Cavendish Update 10/16/26: Survey/Water/Wkshps/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE CAVENDISH TOWN SURVEY? The last day to take it is October 31, so please don't delay as this helps the Planning Commission in their long range planning process. Input is welcomed from all members of the Cavendish community including residents of both Cavendish and the Village of Proctorsville, renters, business owners, and non-resident property owners. Paper copies are available at the Town Office. Click here to take it on-line.

VOTING: If you are a registered Cavendish voter, you should have received your ballot in the mail. Contact the town office if you haven't.

If you are 18 or older, register to vote if you haven't done so already. You can register to vote on election day (Nov.3) and vote that same day. You can register to vote at any time, in person, at the Cavendish Town’ Clerk’s office or register on-line at the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page before Oct. 30. https://vote.vermont.gov/public/dashboard

Cavendish voting takes place on Nov. 3 (Tuesday) from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall 

LEAVING CAVENDISH THIS WINTER? Avoid burst and frozen pipes! If you are on municipal water, the Cavendish Water Dept. will be happy to shut it off and turn it back on in the spring-free of charge. Call the Town office to schedule a shut off date 802-226-7291. 

10/16/26

1.    Letter of thanks from Pieter van Schaik

2.    Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Workshop

3.    State Biologist to Give Talk in Cavendish

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. LETTER OF THANKS FROM PIETER VAN SCHAIK: Pieter van Schaik was lost in Cavendish Oct.4 and found the morning of Oct. 5. To read more about his experience, check out last week’s update by clicking here and/or read the article in this week’s VT Journal. 83 Year Old Man Found Safely after Night in the Woods

The following letter of thanks is from Pieter: I’d like to thank Cavendish, Proctorsville, and local fire departments for all their efforts organizing search parties for me on Oct. 4 and 5, when hiking Lord’s State Forest. I lost my way, but spent the evening enjoying moonlight in Vermont. I especially appreciate the efforts of all those individuals in the search parties organized by the fire department, state police, and the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department who extended use of their drone and infrared technology to help me. Finally, I got back to where I entered Lord’s State Forest and connected with Peter Kolenda. With Gratitude, Pieter van Schaik, Windsor, Vt.

2. DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD) WORKSHOP: A. two day holiday, most often associated with Mexican communities, Dia de los Muertos is a time to reunite the living and the dead. Families and communities create “ofrendas” (altar) to honor those that have passed and to encourage their return at this time of year. Far from a dark and somber occasion, it is a celebration filled with good food, laughter, memories and fun.

On October 31(Saturday), the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will be hosting a Dia de los Muertos workshop at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville.  From 10-noon there will be a workshop to create items for an ofrenda including: papel picado (paper cuts); paper flowers; ornaments; mask making; vase/candle holders; “sugar skulls” and more.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations welcomed and appreciated. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807.

3. STATE BIOLOGIST TO GIVE TALK IN CAVENDISH: Vermont offers some incredible online tools to help you learn more about your land and understand its ecological context. Figuring out how to use them can feel a bit overwhelming. Join the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) as it hosts Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Conservation Planner Jens Hilke for an informative session on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m., at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 473 Main Street in Proctorsville, Vt. Hilke will walk listeners step by step through the Vermont BioFinder mapping tool, which enables users to learn more about what’s on their parcels and how they fit in with larger forest blocks and waterways. He will also offer a preview of upcoming changes to these tools so users can stay ahead and make the most of them in the coming years.

Hilke works for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department as a conservation planning biologist. He helps towns, regional planning commissions, and nongovernmental organizations with their conservation planning efforts. This includes help with GIS natural resource mapping, advice on prioritizing significant natural features, and help with implementing town conservation goals. Hilke did his undergraduate work at Connecticut College in environmental sociology, and then received a master’s degree in botany from the University of Vermont as a field naturalist. Hilke has taught high school science in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New Jersey, and for a study-abroad program in Thailand.

