4699447

1820 Quechee Main Street, P.O. Box 213, Quechee VT 05059 e-mail: [email protected] Page 18 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times

lation and sunlight. In addition to Trailhead “A” (at the end of Bentley On the QT Road), Trailhead “B” (at the east end Ron Dull of Safford Road) and Trailhead “C” (at the end of Old River Road) will n the QT is a slang term offer new access to this expansive apparently of 18th Century area. While hiking, biking, cross- OBritish origin: QT being a country skiing, and snowshoeing have shortened version of “quiet.” For always been welcome activities here, instance, one might tell another that, it is planned sometime in the near “Bob and Mary have gone off to future to add a mountain bike single- Mexico, but that’s on the QT.” Bob track snaking through the area. and Mary are married, but not actually to each other, and so keeping the The Ottauquechee Path news “on the QT” could be vitally The Ottauquechee portion of the important to their future. Yet I seemed system has been in development since to have digressed. Here in Quechee, 2002 when first conceived by Shelia the term QT will henceforth refer to Armen of the Strong House Spa. Her the system of trails within our group of industrious volunteers, 5800-acre complex, and it is certainly known as Friends Of the Ottauquechee something which we desire to shout Trail (F.O.O.T.), continue their vision of inter-connective paths throughout about as a tremendous amenity for the Trails Committee, volunteers, is a multi-year project, which is the community which do not Quechee Lakes Landowners and the new trail manager, Ken weather dependent. Work will be necessarily require the more Association (QLLA) members. Glick, who puts it all together. targeted by identifying three loops of The Quechee Trail System has adventurous spirit of proceeding into hiking interest: ponds, ledges, and two primary components: one is The Wilderness Area the Wilderness. As of today, a hiker farm. There is also a 2K Dog Loop, the Wilderness Area, formerly The Wilderness Area is a vast can begin at the Quechee Clubhouse, which is perfect for the pooch. The referred to as 5C, while the other is member resource comprising follow the signs across the pedestrian the Ottauquechee Path, which will 780-acres of forest. Former logging heretofore confusing maps have been bridge of the golf course (yes, it is open eventually travel a meandering route trails are being expanded into wider color-coded and directional signs are to walking and biking), cross a gravel from the Coach Road condos to the carriage-style trails while water in place at critical junctures. Areas path in front of Murphy’s Farm, west to the Polo Field to the east. mitigation, bridges, benches, shelters, once considered to be as dark and traverse the sandy shores of Lake Both systems are under varying and informational signage are all foreboding as a German fairy tale have Pinneo, and follow Murphy Farm degrees of development by QLLA, being constructed along the way. This been opened for more snow accumu- Road to the Village Green Loop.

All Aboard!

Saturday, September 8, 10am-4pm Sunday, September 9, 10am-3pm Historic White River Junction Vermont vtglorydaysfestival.com hartfordrec.com The Quechee Times Fall 2018 Page 19

THAT is a big walk! There are areas between the Quechee Bridge and Marshland Farm that are on private land and not accessible, but from Marshland Farm you can hike to the Polo Field or across the land-bridge at Dewey’s Pond, and drop down into the Quechee Gorge. Plans are in the works for expanding this trail system to the west by creating a path from the Coach Road condos to the Clubhouse. This will be the River Loop, and it already has significant completion by Coach Road. Come give it a try! A Pars-Fit course and/or Disk Golf is already in discussion for that area. As you might be able to tell, QLLA has fully signed onto the concept for trail development as first identified by Morton Trails. Trail development was surveyed to be the number one desired amenity in the community. The Trails Committee has been a dynamo of energy accomplishing much in a very short period. The Quechee Trails Club has been formed. This is a group of volunteers who assist Ken Glick wherever he might need them and, when not working on trails, they practice the vital outdoor skills of picnicking, geocaching, and disk golf. If you wish to be a member, (it’s Free, it's Fun, and you get a t-shirt!), send an email to RonDull@ msn.com, and we'll get you on our notification list. Come join us in the great outdoors of Vermont! So, now that we have thoroughly spilled the beans on the great Quechee Trail System we no longer need to be “On the QT” and can return to what is happening down in Mexico with Bob and Mary. Trust me. They should have stayed on the trail. See You On the QT! Cap’n Ron n

