Cavendish Update 4/3/26: Hearing/Culverts/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

HAPPY EASTER: There are Easter Egg Hunts in Ludlow and Weathersfield on Saturday. See the Events section for more information. The Town Office is closed today for Good Friday.

4/3/26

1.    It’s Culvert Checking Time

2.    Public Meeting for VTrans Project 4.13.26

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. IT’S CULVERT CHECKING TIME! With the snow melted, and before the spring growth begins, this is a good time to check the culverts, ditches and drains in and around where you live. Some simple preventive steps now can help lessen the risks of damage to roads and property due to flooding.

Watch the six minute video on culverts to learn what to check for. Throughout April, we will be posting information and resources on culverts, ditches and drains and will be holding a workshop on April 22 (Wednesday), 5:30 pm at the Cavendish Library where you can learn a lot more, particularly how to use the App to record conditions.

If you have concerns about a town or state culvert, ditch or drain, please call the town office 802-226-7291.

2. PUBLIC MEETING FOR VTRANS PROJECT 4/13/26: A Public Informational Meeting on the project listed below will be held on  Monday, April 13, 2026 beginning at 6:30 PM during the regularly scheduled selectboard meeting at the Cavendish Town Office located at 37 High Street in Cavendish, Vermont. The  meeting will be held by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and Town of  Cavendish. The meeting may also be attended remotely via zoom. The zoom link will be posted  on the Selectboard Meeting Agenda on the Town’s website prior to the meeting.  Bridge replacement project: CAVENDISH ER P23-1(233) – VT 131, Bridge #5 over an unnamed tributary to the Black River.

The selected alternative is to replace the corrugated metal pipe culvert with a buried concrete  structure during a four (4) day closure period.  The intent of the meeting is to provide an overview of this bridge project to Town Officials, local residents and businesses, emergency services and other interested parties. There will be a review  of the existing site conditions, proposed work, and overall schedule followed by a question-andanswer period. Representatives from VTrans will be available at the meeting to address public  concerns about the project. An electronic copy of the Preliminary Plans is available online,

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: Flu season is now behind us, but due to a new variant, we will continue to post information about Covid-19. The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid in “high” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 3/22/26-3/28/26. Statewide Covid is listed as “moderate”

• GM board to consider ‘reduction in force’ ahead of next budget vote:  Last Thursday evening-March 2-, the Green Mountain Unified School District Board held a special meeting with the single discussion item of “the contemplation of a reduction in force due to the failure of the district budget.” That discussion was among the members of the board and representatives of the unions representing the teachers and support staff. According to Superintendent Layne Millington, the uncertainty around the failure at the March polls of the district’s $19 million budget is at the heart of problem. Millington said that contracts with teachers automatically renew on April 15, while the budget won’t be revoted on until later – probably in May. If reductions in the budget are needed to get it passed, there may not be enough money to meet the contracts. Chester Telegraph

• Help Send the Cavendish DI Team to Global Finals: Three of the fourth grade  CTES students won first place at the Vermont Destination Imagination tournament. Lily, Carter, and Fisher have been working on their technical steam challenge and performance since this past fall with Amy and Wendi at the Cavendish library. DI - the team-building, student-led science and arts challenge program- encourages students’ creativity and problem solving skills. The three have been invited to attend the national competition (“Global Finals”) at the end of May in Kansas City Mo. They are excited to share about their tournament experience and to fundraise to try to attend the national competition. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help the students, click here to learn more and make a donation.

• CHS April Briefs: The Cavendish Historical Society “Briefs” for April is now available on-line and includes upcoming events.

• Betty McEnaney Recognized by VT Association of Realtors: As part of Women’s History Month (March), Cavendish resident Betty McEnaney was recognized by the Vermont Association of Realtors- celebrating the women whose leadership, dedication, and expertise continue to shape the real estate profession and their communities. From guiding clients home to strengthening the communities we serve, women in real estate open doors, create opportunity, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

• The Ludlow Rotary Requests Your Support: The Ludlow Rotary Club is joining their district for a larger cause. They are collecting specific Back-to-School items, as listed below to support Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota Nation in SW South Dakota. The Nation faces severe challenges-consistently ranking among the poorest areas in America. Ludlow Rotary is seeking donations of crayons (24 colors), glue sticks and student erasers. Collections dates are March 30-May 22. Drop off sites locally include: Singleton’s, M&T Bank, Fletcher Memorial Library, Ludlow Insurance and Benson’s Chevrolet.