 

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

 • Cavendish Planning Commission Hearing and Meeting Minutes from Oct. 7 meeting are now on-line.

• Gift In Memory of Ralph E Bidgood and Florence B Hill: If you haven’t had a chance to visit Hillcrest Cemetery in Proctorsville lately, the new fencing is truly something to celebrate. This wonderful improvement was made possible through an exceptionally generous gift from Tim Perini, given in loving memory of Ralph E. Bidgood and Florence B. Hill. The Town of Cavendish extends its sincere thanks to Tim for this thoughtful contribution to our community.

• Cavendish Historic Timeline: In honor of Cavendish’s 265th birthday-October 12, the Cavendish Historic Society has posted a timeline at the CHS blog.

• Author releases locally inspired book: Author Carol Ann Leofanti has released her new book, “The Stone House Killer,” available on Amazon. Leofanti describes her book as a phycological thriller that takes place in a small town in Vermont, following a man named Dale who becomes fascinated with the story of his distant relative Phineas P. Gage, the railroad worker who survived a tamping iron passing through his skull only to emerge a completely different man. The story captures Dale’s imagination and, over the years, that fascination slowly deepens into something far more consuming. VT Journal

• Here’s how much more Social Security recipients will get from a cost-of-living boost WCAX

5. EVENTS

OCTOBER -DECEMBER 5: Solzhenitsyn in Vermont Exhibit, Cavendish Library, 753 Main Street, Proctorsville. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am-6 pm. FMI, or to arrange other times, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): CCCA hosts Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Conservation Planner Jens Hilke for an informative session 6 p.m., at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 473 Main Street in Proctorsville.

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Trunk or Treat 68 Town Office Road, Plymouth VT, 4-6 pm

OCTOBER 30 (FRIDAY): Bambino University’s 1st Trunk or Treat. Bring your vehicle, decorate your trunk. 6-8 pm, 2588 Route 103, Proctorsville VT. RSVP by Oct. 15th bambinouniversityvt@gmail.com

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Benson’s Trunk or Treat 4-6 pm, Ludlow

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 10/9/26: Rescue/Solzhenitsyn/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

TODAY (FRIDAY OCT 9): FLU VACCINE CLINIC 8-12 @ Ludlow Health Center. Note that flu is rapidly increasing and is much earlier this year, so a good idea to vaccinate early and not wait until the end of the month.

• FREE CONTRA DANCE: Sponsored by BRGNS 6-8 pm @ the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow.  Celebrating the 4th year serving community meals. Open to the public. 

SUNDAY (Oct 11): BRAT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS to help plant in the Fletcher Farm Foundation floodplain forest- field next to the Black River Rugby Pitch, across from Stepping Stones Preschool on Route 103 at the Ludlow/Cavendish town line. 10 AM until the planting is done. The more volunteers the quicker it will go. Please email if you think you can volunteer: blackrivercleanup@gmail.com

FALL INTO WINTER: 11-3 Okemo’s Annual Fall celebration 11-3 @ Jackson Gore. Cavendish Park Playground will have a booth there and will be selling bacelets the CTES 5/6th graders made to benefit the playground https://www.okemo.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/signature-events/fall-into-winter.aspx

LAST DAY CHS MUSEUM IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON 2-4 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAVENDISH: October 12 marks the 265th anniversary of the creation of the Cavendish township.

10/9/26

1.    Successful Search and Rescue

2.    Solzhenitsyn in Vermont Exhibit

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. SUCCESSFUL SEARCH AND RESCUE: On Sunday, Pieter van Schaik, well known to those in Cavendish and beyond, was reported missing. At 83, he was on the trails of the Albert C. Lord State Forest, and his abutting land. When his friends couldn’t find him, the response was immediate with North Country Search Dogs on the scene along with the VT State Police, Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments and community volunteers.

As the search ended after midnight, many left with heavy hearts, worried for Pieter’s safety. People on Tarbell Hill were leaving lights on and as one person posted, My porch light, porch door and house door is open and on and I've left blankets and pillows out. I'm so worried right now.