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INDIVIDUAL + THOUGHTFUL + REFINED Route 117 on the Weston Border 1395 Main Street, Waltham MA DarbyRoad.com 781.899.6900 Page 20 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times Maegan Luce: A Fixture at The Quechee Club Anne Critchley Sapio Scarborough, Maine, and is an avid skier and fly fisherman. His job with Bigbelly Solar, headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, gives him the t 17, Maegan Luce started working at The Quechee Club under the advantage of working the majority of time from a home office. guidance of Ross Jones, Food and Beverage Manager. Now 30, Maegan Afills in as waitress or whatever Ross needs help with at the club. “It’s A focus on healthy living hard to say no to my first boss. He’s a delight,” Playing field hockey in college, Maegan didn’t have much chance to ski, but Maegan says. Yet it’s incomprehensible to imagine now she and Ethan ski almost every weekend. “I really any free time this industrious, smart young woman wasn’t a skier despite growing up in Vermont, but now might have. She does have a “full-time job.” She also I’m hooked,” Maegan says. They purchased a season runs regularly. In fact, Maegan completed the IKON pass for the upcoming season and have a Rocky Covered Bridges Half Marathon this year – her fifth Mountain ski trip planned for this winter. time. “It keeps me fit,” she says. Maegan also owns a horse named Friday who was born on the family farm during a thunderstorm on Her Quechee and White River Junction roots Friday the 13th, and was a gift from her aunt when Yes, she is of the Luce family, a family with strong Maegan was 12. The fields and trails around the ties to the Upper Valley. It’s her paternal uncle and Upper Valley are perfect for a regular spin on Friday, aunt, Larry and Betsy Luce, who own and manage she explains. An avid runner as well, Maegan enters Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock. Maegan remembers races when she can fit them in to her busy schedule. regularly visiting there with her grandmother who She is looking forward to the Beach to Beacon 10K always brought her delicious baked goods (chocolate in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and the Under Armour chip cookies and turnovers) to sell there. Larry with Mountain Running Series in Killington. “There’s Maegan’s father, Clayton, and five more siblings grew an advantage to being 30 in the 30-35 age group,” up on the Luce Farm in White River Junction. she says. Maegan’s dad did not pursue farming like his brother; Maegan’s work life is about all things nutritious. he is a project manager at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Working for Health Care Services Group, Inc. in Maegan Luce and Ethan McElwain Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Springfield and Rutland, as a staff dietitian, she Maegan’s parents, Wendy and Clayton, live on spends most of her time conducting nutrition Connecticut River Road in White River Junction, a short distance from the assessments on patients with varying states of disease and advising nursing site of the original family farm, as does Maegan, their only child, and now also staff on implementing nutrition care plans. She provides oversight and her fiancé, Ethan McElwain. While maybe not a farmer by trade, this branch guidance to Dining Services with attention to federal and state regulations for of the Luces do maintain a garden where heirloom tomatoes thrive along with the operation. other produce. Staff training and guidance, family counseling, physician consultation, and Not far from home, Maegan received her Bachelors of Science degree in review of diet orders are all part of her role. Maegan began working for this Dietetics, Nutrition, and Food Sciences at the University of Vermont. She did company in March of 2016 after relocating to Vermont from Boston. spread her wings for a bit after graduation, and headed to Boston to earn a The next big event for Maegan and Ethan is their wedding on October 13th Masters of Science in Exercise Science from Northeastern University with a to be held at Murphy Farm in Quechee. “And the wonderful Quechee Club team concentration in physical activity and public health. are planning it with me,” she says with a big smile. With so many aunts, uncles, While studying and working in the Boston area, Maegan met her fiancé, cousins, and friends on both sides, the attendance will be about 200 guests. Ethan through a co-worker. The University of Vermont is also his alma mater, With multiple jobs, riding her horse, skiing, running, planning a wedding, yet the couple did not know each other there. He hails originally from and travel, it’s hard to imagine that Maegan has any free time. n The Quechee Times Fall 2018 Page 21

