I’ve felt quite at home in Cabot, Vermont, during my visit here over the past few days.  The weather is similar to Wisconsin (chilly, grey and fallish), this state shares a love of cheese (I can see the world-famous Cabot Creamery from my window), and the folks here are interested in one of my favorite subjects...technology. I’m spending a few days in this  quaint corner of America to present several technology workshops to a town that is small in population, but progressive when it comes to getting plugged in.

 

Cabot is a great example of how technology impacts and connects us all. This town has a City Hall/Library building, a school, a church, a hardware store, a general store...and Internet access.  What else could a person need?

 

There are no malls here.  No Starbucks or McDonalds for miles.  There are no traffic lights or pizza joints. There is only one Inn in the town, and I’m the only guest.  And up until just a few weeks ago, there was no cell phone service.  

 

Yet, this small community is still plugged in.  The school has Internet access, kids have email addresses and MySpace accounts, and as of recently, brand new cell phones.  When I asked them what they do most often with their phones, the answer ...text, of course.

 

Cabot is also plugged in to priorities. Several parents told me what a wonderful place Cabot was to raise a family.  And to make sure it stays that way, the community took the time to improve their understanding, voice their concerns and explore important tech issues by inviting me to present to parents and faculty on the subject.

 

It may be a small town, but there are no small ideas here.  I was welcomed and questioned and thanked by teachers and a gym full of parents eager to get plugged in.

 

Thanks Cabot!  A small town that is setting a big example.