Hello Friends of the Road,

How is everyone doing? We’ve made it through another Winter. For those not in areas of snow, you don’t get credit for weathering another season of cold, ice, and back breaking snow removal. I’m sure you have other challenges in your area, but no snow patch for you scouts! I have been busy as always. I now have vegetable plants in the outside gardens and a new kitten to care for. The plants are much less work! Both are rewarding in their own ways.  

Sorry I didn’t write earlier. I certainly have been thinking of you all as the outings have been scheduled. I am looking forward to seeing you again. By now, those who have provided mailing addresses should have received your annual mailing. Many of you have already mailed in membership dues and contributes. Thank you very much for your generosity and support! For those who aren’t familiar with our mailing, it is a mixed bag of content, and contains a magnet with the year’s outing schedule to help you keep track of your crazy historian get togethers. If you’d like to be added to that mailing list, just email me your mailing address. We aren’t strict about memberships, but always welcome and start at just $5 a year. As you may have noticed, we changed the content of the mailing a bit this year. The pamphlet portion was getting a bit stale and mostly repeat content for the longterm members. I welcome any and all feedback about the content provided this year. We’ll likely still make a tri-fold pamphlet, but will only distribute them to local libraries to spread awareness about the Crown Point Road and our organization. 

The new merchandise we’re offering this year are hats and bumper stickers. The hats have been sold in the past, but weren’t officially on our order form. The bumper stickers, a great addition, was thanks to historian Tom Hughes. It was his idea and handiwork. They are well made, and have clear backgrounds to look more attractive on your vehicle. They are a great way to show support of the CPRA. 

Our facebook feed has been active lately, which is great. If you’re not following our page, please do so. We’ve been involved with different historical anniversary events, including Breakenridge (last year), Remember Baker, and others are already being planned. It is important to keep these huge contributors of the past in the present.

In case you missed it, Bennington has some new colors lighting the historic monument. You can read about it here: https://www.wcax.com/2022/04/19/bennington-battle-monument-lit-colors-ukrainian-flag/

We’d like to believe we are all out of the pandemic now, but recent numbers continue to climb. Currently we aren’t planning to have any mask requirements, but everyone is encouraged to social distance where possible, and be respectful of those who are concerned for their health. 

One outing on our schedule that is very dependent upon the health conditions and political policies, is the bus trip to Montreal. Yes, another bus trip and we are excited! It will be a one day event and include multiple historical destinations in the Montreal area. So if you have intentions to go, make sure your passport is up to date. We’ll be announcing more details about pickup locations, costs, etc in the upcoming weeks. 

The final topic for today is the upcoming outing on May 15th. It will be an outdoors event, so be prepared for the weather. There will be 3 parts that you can attend and feel free to participate only in what you’re comfortable or interested in. The first will be a presentation of and about artifacts found at the site. 2nd, there will be a very short hike nearby. And lastly, for those interested, the short hike can be extended to see more of the area. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the outing leader identified below. Here is the official write-up: Lyn and Jim DesMarais have allowed Phil Mandolare to explore the Crown Point Road route through their Brandon property with his metal detector. CPRA members and friends are invited to gather at the DesMarais Farm (215 Ella Dean Road) Sunday at 1PM. Phil will report on his search, reveal his findings, and then lead a short drive and walk to the site. An optional longer hike along the Road back to the Farm will follow. Rain date May 22. For more info contact Barry Griffith (802) 492-3573 bgriffithvt@gmail.com

That is all for now. Be well and do what you can to preserve history!