LENDING A HAND Supporting Local School Gardens Molly O’Hara Next, the White River School proposed the Landscape Remediation upport for local school gardens Project. According to the proposal has grown in the past few years as sent by Sheila, the “labyrinth garden Sschools have begun to focus on is designed to transform a piece of teaching students about their food, land, connect students and faculty nutrition, and wildlife, as well as to with the outdoors, and provide the utilize their classroom skills in an faculty with tools that complement applied manner. Some of these the curriculum.” The grant will be programs are focused on farm-to- used to prepare the area by removing school projects where the students poison ivy and other harmful plants, grow food served in the cafeteria, and establish some perennials, and design others focus on gardens as for pesticide-free management with beautification projects. the intention that the Labyrinth Many schools can’t often afford the Garden be accessible during the day. costs of building a garden space, and The garden serves as an outdoor many rely on local grants to help with their projects. Many local garden clubs, classroom that is Americans with Disability Act accessible with an emphasis such as Quechee’s, have begun grant programs to support the various needs of on collaboration across networks, communication, critical thinking, and the community relative to growing food, reclaiming green space, and building problem-solving skills. Students in the various grades will work on parts of it, outdoor classrooms. applying their math and science skills, and build a stronger school community. The Quechee Garden Club was established in 1989 to focus on beautifying There are other parts of the project, including the building of a concrete public spaces, community engagement, and the education of both members and retaining wall, that are not included in the scope of the Quechee Garden Club the public about conservation, beautification, and the pure joy of gardening, grant, but are also happening this year. Since the 2013/2014 school year, the Quechee Garden Club has been Students thrive in these outdoor classrooms, but without the funds in school offering a one-time grant of $1,000 to a school in the Quechee area that meets budgets to build them, schools have to rely on community resources. Without their grant criteria. In past years, they have accepted grant proposals from and grant initiatives such as the one supplied by the Quechee Garden Club, many supported projects at the Upper Valley Waldorf School, the Ottauquechee schools would be unable to bring these applied education environments to School, and the Mid-Vermont Christian School. their students. In the past year, while the Quechee Garden Club has supported The club has three specific criteria that school project proposals have to several projects of their own, the club’s focus on education and school meet. First, to encourage the joy of gardening, second, to sponsor civic beauti- environments benefit the broader Hartford/Quechee community immensely. n fication, and third, to conserve natural resources and wildlife. For the 2018/2019 school year, the proposal accepted by the Quechee Garden Club came from Sheila Powers, Principal of the White River School, EXPERIENCE a local public elementary school in Hartford, offering Pre-K through 5th grade. In the summer of 2017, Elizabeth Cadle, parent of a White River School student, landscaper, and labyrinth builder, volunteered over 100 hours to initiate the Labyrinth Garden behind the school. THE DIFFERENCE According to Ginia Allison, one of the members of the garden club’s grant committee, the Labyrinth Garden began as a cleanup of the area organized by Creative Lives Afterschool Program; an afterschool group made up of primarily students from the White River School. They worked to prepare the area, removing accumulated debris and weeds and then began building the labyrinth.

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PowerHouse Mall, 8 Glen Road • West Lebanon, NH (603) 298-5555 • Locally Owned & Operated Page 22 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times Sharing a Passion for Swimming: Cole Reavill Anne Critchley Sapio sister, Elanna, moved to Quechee in the summer of 2017 from Indiana, where they arly most July and August mornings had lived for six years. at The Quechee Club pool, one In Indiana, Sandy taught math at Culver Emight hear the words “unplug the Military Academy and Cole attended school lanes” or “IMs, now.” Those words are there until he enrolled in the University of coming from Cole Reavill the coach of Wisconsin where he is pursuing a degree in the Quechee Swim Team – who also works media production. as a lifeguard at the pool and Lake Pinneo. His love for the water After hearing Cole’s well-modulated Cole was on the Culver Military Academy commands, a few grumblings ensue and off swim team for all four years. When asked the young swimmers go. Cole explains what his best swim stroke was, Cole says, that IM stands for an Individual Medley, “Freestyle, but I was often in events wherever which includes four different strokes: the team needed me.” While there, the butterfly stroke, backstroke, breaststroke, Coach Cole Reavill, Coach/swimmer Bethany Perkins, Emma Howard, Grace University of Wisconsin recruited him to row and freestyle. Scibetta, and Delia Johnson on the crew team. Rowing runs in the family, The Quechee Club hired Cole to coach Cole's older twin brothers, Avery and Brooks, the team, formerly led by Susan Carey, who is were also rowers while attending high school at now managing the swim meets, the line-up, Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, transportation, the statistics, and all the team’s and then at Brown University in Providence, administrative details. Carey’s two daughters, Rhode Island. Alanna and Siobhan, were team swimmers from Cole put his heart and soul into crew for the first the age of six until they “aged out” at 18. Carey, two years, but then re-thought the amount of time who lives in Massachusetts, continues to practice took each week from his studies. “It was 20 volunteer her expertise for the swim team and hours a week – minimum,” he says, and decided to says that her family spends “as much time as we concentrate on his studies and to work as a can in Quechee.” production assistant in the athletic department. As Cole’s connection with Quechee started before a production assistant, he filmed baseball games for becoming the swim team’s coach. His grandmother, the university. Cole shares that he likes the Brenda Reavill, has lived here part-time for many Claire Mamlouk, Anaya Stratemeyer, Emmy Williams, Grace production side of filmmaking and confesses to years. Cole and his mother, Sandy Reavill, and Staats, Benjamin Morse, Elizabeth Staats, and Charlotte Nadeau being an audiophile.