• Recycle Right Workshop: Andy Scherer, Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District will be discussing what goes where in your household recycling bin and at the transfer station on Monday April 13 5:30-7 pm at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. This is the perfect time to get all your recycling questions answered. FMI: 802-228-8921

• Beavers Workshop: On Monday, April 6, from 10:30-Noon at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow, Black River Action Team (BRAT) will be hosting a workshop on beavers.  Whether you are fascinated or frustrated by them, beavers are part of our landscape and they do important work. Come prepared to learn, but bring your questions and concerns - we will wrap up with a problem-solving session!. Speakers are both ecologists/biologists and beaver experts: Patti Smith of Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, and Skip Lisle of "Beaver Deceiver" fame. A Zoom option is available. Click here for the Eventbrite link to pre-register:

4. EVENTS

APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday

APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.

-       The Weathersfield Egg Hunt: Hoisington Field, Perkinsville, 10:30 AM

-       Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 11 (SATURDAY): Free paper flower workshop at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. 1 pm. Sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society. FMI margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

APRIL 13 (MONDAY): Andy Scherer, Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District will be discussing what goes where in your household recycling bin and at the transfer 5:30-7 pm at the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow. This is the perfect time to get all your recycling questions answered. FMI: 802-228-8921

MAY 2 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY

MAY 9 (SATURDAY): Audubon Bird Walk, 7:30 A, 731 Stevens Rd. To register or for more information jleak499Wgmail.com or 802/376-3937

MAY 16 (SATURDAY):  Geological Exploration of the Cavendish Gore. Meet at the Green Mountain Power Station on Power Plant Road at 10 am. To register or more information bdayaemig@gmail.com or cavendishcommunityconsdervation@gmail.com

JUNE 27 (SATURDAY): American Heart Association HeartSaver CPR and First Aid at the Cavendish Fire Station. Free to Cavendish residents. To register call 802-226-7790, e-mail puba0111@mail.com or stop by the station.

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Cavendish Update 3/27/26: Green Up/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

Tonight: Ham Bingo, 6pm at CTES: You can sign up for Green Up Day at Bingo and receive a free T-shirt. See item 1 for more information on this year’s Green Up Day.  

SUNDAY: Cavendish’s ignat Solzhenitsyn will be playing a concert on March 29, 4-5:30 pm at the Brattleboro Music Center. Please click here for more information.

Free Community Art Workshop, 1 pm Make a Garden Flag at Create Together at Fletcher Farm. Book at www.CreateTogetherVT.org 

APRIL 1 Dog License Renewal Due: All dogs residing in Vermont are required to be licensed by state law. Dog licenses must be renewed by April 1st of each year. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for licensing. Please contact the Town Clerk’s office with any questions about dog licenses at 802.226.7292.

3/27/26

1.    Cavendish Green Up Day

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH GREEN UP DAY: Vermont’s Green Up Day is always the first Saturday in May-the 2nd this year. The following information is from Betty McEnaney, this year’s Green Up Coordinator. Claim your road!. Sign up by April 15 and you will be given a Green Up T-Shirt Sign up in the entry of the Town Office (door is open 24/7) Mark your road or area on the map, get your bags and go. It’s okay to sign up for more than one road! Or, Meet on the Proctorsville Green, Saturday May 2 between 8:30 and 10:30. We will have the list of unclaimed roads for you to help Green Up Cavendish. Gloves will be available for those who need them. Meet back on the Proctorsville Green from 11:30 to 1 for a cook-out and beverages. If you are able, keep returnables in a separate bag and bring them back to the Green. They will go to benefit Streetscapes and the CCCA. Can’t make Green Up Day? Start early or pick up trash through May 10th

.Questions? Contact Betty McEnaney at 802-236-7667 or betty@gotvermont.com or send questions to cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid and Flu A are in “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 3/15/26-3/21/26. Statewide Covid is listed as “low” and Flu A “very low.”