With the first teams out in the field, around 9 am, on Monday morning, word was quickly received that Pieter had been found by Peter Kolenda, retired fire chief of Ludlow, walking on Tarbell Hill.

Pieter explained that he walked around but as it became dark, he laid down and watched the moon. He remained, calm and at first light, he made his way out and onto a road.  Surprisingly in good shape, he was transported to Springfield Hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure and was released later that day.

The response to Pieter being found alive, was greeted with great joy. Teri McNamara went to her front porch on Depot St. and “rang the bell,” alerting her neighbors to the good news. North Country Search Dogs posted, Everyone gratefully returned to the local fire department where tables groaned with food, donated by locals. Cavendish has an amazing community that quickly rallies in times of crisis. We’ve benefited from their support on a previous search and were once again blown away by their organization and hospitality. Having food and hydration provided is like pouring fuel into the search engine. It makes for happy searchers, particularly when the four-legged searchers have their own section of the table dedicated to dog treats! So precious! Thank you to the local businesses and individuals who contributed.

Thank you to all those who volunteered, dropped off food and your prayers. Special thanks to the Cavendish Shelter, who housed the trackers and dogs Sunday night-they make it possible to house people when we need the extra help. To Juda Gross and Garrett Turco, thank you for helping to get the shelter ready. While we know you were willing to do more, it was a school night.

Many have asked how could Pieter have survived. For starters Pieter had food and extra clothing with him. He didn’t panic. While he didn’t have his cell phone with him, which would have helped, we can’t always rely on technology. It’s a good idea when hiking to have back up measures to your electronics-a whistle and mirror. Note that the Go Kits, which are available for free to those living in Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt. Holly at the Cavendish and Ludlow Libraries, contain a whistle.

2. SOLZHENITSYN IN VERMONT EXHIBIT:  In celebration of the Russian writer, Soviet dissident and Nobel Laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s who moved to  Cavendish 50 years ago, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS), in conjunction with the Cavendish Fletcher Memorial Library, is pleased to announce the exhibit “Solzhenitsyn in Vermont.” This exhibit was developed by the Vermont Historical Society in honor of Solzhenitsyn’s 100th birthday in 2018 and is currently on loan to CHS and the Library.

The Solzhenitsyn in Vermont exhibit celebrates the life and work of Russian novelist and historian Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, particularly his time living in Cavendish, Vermont and its influence on his life and work. Telling the story through photographs, quotes, and family memories, the exhibit includes 5 main exhibit panels, along with 4 timeline panels noting important moments from Solzhenitsyn’s life.

The exhibit is now on display at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 753 Main St., Proctorsville until Dec. 5. In addition to the VHS display are the autographed books Solzhenitsyn donated to the town upon his return to Russia.

The library is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am-6 pm. For more information, or to arrange other times, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Vermonters are unhappy with school performance and property taxes, poll finds: A majority of Vermonters are not happy with how the state’s schools have been performing. But those same people are also not ready to make changes to how the schools are funded. Those are some of the big takeaways from the latest Vermont Public poll. Statewide, only 43% of those polled said the quality of Vermont’s schools was excellent or good, while 50% rated them as fair or poor. VT Public

• Agenda for first meeting for Group 7 school merger study committee: The first meeting of the Group 7 school merger study committee will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 13 at Bellows Falls Union High School, 406 High School Road, Westminster, Vt. and remotely via Zoom.

• Fossil fuel prices are up, and Vermonters are struggling to foot the bill: The price of fuel oil for home heat is up about $2 per gallon over this time last year.

4. EVENTS

OCTOBER -DECEMBER 5: Solzhenitsyn in Vermont Exhibit, Cavendish Library, 753 Main Street, Proctorsville. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am-6 pm. FMI, or to arrange other times, call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

OCTOBER 9 (FRIDAY): 6-8 pm Free Contra Dance to celebrate 4th year of serving community meals. Sponsored by Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St. Ludlow.