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For the last few summers, he was a counselor at a camp in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine called Runoia. He helped with the swimming instruction on “The Great Pond,” and he also taught photography. In high school, Cole took a class in photography that he says "sparked a hobby." His background in photography prompted the camp to offer a course in black and white photography that he taught. This year’s swim team This summer the Quechee Swim Team has 55 Cole Reavill swimmers ages 6 to 18. “That’s about normal,” Susan says. “A third of the Quechee team is local kids. Some are on swim teams at The Upper Valley Aquatic Center during the winter. And most join the team through word of mouth.” There are entire families who participate, such as the Morris brothers: Elliot, Theodor, and Sam from New Jersey; and other swimmers like Ben Johnston from Massachusetts, who join each year. They all contribute to the success of this team in meets with other Southern Vermont Swim League teams. To be part of the team, swimmers under the age of ten must be able to swim 25 yards freestyle with rotary breathing, as well as being able to swim the backstroke for 25 yards. Those over ten years of age have the same requirements but double the distance. Membership is open to the public. Team practice begins at 7:30am and ends at 9am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Practice goals include improving stroke technique, increasing speed, decreasing times, and building team support. Meets rotate at the pools of the league members, which include teams from from Woodstock, Rutland, Bennington, and Manchester, Vermont; and a team from Glens Falls, New York. Cole shared that on July 28th, at the Southern Vermont Swim League District Championships the swim team finished in second place as a team in total points for Division II. “It’s a quiet sport,” Cole says. “I pipe up with input on a particular element a swimmer might do, one to one.” You won’t hear any yelling from the pool deck. n

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To advertise in the Specializing in all aspects of family eyecare: Comprehensive medical eye examinations Quechee Times, call Contact lens specialists Infant & children’s evaluations 802-698-8184 or email Pre- and post-laser surgery services Largest optical showroom in the area [email protected] Eyeglass accessories Designer & sport sunglasses Medicare and Major Medical Accepted Evening Appointments Available myeyecareforlife.com Page 24 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times Language, Voice, and Music: Nicole Johnson Ruth Sylvester needs known even in gestures. To encourage a very young child to work to communicate, Nicole was always interested in language, in literature might put an object the child wanted out of reach and writing kind of way, says Quechee so that the child would have to engage her to resident Nicole Johnson. “So when I I help get it. graduated from college (Vermont College, part “No matter what the nature of someone’s of Norwich University, in 1992) I was problem, communication is always about the unemployable. Yes,” she laughs, “I was an back and forth. I make that a huge part of what English major. So I drifted, doing lots of we’re doing,” says Nicole. “You can sit and say interesting things that didn’t pay very well.” ‘k—, k—, k—’ till the cows come home, and you Now a speech-language pathologist, she found haven’t learned a thing!” her vocation when she was working in a Nicole makes copious use of books with her childcare center where she started with a group students. She finds books that connect to their of infants and moved along with them as they interests, as well as books that rejoice in language grew. “I noticed a couple of kids who were not developing the use of language as they ought to, and sound for fun, such as the Sheep in a Jeep and I tried to figure out why they were having series by Nancy Shaw and Margot Apple. She problems. I wondered if I could nudge them models the pleasure in books and reading that along, and it worked! Then, oh yeah, it turns she hopes to create and nurture in her students. out there’s a whole profession.” Singing large and small Nicole with her dog Charlie Nicole spent a year on prerequisite courses, Nicole mixes language and music singing in then entered the University of Vermont’s masters degree program in Communi- two very different choruses. For several years she has sung with the Handel cation Sciences. She’s lived or worked in many parts of the state – she grew up Society of Dartmouth College, and hopes to continue to do so; the chorus in East Corinth – and she’s worked with all ages of children from babies through requires a yearly audition. “I love the opportunity to do bigger, large-chorus high schoolers. She now works in the early childhood programs of the Hartford repertoire, and to sing with an orchestra,” she says. She also sings with School District, which she loves because it’s one of the larger systems in the Wrensong, which she jokes that it’s, “The Upper Valley’s premier nine-voice state, with more diversity. Renaissance a cappella choir.” Having admitted another singer, they may soon Vermont’s early intervention program aims to help children overcome need to abandon this title for another! learning difficulties before they even arrive in school; the hope is that children Singing with Wrensong offers an intimacy and opportunity to work collab- will avoid falling behind and failing. Nicole’s position is funded through the oratively with others as equals. Sometimes in five- or six-part music a singer special education system by state and local taxes with help from a Federal block will be alone on a part. The group works to develop a vocal blend; it’s a very grant. To be eligible for assistance through this program, a child has to show a different process from matching her voice as part of the alto section of the 40 percent deficit in a critical area such as communication or motor skills. Handel Society. Two choruses, two ways to enjoy. Humans are hard-wired to use language. Most commonly we pick up the You heard it here first language of those around us as children, developing our physical abilities with One more really big thing, says Nicole, is that she’s a classical pianist. This our mouths and tongues and breathing, as well as gestures. We gradually and may be news to some who know her since she had let her playing lapse. She simultaneously discover that certain sounds link to objects and actions. It's a began when she was ten, and learned quickly. In the past few years, she’s been fantastic process. taking lessons again, and she’s found herself in demand for church services and Imagine that you hit a roadblock. Perhaps you know what sounds you want for playing for friends. “I love to accompany vocalists,” she says with her to make, but your mouth just won't make them clearly enough so that other frequent wide smile. Seeing the music from the other side of the keyboard can people can interpret them correctly. Or for some reason, you're not making your give her a new perspective on singing. n The Quechee Times Fall 2018 Page 25

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Customers receive a 50% discount off fresh produce 800-639-3715 purchased with SNAP 802-296-6714 benefits. “I’m thrilled that www.alldeckedoutcasual.com the Co-op Food Stores is taking part in this program Visit our show room on Rt. 4 just west of the gorge in Quechee VT to empower people to make Proudly serving satisﬁed customers for over 34 years. healthier choices and Open Tuesday through Saturday 10-5 Sunday 10-3 buy local with SNAP benefits,” said New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster. “The Double To advertise in the Up Food Bucks program is a great way to better support low-income families while directing resources Quechee Times, call toward local farmers and New Hampshire’s agricultural sector.” Local food sourcing at the stores of the Co-op ranks high in New 802-698-8184 or email England due to the cooperative’s broad collaboration with area farmers. Those connections with growers make the rollout of Double Up Bucks at [email protected] the Co-op particularly welcome for recipients and program organizers alike. The wins are three-fold: families bring home greater quantities of healthful food, local farmers gain new customers, and additional food dollars stay in the local economy. Each has ripple effects across the community. “The Vermont Foodbank knows that a big barrier for many shoppers getting enough fresh produce is cost, said John Sayles, CEO of the Foodbank. “Giving people with lower incomes the ability to stretch food budgets while eating local using Double Up Food Bucks keeps both our neighbors and farms healthy.” The task of incorporating Double Up Food Bucks into a multi-store business and produce departments the size of the Co-op’s took a number of months for systems integration. The payoff of those efforts is clear as close to 100 SNAP recipients enrolled in the program’s first few weeks. That brisk response is doubly good news for Emily Rogers, the Co-op’s Member Education Manager. For her, the launch of the Double Up Food Bucks program is also boosting the Co-op’s Food for All access program which was launched in 2015 and discounts all SNAP-eligible purchases by an extra 10 percent. Rogers said, “Enrollment in Food for All has shown a nice uptick among shoppers coming in for Double Up Bucks. The more people we help, the better.” Double Up Food Bucks is welcome news for Thresea, a local senior citizen who was one of the first to sign up at the Co-op Food Stores. “Produce is yum, yum, yum! Discount at the Co-op with my EBT card takes lots off nice, fresh stuff so I can get what I need.” Double Up New Hampshire is supported by a coalition of funders including Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, HNH Foundation, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation, as well as “You Have Our Trust” Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. In partnership with Fair Food Network, key partners include New Hampshire Food Bank, which will be conducting store tours through its Cooking Matters program, and UNH Cooperative Extension, whose network of educators will help raise awareness among SNAP recipients. Double Up runs June 1 through Dec. 31. It will return with the beginning of the spring harvest in 2019. n Page 26 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times Promoting The Quechee Club Experience: Sean McLaren Pam Vernon area off Murphy Road, he smiles and says he really enjoys the “show and share” with the staff. Of course, there are hen Sean McLaren, General Manager and lots of emails and administrative work to be done each Chief Operating Officer of the Quechee Club, day too. Sean goes to all the Quechee Lakes Landowners first came to Quechee to meet with the Search W Association (QLLA) Operating Committee and Committee they asked, “Why Quechee?,” he says he Governing Committee meetings, and meets weekly with “thought of the first inhale of fresh pine scent and the the President of the Board of Trustees. He sees his role comfort of the conversation we were having.” His answer, as primarily “in the background providing support and “Every day the members are on vacation while at The encouragement.” He is flexible, inclusive and can Quechee Club. I want to be part of organizing the fun. apparently be creative; I heard that he even designs The campus and facilities are vast, the diversity of flower arrangements for the clubhouse! activities fills the calendar, and the members are inviting. Sign me up!” And they did. He completed his first year Finding club management as a career on July 17th. He’s learned a great deal over this year and Sean grew up in a small town in New Jersey, the says his goal is to enhance the “buzz of Quechee.” youngest of five children. After college, he taught Sean is an experienced club manager and has been in Sean McLaren elementary school for a year, then thought about going the industry for almost 30 years. Prior to into social services and worked at the coming to The Quechee Club, he held Lynchburg Training School & Hospital. several club manager positions, the most Needing a change, he moved to recent as the General Manager of the Richmond, Virginia, and worked at The Dominion Club in Glen Allen, Virginia, United States Historical Society making a highly rated club with the range of wigs and porcelain hands for Ben amenities that Quechee offers as well. He Franklin and Abigail Adams dolls. A knows golf, tennis, aquatics, food and friend convinced him to partner in beverage, fitness; pretty much all of it. opening a delicatessen in Richmond. He has been a Certified Club Manager When they sold it two years later, one of (CCM) since 1997 and was very active in their regular customers encouraged Sean, the Virginia Club Managers’ Association clearly service-focused and well suited to including two terms as the association the hospitality industry, to go to work for president. He is already visible at the the Country Club of Virginia and he New England Club Managers’ began his career in club management at Association meetings and socials. His the fourth largest private country club in knowledge of, and comfort with, the the country. basics of club operations are apparent as Certainly, the service side of his job – we talk. He has been actively working Connor, Madailein, Sean, and Cassie “the member experience” and growing this first year to understand The Quechee Club culture from all perspectives, the membership – are high priorities. As he says, watching people at the club and has even had some time to enjoy the beautiful place where we live. through the seasons is interesting. The winter group is very different from the As we sit on the deck having lunch and chatting, Sean greets each service summer group. In the winter, the Base Lodge is ‘abuzz’ with skiers. There are a staff member by name. Yes, he knows pretty much all the staff... although lot of new seasonal members and renters with young children. The younger learning the names of all the seasonal staff who support the club throughout members are certainly important for the longevity of the club, but a key group, the year can be a bit of a struggle! Sean says, are those members and potential members who are in the 55- to A typical day for Sean includes the goal of checking in with each department 70-year-old age group who have more time to use the amenities and share them as is feasible. He wants to keep a pulse on what’s happening in each facility and with their families. This is the way to encourage the legacy of The Quechee to make himself accessible. Describing his regular visits to the golf maintenance Club. Sean receives suggestions from members and encourages input. When

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BOOK NOW The Quechee Times Fall 2018 Page 27 looking at a new idea, the question he keeps in mind is, “Who is it going to “booming” right now and such great intergenerational sports. The work of the serve?” This is the “essence of the job.” Trails Committee is outstanding as are the fitness and recreation programs. Guiding The Quechee Club into the future Golf’s growth is steady and will only increase as the younger families become What about his thoughts about The Quechee Club and what he hopes to involved. accomplish? Sean says that this “hidden gem” has a solid supportive future. An important future project is to give golf its proper representation in the Members have the amenities of a private club and the atmosphere of a Vermont form of a “Gateway for Golf” with a new pro shop and amenities. I spoke with vacation. Whether a primary home or second homeowner there is a lot to be T.J. Anthoine, The Quechee Club's Director of Golf who says that he and Sean proud of. The facilities are up-to-date and attractive, the balance sheet is share the same philosophy about golf. The message that “it is fun, come, join healthy thanks to the strong stewardship of the QLLA Board of Trustees, and us and get the kids into it” is getting out there. The tournaments are oversub- the members are involved. scribed this year. T.J. also thinks that a central golf facility is important as well He has enjoyed working with the QLLA Board. “All of the Trustees are and is excited to get it going. “Right now, the operation is scattered; it would invested in doing good work and securing the future of Quechee Lakes. The serve the membership best to have all the components together in one spot – volunteer spirit is strong at Quechee, internally and for the community. the pro shop, golf carts, starters, and even a dedicated food and beverage service Women have a strong presence, which is not true of all clubs.” He is impressed for golfers,” T.J. says. that three women were running for trustee positions this year. The other element that draws Sean to Quechee is the landscape and the Several of the significant challenges that face any general manager is finding QLLA mission to preserve the natural beauty of the valley, to be stewards of the efficiencies in resource utilization and managing a diverse employee base. the land. When he and wife, Cassandra (Cassie), started dating, she was living Are there places where we are wasting money and/or energy? With the goal of north of Putney, Vermont. When she moved to Virginia, he promised her that keeping any dues increase minimal and capital constant, he says it's important one day they would return to Vermont. And he says that "thanks to Quechee, to stay on top of operations and invest in projects with significant returns. He I had the opportunity to keep that promise to Cassie.” She is a licensed clinical has established a new group orientation for employees. They are introduced to social worker who will transition her practice to Vermont over the next year. all our operating managers, advised on and given the tools to succeed at the Sean and Cassie have three grown children, Morgan, 27, Connor, 25, and club. His message to them is, “If you have an idea, use your voice and make a Madailein, 20. Currently, he is on his own with his 12-week-old Bernese positive change. The members and their guests are on vacation; our responsi- Mountain dog, Bear. He says he “laughs at himself as a single parent getting up bility is to keep Quechee service oriented and peaceful.” Sean doesn’t like to in the night with the dog.” Sean, and now Bear, spend time off driving around take credit for any specific accomplishments; it’s all a team effort. “My job is to Vermont and the Upper Valley searching for the perfect swimming hole. He keep suggesting helpful ideas. My success and satisfaction come when the idea has an extensive list of things to do (with the help of Mike Avery, concierge blossoms and is beneficial to the membership. extraordinaire) to help him explore. Sean is impressed with the pool complex – a super asset, which is becoming As Sean describes it, this is what I do all day with passion – “work to improve increasingly utilized with new ping-pong tables, the new teen room, and Friday the Quechee experience, to create the buzz, and to experience and preserve the Night Pool Parties. It is truly a member-meeting place. Tennis and skiing are natural beauty, rural character, and setting of the valley.” n

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Full Service Restaurant/Lounge On Premises US Route 4 Quechee VT www.qualityinnquecheegorge.com Page 28 Fall 2018 The Quechee Times Providing Parks & Recreation Activities for All: Scott Hausler Darby Laine the department wouldn’t be as big and busy if the community weren’t engaged in partici- cott Hausler, Certified Parks and pating and volunteering. Recreation Professional, has been the “For a community of about 10,000, we’re SHartford Parks & Recreation Director operating an agency that some larger for a full year at the time of this writing. I communities just don’t have. The agency talked to Scott just after the Fourth of July, provides a quality of life that other places and I asked him if the fireworks show was don’t offer – without our great staff and the most dramatic event of the year that the volunteers we wouldn’t be as half as successful department had to organize. Scott was as we are with this size of a department.” dismissive of the idea that funding, He also notes the impressive outpouring promoting and organizing a safe and fun of the community at events like the Quechee holiday for an entire town might be stressful. Hot Air Balloon Festival. Volunteers support I should have expected a comfortable the Festival, and for the first time, this year confidence, given the resume that speaks to Parks & Rec offered parking on The Quechee his years of experience. Being a parks Green by donation only. The donations director was a role already familiar to Scott before the Hartford Selectboard totaled nearly $10,000 for the Brian Hanson Memorial Athletic Scholarship appointed him to the job. Fund. This scholarship is available to Hartford residents to provide financial He does tell me that there’s never a dull moment either. This year the town assistance to access Parks & Rec’s activities and programs. was unsure of funding for the July fourth fireworks, which caused some extra Focus on needed community upgrades scrambling. In the end, donations and fundraising helped to provide the Scott’s larger focus as the director is to address some sorely needed upkeep on community with a magnificent fireworks display. some key community buildings. The municipal pool had to shut down this Scott and his family have lived in Wilder, Vermont since 1993. He and his summer due to an excessive amount of water loss last season: an initial inspection wife, Pam’s, three children, Brett, Hanna, and Kenna were all born at found concerns with the gutter system. In response, a Pool Committee was Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and formed by the Hartford Selectboard to identify the best plan for moving forward graduated from Hartford High in White River Junction, Vermont. Working as with the pool. The committee will draw on many resources before passing its the park director in Claremont, New Hampshire, since 1997, Scott, in 2013, findings on to Parks & Rec, and then to the Selectboard. Choices about what decided to take the assistant director’s job in Hartford to be closer to home. to do with the pool could end up on the town meeting agenda and potentially One of his most memorable accomplishments as the director in Claremont, even on the ballot. A survey with questions about pool use, concerns, and ideas Scott explains, was getting the new community center completed before he is being offered to the public throughout the summer, and a more thorough came to Hartford. Now five years old, the building includes an indoor pool, inspection of the building will be assessed as well. gymnasium, raised running track, and unlimited use possibilities for the Starting in October, the Wendell A. Barwood Arena opens up as a huge draw Claremont community. Scott admits that being the director compared to the for adult and high school hockey teams, curlers, and ice skaters. Like the assistant director means less time in the field, being outdoors, but emphasizes municipal pool, the arena has some structural concerns that need to be that it’s an important challenge to create a balance with office and community addressed. Previous repairs cost the town $2.5 million in 2013, and earlier this time as the department head. year close to $600,000 has been approved for the needs of the arena. Scott and Activities the department has to offer his team are hoping to establish a capital reserve fund that would store and save Harford Parks & Rec helps organize and host events throughout the year and money toward future operational costs of the arena. maintains all the ponds and parks that we love to enjoy. Parks & Recreation has It takes an active community to need and support an active Parks & Rec more domain than most of us probably realize: weekly camps for kids, the free Department, and that speaks to a town’s culture and sense of community. It also concert summer series well-known on The Quechee Green, discounted tickets takes a dedicated director, staff, and volunteers to make it all happen. To learn to amusement parks like Six Flags and Bromley, fishing workshops for all more about what activities are available, you can find bi-annual brochures different levels of anglers, and marathons like the Hurricane Hill Trail Run — around the villages of Hartford, or check out upcoming events and volunteer just to name a few. I asked Scott if he thinks the town and villages of Hartford needs at the Hartford Parks & Recreation website at www.hartford-vt.org/2212/ take full advantage of what the department has to offer, and he definitely thinks Parks-Recreation. n

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REVELS NORTH: A FAMILY AFFAIR – continued from page 1 After her husband, Lawrence Nowlan, passed suddenly in 2013, Heather Revels has been a profound positive experience for those in the Upper also took over management of his collection of sculptures at LJN Sculpture in Valley for over 40 years. Upper Valley local and Quechee resident, Heather his Windsor, Vermont, studio. She was also inspired to move closer to Upper Nowlan, and her two children, Monet, 12, and Teelin, 9, had such an incredible Valley activities, the Quechee community, and the Waldorf School. experience the first time she saw a performance that she jumped at the chance Since moving to Quechee, the Nowlan’s have been actively taking part in to be involved. “My first experience many aspects of the community. with Revels was as an audience “It’s been great for my little family,” member, with my two children, at she says. “We do most of the the 2016 Christmas Revels show at activities that are part of Quechee the Hopkins Center in Hanover. anyway; we love to ski and swim, After that performance, we all were and my son likes to play golf. There so moved by the music, the story, are these things that we are going to and by watching members of our do anyway, so it makes it really easy community perform that I knew I for us to do all those things we wanted to find a way for us to be enjoy... moving for us was a way to involved with Revels North,” says be closer to the school and the Heather. school community. The people that Heather knew Nils Fredland, the I’ve met here in Quechee have been Artistic Director for Revels North, so great and so fun, I love it.” through the Upper Valley Waldorf Teelin was on the Quechee Ski School where both their children Team this past year and enjoyed it attend and his wife is a teacher. Nils so much that even on freezing cold encouraged her to go to the family early mornings, he would still beat contra dances in the area and to his mother to the door, dressed and join the cast of the Summer 2017 anxious to go. Both Teelin and Revels. Having grown up in a family Monet are also on the Quechee that was focused on music and Swim Team, and Teelin is at the dance, Heather jumped at the Teelin in the 2018 Summer Revels Monet in the 2017 Christmas Revels Q-Crew summer day camp. Not opportunity. She was the Children’s only does living in Quechee make it Chorus Manager and both Monet and Teelin performed. easier for her children to participate in all these activities, but Heather also is Nils also suggested that Heather’s daughter, Monet, audition for the 2017 enjoying her time within the welcoming and friendly Quechee community. Christmas Revels where she again had an excellent experience in the Children’s Expanding her involvement in Revels North Chorus making new friends, meeting the guest artists, and the other teams that This past spring, Heather was approached to join the Revels North board as were part of the production. “It was a rich, rich experience [for Monet], a kind a member who has children currently participating and brings the perspective of multi-generational experience that was very positive,” Heather says. of a parent and active community member. She was happy to join and help Finding their way to Quechee support such a fantastic company. Heather first moved to the Upper Valley in 2000 and lived in Cornish, New “The Revels community has been so beneficial to be involved with, and I Hampshire, for most of that time until she moved to Quechee in February am proud to be part of such a wonderful group that enhances the arts in the 2017. “I was drawn to the Upper Valley in 2000 by an internship at Saint Upper Valley and gives the opportunity to sing, dance, and perform to so Gaudens National Historic Site through the SCA [Student Conservation many,” Heathers says, and joining the board was the perfect next step for her Association]. I later became an interpretive park ranger at the National family's involvement with the organization. Heather is looking forward to Headquarters of SCA. I worked there for the next five years as both a recruiter working with others who share like-minded goals for the Revels organization. for their national conservation crews and internships and as an AmeriCorps Both Monet and Teelin are cast in this year’s coming Christmas Revels. While grant writer. When I became a mother in 2006 that became my full-time job,” the whole production is still in development, it will have a Venetian theme. Heather says. To learn more about the Revels North visit www.revelsnorth.org. n

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MEMORY LANE Scotland in Quechee READ MORE: TheQuecheeTimes.com QL Energy House From the October 1974 edition of The Quechee Times. uechee was the scene of one of Vermont’s most colorful Qspectacles when the second annual Scottish Festival was held on September 14. Fifteen hundred enthusiastic attendants constitute a joyous crowd when they gather in a small village, and that’s the number that came here from many parts of the country to see and hear bagpipers parade, Revolutionary War battles re-enacted, and feisty competition in sports peculiar to The Highlands. The hundreds of visitors spent most of the day in Quechee and there was continuous color and action for them to enjoy. The spectacles and entertainment were provided by both whole groups and individuals knowledgeable about traditional Scottish games and music. “His Majesty’s 64th Regiment” and the “Second New York Coonials” – regimental groups from New York in authentic Revolutionary War uniforms – provided memorable thrills as they simulated battle. Among the individuals who drew rapt attention as they sang and played musical instruments was Hugh Laughlin, a native of Scotland and now living in Quechee. The lively day ended with a Tartan Ball and banquet at the Quechee Club. The festival was sponsored by the Quechee Council of Village Enterprises and Quechee Lakes Corporation. Visitors said they believed the Scottish Festival could become Vermont’s most colorful annual event. n

Out-of-state license plates of cars almost covering the field near Henri Hill showed the widespread home states of the Scottish Festival’s many visitors. They included California, the Great Lakes region, the South and Mid-west. More than 1500 people attended this year’s Festival.

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