• VSP Request for Information: On March 25, at 2:10 pm the Vermont State Police received a report of a road rage incident involving the blue Subaru Forester in the attached photographs. Click here to see the photo. VSP asks that anyone with information that could assist investigators identify the operator call the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600 or submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

• Congratulations to the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library Destination Imagination Team-The Dragons: Who placed first in their bracket at the Vermont State Tournament! Their win qualifies them to attend the Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri in May. Since October, the team has met weekly after school to create a game show skit that involved the use of props and at least one special effect. All props and effects had to be created by the team members themselves without the assistance of parents / adults. The group constructed dinosaur costumes, a dinosaur egg, a baby dinosaur, microphone, and food using cardboard, string, duct tape, tin foil, paper, and paint. The dinosaur mouths were functional through a lever system that the group designed. A small sound board was also constructed to add sound effects for their show.  Destination Imagination’s (DI) mission is to advance creativity as an essential skill for innovating, collaborating, and driving positive impact using values such as collaboration, respect, stewardship, perseverance, and integrity. We are SO proud of this group for all their hard work and imagination!

• Senior Solutions’ Foxy Fund helps seniors to keep caring for their pets at home: The Foxy Fund was created to help older adults who need assistance caring for their pets. The program provides pet food to clients enrolled in Meals on Wheels and offers financial support for unexpected veterinary or pet-related expenses.By addressing these practical challenges, the Foxy Fund helps seniors continue caring for their animals during times when resources may be limited. To learn more or support this program, please visit our website by clicking here.

• GMUSD board re-organizes with several new members: Lisa Saunders of Cavendish is the new chair of the Green Mountain Unified School District board. Chester Telegraph

• Scholarship Opportunity:  The Ludlow Sidehill Cronchers Snowmobile Club is awarding a $1,500 scholarship to an eligible graduating senior from Ludlow, Mount Holly, or Cavendish. Apply by May 1, 2026 Questions or submissions: ludlowshc@gmail.com Go to https://www.ludlowsidehillcronchers.com/.../02-25-2026... for more info!

• Community Garden: The garden is located on Route 103, (Fletcher Farm) at the border between Ludlow and Proctorsville, and is open to all residents of Ludlow and neighboring towns. It will open around mid-to-late April, depending on the weather. Gardeners grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and small fruits. Individual plots are 10 feet by 10 feet. Members take care of their plots as well as help maintain the common areas of the garden. Seeds are available only to garden members through our small seed library. A separate enclosed area is dedicated to composting food scraps. This is an ongoing educational project made possible through a Grow Grant from the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund and support from Composting Association of Vermont, Vermont Community Garden Network, and the participation of UVM Extension master gardeners and master composters. Fees for plots and raised beds include the use of all garden tools, hoses, carts, water, compost, some seeds, and other materials. Scholarship plots are available upon request. Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a few plots and raised beds available. If interested, please send an email with your full name, address, and phone number to garden secretary Emma Hileman at emma.hileman@gmail.com, or call her at 540-320-3399.

3. EVENTS

MARCH 27 (FRIDAY): Ham Bingo, CTES @ 6 pm. Funds raised are used for field trips and other student activities.

APRIL 1 (WEDNESDAY): Dog License Renewals Due

-       Planning Commission Hearing, 6 pm Cavendish Town Office to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.

APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday

APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.

-       Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 11 (SATURDAY): Free paper flower workshop at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. 1 pm. Sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society.