OCTOBER 10 (SATURDAY): Pet Vaccine Clinic 10-12 Springfield Humane Society, registration required. No walk-ins. Call 802-885-3997 to register.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): Last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open for the season. 2-4 pm. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office closed

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm Cavendish Library, Understanding What is Most Ecologically Important in Cavendish with Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. Learn to explore your parcel with Vermont Biofinder. Sponsered by CCCA

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Trunk or Treat 68 Town Office Road, Plymouth VT, 4-6 pm

OCTOBER 30 (FRIDAY): Bambino University’s 1st Trunk or Treat. Bring your vehicle, decorate your trunk. 6-8 pm, 2588 Route 103, Proctorsville VT. RSVP by Oct. 15th bambinouniversityvt@gmail.com

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 10/2/26: Jobs/News/Events

Murdoch Mill, Proctorsville VT

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SATURDAY: 9 am Tracking and the Art of Seeing, Proctor Piper Trail. Join wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a guided walk and learn to read the hidden signs of nature-track, scat and more.

11-1: Create Together at Fletcher Farms is hosting a FREE community art class for teens and adults-Stained Glass Mosaic Bricks. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply looking to try something new, come spend some time creating, connecting, and enjoying the beauty of fall in Vermont. Registration Required.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY: Vermont Crafts Council Open Studio. Local artists-CreateTogether and Patricia Darling Dean Artworks are part of the Fall Tour.

Okemo Valley TV website is back on-line.

10/2/26

1.Preparedness Tips for 2026

2. Job Postings

3. CCCA Workshops

4. Cavendish Related News

5. Events Calendar

1. PREPAREDNESS TIPS FOR SEPTEMBER 2026:  For the 2026 list of tips, as well as the Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) handout “Emergency Preparedness,” click here If you don’t have a Go Kit, you can now pick up a free one at the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries.

As we close out Preparedness Month, keep in mind that Cavendish has a well-established shelter at the Cavendish Baptist Church that needs support. There are three ways to donate:  online via PayPal to Cavendish Baptist Church and designate your funds to the Emergency Shelter Fund . Mail checks directly to the Cavendish Baptist Church, PO Box 425, Cavendish, VT 05142 (memo line should specify the shelter) or drop your donation off at the church.

2. JOB POSTINGS

Cavendish Fire District #1 (Proctorsville Fire Dept) New Clerk/Treasurer. Andrea, Clerk/Treasurer, will be stepping down from the role this April after 5 years, What the role involves: Managing District finances and record-keeping; Taking meeting minutes; Handling correspondence; Filing required reports; Preparing yearly taxes; Preparing for the annual meeting; Attending monthly district meeting This is a great way to support your local fire department without any firefighting or emergency response required — just organization, reliability, and a willingness to learn. If you're interested or have questions, please reach out to District Prudential Board Chair Jeff Gilcris or stop by the firehouse during the next district meeting on 10/13 at 7pm.

Cavendish Town Elementary School: Head of Maintenance, M-F, 7-3, flexible summer hours. Contact Angela Cartier, principal angela.cartier@trsu.org

Shaws Hiring Event 11-3 on Oct. 4 (Sunday) in Ludlow for part time employment. Hiring as young as 14 and welcome students and retirees.

Benson’s hiring Automotive Service Technician call 802-228-4001.

American Legion Ballard-Hobart Post 36: Invitation to Bid Plowing/Winter Maintenance Facility Cleaning.FMI lstevens@vermontel.net or 802-282-6697 Bids due by Oct. 3.

Town of Ludlow: Ludlow Polic Department is accepting applications for a full-time patrol officer and a full time emergency services dispatcher. FMI Jeffrey.warfle@vermont.gov or 802-228-4411

3. CCCA WORKSHOPS: At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, join wildlife photographer Tim Donoghue for a Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s  Walk & Talk program, Who Lives Behind Your House, at the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library,  573 Main St.

Learn how to use a trail camera to discover the wildlife that lives among us. Whether it’s a bobcat on the prowl, a black bear, a fox or something you didn’t imagine, the trail cam can pick up movement and snap a shot. O’Donoghue will talk about best locations and habitat sites for setup and have a slideshow of photos he has taken. He will also be introducing a Cavendish Community Citizen Science project inviting community members to help tally wildlife sightings in the area.

Bring your own wildlife photos to share and enter to win a trail cam yourself. The winner will be announced at the presentation. Then  at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, also at the library Conservation Planning Biologist Jens Hilke, of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, will give a presentation on biodiversity in our area and how you can use Fish & Wildlife’s website to understand more about the species that populate and travel in Cavendish, whether they are year round residents or simply passing through. For more information, email cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Town of Cavendish Development Review Board Meeting Minutes 9/17/26

• CHS October Briefs:  The Cavendish Historical Society October Briefs are now on-line. For the next three months CHS will be celebrating Solzhenitsyn's Arrival in Cavendish.

• Support for Abe Teter: Many of our local snowboarders learned to ride and were encouraged by Abe and his siblings. A graduate of Black River High School, Abe is fighting a rare form of aggressive skin cancer on his face for more than 19 years. His sister Hannah has set up a Go Fund Me site to help so Abe can pursue a new cutting edge treatment that could give him a chance to save his remaining eye and preserve his vision.

• Free education opportunity for 3SquaresVT recipients: Goodwin University is expanding a program that offers no-cost online training, associate degrees, and job skill badges to Vermonters. You can find more information about the program here. WCAX 

• Is Vermont a good place to grow old? Opinions are split, poll shows: Nearly one in four Vermonters is 65 or older. But opinions are split over whether the state is a good place to retire or grow old, according to a new Vermont Public poll. VT Public

5. EVENTS

OCTOBER 3 (SATURDAY): 9 am Tracking and the Art of Seeing, Proctor Piper Trail. Join wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a guided walk and learn to read the hidden signs of nature-track, scat and more. This is part of the CCCA’s Walk and Track series.

• 11-1: Create Together at Fletcher Farms is hosting a FREE community art class for teens and adults-Stained Glass Mosaic Bricks. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply looking to try something new, come spend some time creating, connecting, and enjoying the beauty of fall in Vermont. Registration Required.

OCTOBER 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, “Who Lives Behind Younr House?” Taking pictures with a trail camera with Tim O’Donoghue. Sponsored by CCCA.

OCTOBER 10 (SATURDAY): Pet Vaccine Clinic 10-12 Springfield Humane Society, registration required. No walk-ins. Call 802-885-3997 to register.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): Last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open for the season. 2-4 pm. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office closed

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm Cavendish Library, Understanding What is Most Ecologically Important in Cavendish with Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. Learn to explore your parcel with Vermont Biofinder. Sponsered by CCCA

OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY): Trunk or Treat 68 Town Office Road, Plymouth VT, 4-6 pm

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 9/25/26: Culvert Care/Flushing/News/Events

  LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

FREE GO BAGS TODAY: At the BRGNS Rummage today, 10-3 at Fletcher Farms off route 103, the Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) will be distributing free Go Bags (also called Go Kits, Bug Out bags) to those in Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt Holly and Plymouth. You never know when you’ll have an emergency and need to evacuate. 

1st Annual CULVERT CARE DAY 10-Noon Fletcher Farm Fields Proclamations by representatives from Cavendish & Ludlow. Learn how to protect culverts, ditches in & around your property. Bring your smartphone to check out the online culvert tool. Site visit a local property to see culvert tools in action. Wear comfortable shoes & bring water.

For more information, e-mail blackrivercleanup@gmail.com 

HELP! ASAP the 6th graders at CTES need 4 more refrigerator sized cardboard boxes so they can build their final project for Newton's Laws of Motion. Reach out to Jennifer.Harper@trsu.org or 802-548-7419 if you can help us out. 

9/26//26

1.    Hydrant Flushing

2.    Preparedness Tips for Storm Water Awareness

3.    The Community Partnership: Caring for Cavendish culverts, ditches

4.    Rural Rivers Project

5.    Cavendish Related News

6.    Events Calendar

1. NOTICE OF HYDRANT FLUSHING: Cavendish Municipal Water System Monday, September 28th, through Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 During the hours of 8 am to 5 pm System users are reminded that: Flushing hydrants may cause temporary discoloration and turbidity of the water. We apologize for any inconvenience to our users, however this very important system maintenance procedure must be conducted each spring and fall. The flushing program allows the pipes to be purged and the hydrants checked for proper operation. Users are advised to avoid drinking the water or washing clothes (especially whites) while discoloration is in evidence. Following hydrant flushing in your area, users should run cold water until it clears before resuming normal use. It is also a good idea to flush residential water heaters after the water clears following a hydrant flush in your area. Thank you for your cooperation, Cavendish Municipal Water System For additional information call 802-226-7291

2. PREPAREDNESS TIPS FOR STORM WATER AWARENESS For the 2026 list of tips, as well as the Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) handout “Emergency Preparedness,” click here. This week’s tips include:

• Have plans in place including: When instructed to evacuate or shelter-in-place, do so immediately. Set a meet up place in case your family is separated. Plan a place to stay if you cannot return to your home within a week

• Go Kits: Flood, wildfire or any number of other emergencies can happen quickly, leaving little time to think, so it’s important to have a go bag (also called a “ready bag,” or “bug-out bag”) by the door so you can grab and go. The Black River Valley Resources (BRVR) group makes it easy with a free Go Kit that you can pick up at the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries for those living in Cavendish, Ludlow, Mt. Holly and Plymouth. Wirecutter has a good guide

• Be Storm Savvy: Learn how to protect your property.

3. THE COMMUNITY/TOWN PARTNERSHIP: CARING FOR CAVENDISH CULVERT, DITCHES & DRAINS: In order to help reduce flooding risks in Cavendish, it’s important that there is a community/town partnership. With over 750 town culverts, spread over 39.7 miles, our small town crew can’t check every one each year, let alone clear out the ditches that feed into the culverts and drains.

Note: If a ditch or culvert is on your property, it is your responsibility to maintain them.

Please review the basics below and either download a copy of Be Storm Savvy, or pick up a copy at the town office or from the Cavendish or Ludlow Libraries.

Don’t Pitch in the Ditch: Keep ditches clear of items that can prevent water from moving including: snow; sand; dirt; grass clippings leaves & branches; trash; hazardous materials (e.g. pet waste, oil & gas, paint and pesticides & fertilizers.

Instead: Clear out culverts/ditches every spring and fall

• Look through your culvert with a flashlight to make sure it’s clear

• Take household hazardous waste to HHW Depot at the Alva Waste Transfer Station in Springfield (1050 Charlestown Road) .This service is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, from 9am to 12pm, from May through September. All appointments must be made 24+ hours in advance. Call 802-674-9235

Check for Damage: Look for wear or damage to culverts on, or next to, your property. If you see any damage, make repairs or contact the town (802-226-7291) to clarify your responsibility.

• Check for cracks, misalignment and blockages

• Openings should be free of sediment, rubbish and debris

• Remove any obstructions you can see including large branches, overgrown fencing and any other barriers

• Be safe and smart. Don’t enter water higher than your ankles if you can’t see the bottom, only use hand tools (rake, shovel, broom)

• Work in pairs or teams when you can.

CULVERT CARE DAY: The last Saturday in September is Culvert Care Day in the Okemo Valley. Please do necessary checks using the information above. This year, on Saturday Sept. 26th, Culvert Care Day will kick off with a short workshop at Fletcher Fields at 10 am. This is a good time to get questions answered.