MAY 2 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY

MAY 9 (SATURDAY): Audubon Bird Walk, 7:30 A, 731 Stevens Rd. To register or for more information jleak499Wgmail.com or 802/376-3937

MAY 16 (SATURDAY):  Geological Exploration of the Cavendish Gore. Meet at the Green Mountain Power Station on Power Plant Road at 10 am. To register or more information bdayaemig@gmail.com or cavendishcommunityconsdervation@gmail.com

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/20/26: Flower Wkshp/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

OPEN HOUSE FOR DIANE MCNAMARA THIS AFTERNOON: Open House to wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement Friday, March 20 (Friday) 2:00-4:00 pm 

Our Rivers & Streams Talk: This coming Wednesday 6pm at the Cavendish Fletcher Library-What can be done to restore VTs rivers and streams to a natural ecological state?

3/20/26

1.    Free Paper Flower Workshop

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. FREE PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP: Continuing the 250 Anniversary Celebration of the Declaration of Independence, the Cavendish Historical Society, with the Cavendish Library, will be holding a free paper flower workshop on April 11 (Saturday), 1 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville.

Faux flowers, made from paper, silk, and wire were favorites of the Colonial period and would have adorned clothes and hats, as well as displayed as decorative items. While often imported from England, they’d also be made by milliners (hat makers).

While the April workshop will be focusing on red, white and blue, other options will be available. Note we will have a few straw hats for decorating-first come first served. This is a free workshop, open to the public-donations appreciated and welcomed.  For more information: margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid and Flu A in “low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 3/8/26-3/14/26. Statewide Covid and flu are listed as “low.”  

• Cavendish Select Board Unapproved Minutes for 3/9/26

• CTES Kindergarten Registration: Registration for kindergarten, entering fall 2026, is April 13-April 17. FMI: Donna Hamilton donna.hamilton@trsu.org or 802-875-7758.

• CTES Ham Bingo: On Friday evening, 6 pm, the Cavendish Town Elementary School will once again hold Ham Bingo, a fundraiser to support field trips, artists in residence and fun family events. The cost is $1 a card with lots of snacks and food. Prizes include hams and gift certificates.

• Safety Message-One Pot Meth Labs: These are plastic bottles that are used to mix chemicals and make Methamphetamine. The bottles often get discarded on the side of the road. Usually these bottles contain a sludge material or a white residue. A person finding the discarded bottle can be badly burned if they remove the cap allowing oxygen to mix with the ingredients. When oxygen mixes too quickly with the chemicals it explodes. The explosion often happens while the person is holding the bottle. It can turn into a fireball of chemicals and flames leaving the holder and those around him badly burned. Plastic bottles with unidentified contents should be referred to local law enforcement and under no circumstances touched.

• Time to Take Down Bird Feeders: VT Fish and Wildlife has posted the following. Early April is traditionally thought of as bear-aware time, shorter winters mean bears emerge from their dens earlier in the spring. Don't wait until a bear comes to visit your property to take steps to prevent a bear incident. Here are some steps you can take now to help teach bears, and other wildlife like raccoons, skunks and rodents, that our yards and neighborhoods are not where they should come looking for a snack: Take down your birdfeeders until next winter Keep your garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures. You can contact your waste hauler to see about getting a bear-resistant dumpster! Get your chickens and bees behind electric fencing or a bear-proof enclosure to keep them safe Visit our website to learn more about composting in bear country To learn more about living with bears, or to report a bear incident, you can visit our website

• Attorney general declines to prosecute Ludlow police chief who shot 18-year-old: Attorney General Charity Clark announced Friday her office wouldn’t prosecute Ludlow Police Chief Jeffrey Warfle after he shot an 18-year-old who lunged at him with a knife. VT Public

3. EVENTS

MARCH 20 (FRIDAY): Open House to Wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement 2:00-4:00 pm

MARCH 26 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Our Rivers and Streams talk by Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with VT Fish and Wildlife. Sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library.

APRIL 1 (WEDNESDAY): Dog License Renewals Due

-       Planning Commission Hearing, 6 pm Cavendish Town Office to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.

APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday

APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.

-       Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 11 (SATURDAY): Free paper flower workshop at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. 1 pm. Sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society. FMI margocaulfield@icloud.com or 802-226-7807

MAY 2 (SATURDAY): GREEN UP DAY

MAY 9 (SATURDAY): Audubon Bird Walk, 7:30 A, 731 Stevens Rd. To register or for more information jleak499Wgmail.com or 802/376-3937

MAY 16 (SATURDAY):  Geological Exploration of the Cavendish Gore. Meet at the Green Mountain Power Station on Power Plant Road at 10 am. To register or more information bdayaemig@gmail.com or cavendishcommunityconsdervation@gmail.com

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 3/13/26: SB Mtg/Greven Field/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

SNOW this evening and possibly tomorrow may impact change of dates for both this evening and tomorrow afternoon’s programs. Please check Cavendish Facebook for cancellations. 

FRIDAY EVENING: Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the Ken Burns American Revolution. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

OPEN HOUSE FOR DIANE MCNAMARA: Open House to wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement Friday, March 20 (Friday) 2:00-4:00 pm

3/13/26

1.    Cavendish Select Board Meeting 3/9/26

2.    Our Rivers and Streams Presentation

3.    Cavendish Related News

4.    Events Calendar

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 3/9/26: The video of the March Cavendish Select Board (SB) meeting is available at the Okemo Valley TV Website. Unapproved minutes will soon be available at the Town’s website.

Approved/Action Taken

• Annual Organization: All positions remain the same as they appear on page 10 of the 2025 Annual Town Report with the following exceptions: Betty McEnaney will be the 2026 Green Up Committee Chair and Tim Calabrese has resigned as tree warden.  The 2026/2027 list of positions is available at the Town Website. Please note there are vacancies for a number of positions. If you are interested in learning more about any of them please, contact the Town Manager, Rick Chambers, at 802.226.7291 Animal Control Officer, Tree Warden, Town Planning Commissioner, Energy Coordinator, Budget Committee Member (2 positions), Alternate Representative to Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, Water Commissioner, Town Representative to Council on Aging Board, Town Representative to Black River Valley Senior Center Board

• Plan for Greven Field prepared by the Planning Commission: was adopted. Activity will begin after mud season. A picture of the plan has been posted to the Cavendish Facebook page. See Item 2 below for more information about Greven Field.

• Truck Purchase: Town manager Rick Chambers will proceed to work on the financials for the possible purchase of a 2025 10 wheel semi, the twin of one recently purchased by the town.  

• Subdivision Administrator and fees: As subdivision regulations were passed on Town Meeting Day, with new regs going into effect on March 24, Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) will serve as the administrator and a fee schedule has been adopted, though these may need to be modified based on actual costs incurred.

• Signed perpetual care funds

Discussed

• Police Contract: As a follow up of the joint SB meeting of Cavendish, Reading and Weathersfield to discuss the formation of a regional police force based in Weathersfield, the SB discussed the possibility of contracting with Weathersfield for FY26/27. Board members thought it was too short a time frame for Weathersfield to restart their police force (Weathersfield used the Windsor Sheriff’s Dept. (WSD) in 2025) and while the first year would be within the Cavendish budget, who knows what costs would be in subsequent years. Further, the town has been pleased by the service with the WSD and have no issues with current policing. One area of concern is emergency calls as it’s become increasingly more difficult for the state police to respond. Cavendish has more than doubled their police coverage (8 hours currently) in the FY26/27 budget. No motion was made about contracting for police coverage for the coming year.

• Mud Season: Now underway, the town is prepared. Note that the highway dept can’t grade roads until they freeze up a bit. Work has already begun and roads are becoming soft very quickly.

• Retirement Party: Diane McNamara’s retirement party/open house is open to the community and takes place on March 20 (Friday) 2-4 pm at the Town Office.

• Billing for Water Used: One property in Proctorsville is responsible for a water leak that drained, excessive water -possibly as high as 1 million gallons- creating major problems for the water department as well as anyone on town water. SB board member Mike Ripley said the property owner needs to be billed for the water usage. Chambers will be working on a bill to that effect.