4. RURAL RIVERS PROJECT:  The Rural Rivers Project is excited to announce a new community science collaboration with the towns of Ludlow and Cavendish, Vt. Over the coming months, researchers Charis Boke, Aletha Spang, and the Rural Rivers team at Dartmouth College will collaborate with municipal officials, local partners, and community members to install new, low-cost, open-source/open-access devices to monitor water levels at key points on the Black and Ottauquechee rivers.

The Social Science, Technology, Rivers, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (SSTREAMnet) project has emerged out of collaborations with the Black River Action Team, Black River Good Neighbors Services in Ludlow, and Cavendish Connects. With the help of Don Blair, of Waterbear Field School, this summer, two community science fellows – Jacob Zinkerman and Jacob Lloyd – worked with the Rural Rivers Project to build the prototype water level sensor that will be installed in Ludlow in Septebmer. Partners through Mutual Aid Disaster Relief and Signals Rising provided additional devices that will be installed in Ludlow and Cavendish.

The goal of this local network of water-level sensors is to give researchers and the public – including town managers, road crews, state floodplain managers, local residents, and others – better information about changes in water levels. This will help inform work to mitigate the impacts of future floods.

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• GMUSD Board hears need for deep cuts to avoid penalties: The “excess spending threshold” is currently set at $16,470 per student, while GM spends $16,060 per student. Next year, the threshold drops to $16,121. But increases in salaries and health care, among others, will push the district over that. When that happens, the state taxes the district double for the amount spent over the threshold. As next year’s budget is being developed, it has to be at least half a million dollars less than this year’s. And, as the threshold continues to decrease, each year there will have to be another budget cut to keep from incurring the penalty. TRSU Superintendent Layne Millington called that cut “a minimum.” Chester Telegraph

• Act 170 school merger groupings announced, meetings in weeksWhat is good faith? Chester Telegraph

• More low-income seniors in Vermont are now eligible for help paying for Medicare: Thousands more low-income seniors in Vermont became newly-eligible for help paying for Medicare this year when the state changed who qualifies for subsidies. VT Public

• Federal Medicaid Changes Vermont Impact: The Federal Government has passed a new law that brings a wide range of changes to Medicaid. New rules will change how people apply for and stay enrolled in Vermont Medicaid. The new rules will affect some adults aged 19-64 and certain immigrants. Most changes to Medicaid begin in 2027. The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) is focused on clearly explaining the changes to Vermonters. We want to keep you informed so you can best plan for you and your family.

6. EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 25 (FRIDAY)- 26 (SATURDAY): Annual BRGN Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farms off route 103. 10-3. Free Go Kits on Friday.

SEPTEMBER 26 (SATURDAY): CULVERT CARE DAY

SEPTEMBER 27 (SUNDAY): 10 am. The Singing Men of Texas-West in concert at the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main St. Cavendish.

OCTOBER 3 (SATURDAY): 9 am Tracking and the Art of Seeing, Proctor Piper Trail. Join wildlife tracker Rose Richter for a guided walk and learn to read the hidden signs of nature-track, scat and more. This is part of the CCCA’s Walk and Track series.

OCTOBER 7 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, “Who Lives Behind Younr House?” Taking pictures with a trail camera with Tim O’Donoghue. Sponsored by CCCA.

OCTOBER 11 (SUNDAY): Last day the Cavendish Historical Society Museum is open for the season. 2-4 pm. FMI: margocaulfield@icloud.com 802-226-7807

OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY): Indigenous Peoples Day. Legal Holiday. Town Office closed

OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm Cavendish Library, Understanding What is Most Ecologically Important in Cavendish with Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. Learn to explore your parcel with Vermont Biofinder. Sponsered by CCCA

OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY): HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Cavendish Historical Society’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) workshop at the Cavendish Library 10-noon. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

• Weathersfield Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00 at Hoisington Field in Perkinsville, the site of the 18799 Schoolhouse.

NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY): VOTE. General Election. Polls are open 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept.

NOVERMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY): Veteran’s Day Town Office closed

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

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