2. OUR RIVERS AND STREAMS/GREVEN FIELD: On March 25 (Wednesday), at 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville, Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with the VT Fish and Wildlife Dept, will be discussing what VT streams and rivers looked like before European settlement and what can be done to restore them to a more natural and ecologically productive state. His talk will include the science behind strategic wood addition. This event is free and sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library. FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com or Bonnie Daya Emig 610-724-6026.

As noted in Item 1, the Planning Commission’s plan for Greven Field has been adopted by the Select Board. In response to the plan being posted at the Cavendish Facebook page, people are questioning whether It would be better to dig out the river. Kelly Stettner of Black River Action Team (BRAT has provided the following information  The overall design here does incorporate a 3" high mowed area in the middle for public recreation without any infrastructure. BYO chairs, etc. Keeping the grass that tall helps the roots grow strong and deep, letting the soil grow healthier and more absorbent to better capture and hold water. … Dredging/removing large quantities of gravel does not actually address flooding. Flooding isn't something to 'fix,' it's a condition to be managed, a dynamic balance to be considered when we develop. Dredging can be a 'tool in the toolbox,' but digging the river deeper only speeds up and concentrates the flow, bringing in even more gravel through greater erosion both upstream and downstream.

Giving the river small areas to spread out, slow down, and soak in naturally where it is feasible (with consideration for homes, businesses, roads, etc.) is our most pragmatic way to manage high water.

It's a matter of physics...a river is always moving a balance of water and sediment, constantly. When we change one element of the equation, the river adjusts. Remove sediment, speed up the water. Faster water erodes.

The program on March 25 will include what Stettner references. This is a good program to attend if you have questions.

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid has increased to “high” while flu A remains “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 3/1/26-3/7/26. Statewide Covid has dropped to “very low” while flu A remains “low.”  Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• GMUSD Board Meeting March 19 Agenda: The Green Mountain Unified School District Board will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday March 17 at the Green Mountain High School Library, 716 Rt. 103 South and remotely via Zoom.

•  68th annual Ludlow Rotary Penny Sale announced: The Ludlow Rotary Club is announcing its 68th annual penny sale on Saturday, April 25, at 6 p.m., in the Ludlow Elementary School’s gymnasium. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

• Adopt A Swimming Hole: Black River Action Team (BRAT), who tests swimming and recreational areas along the Black River all summer, is looking for businesses that would like to adopt a swimming area. The tax-deductible "adoption fee" of $500 covers all the lab fees, volunteer mileage, chart generation and posting. Your company or organization will be listed on the back of our annual tee shirts, featured in social media posts and press releases, and you'll even receive an "adoption certificate" thanking you for your support. FMI: email blackrivercleanup@gmail.com!

4. EVENTS

MARCH 13 (FRIDAY): CCCA Wild Hope: Building for Birds and Puffing Patrol at the Cavendish Library, 6 pm.

MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. The program begins at 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville.

MARCH 20 (FRIDAY): Open House to Wish Diane McNamara, Town Clerk/Treasurer, A Very Happy Retirement 2:00-4:00 pm

MARCH 26 (WEDNESDAY): 6 pm at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St. Proctorsville. Rivers and Streams talk by Jud Kratzer, a fisheries biologist with VT Fish and Wildlife. Sponsored by CCCA and the Cavendish Library.

APRIL 1 (WEDNESDAY): Dog License Renewals Due

-       Planning Commission Hearing, 6 pm Cavendish Town Office to consider a conditional use application regarding the proposed improvements at 67 Mill St, Cavendish.

APRIL 3 (FRIDAY): Town office Closed for Good Friday

APRIL 4 (SATURDAY): Great Ludlow Egg Hunt, Ages 2-12, Hunt starts at 10 am at the Ludlow Community Center, sponsored by Ludlow Parks and Recreation.

-       Easter Dinner Curbside pickup at Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., Ludlow  from 12-2. Ham, potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Roll and Dessert. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 by April 1 to reserve your free dinner(s). Ludlow and Proctorsville Fire Departments with Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) are once again providing and preparing these meals.

APRIL 5 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS